New River Gorge in November: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
Best window · VisitWhen score 72/100 · #2 of 12 months
November is one of the best months of the year to visit New River Gorge National Park: crowds run 33% of the July peak (92,564 average visits), days average 54°F with 10.1 hours of daylight. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
Crowds in November
New River Gorge averages 92,564 recreation visits in November — 33% of what July, the peak month, draws. Trailheads and parking fill accordingly.
Weather & daylight
Days are cool (highs average 54°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 33°F). Average precipitation is 2.9″ for the month. Mid-month daylight runs 10.1 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station OAK HILL, WV US (4 mi from park coordinates, 2,040 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of November.
What to pack for New River Gorge in November
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 33°F
- Packable rain jacket — 2.9″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Headlamp — only 10.1 hours of daylight in mid-November
- Sturdy broken-in footwear, navigation and a basic first-aid kit — every park, every month
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Also at their best in November
Other parks whose computed November verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Canyonlands in November — 35% of peak crowds, highs 55°F, score 72/100
- Mammoth Cave in November — 33% of peak crowds, highs 61°F, score 72/100
- Petrified Forest in November — 45% of peak crowds, highs 58°F, score 72/100
- Arches in November — 44% of peak crowds, highs 56°F, score 71/100
Common questions
Is New River Gorge crowded in November?
No — November is one of the quieter months: 33% of the July peak, averaging 92,564 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in New River Gorge in November?
Average highs of 54°F, lows of 33°F, 2.9″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, OAK HILL, WV US station).
What should I pack for New River Gorge in November?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Packable rain jacket; Headlamp — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
See also: the best national parks to visit in November · Last verified 2026-09-12