The New River Gorge saw its highest visitation totals in more than four decades in 2023. More than 1.7 million people visited the area last year and that was an increase of 7.12% from 2022 and the highest total on record for the area since it was established in 1978, according to a news release from the National Park Service. In addition to the national park, the Gauley River National Recreation Area saw a 14.5% increase in 2023. The Bluestone National Scenic River area reported a 53% increase in visitation. Nationwide, national parks saw an increase of 13 million visitors from 2022 to 2023.