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Join us for the
2025 New River Gorge Summit
July 19-25, 2025
Pipestem, West Virginia

A truly inspiring family vacation

The New River Gorge Summit offers activities for the entire family. We do all the work to find the best activities the area has to offer, and hire world-class experts to lead you. Adults can enjoy activities such as hiking, birding, rafting, and local art and cultural activities. Kids are enrolled in full-day outdoor programs led by experienced environmental educators who create a program that will challenge and educate.

Everything is taken care of

We provide the lodging, food that can accommodate various dietary needs, built-in childcare, and a variety of activities for all ages and ability levels. Pipestem Resort State Park has lots of fun activities right on premises. For off-site activities, we provide transportation. All you have to do is show up.

Experience the newest National Park

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was created to protect the unique geology, ecology, and human experience of Appalachia. Along with the National Park, there are many State Parks in the area that offer exciting and educational activities.

Discover West Virginia

With so much nature and history in West Virginia, there will not be a shortage of activities to enjoy.

Those who love a thrill can participate in whitewater rafting or rock climbing. Want to immerse yourself in nature? Participate in quiet, scenic hikes, birding, or horseback riding. Interested in history? Explore the Appalachian Arts Scene or visit the Heritage Towers Museum and Culture Center to learn about the rich history of Black culture in West Virginia.

Pricing and Policies

Adult (18+)$885
Teen (grades 7th – 12th including summer after 12th)$775
Jr. Naturalist (grades K – 6th)$700
Early Discovery (ages 3 & 4. 1/2 day/full day programs)$560/$700
Future Explorers (ages 0 – 2. 1/2 day/full day program)$340/$560
No Program (ages 0-2)$0

The registration fee includes most programming, entry fees, and transportation to scheduled events. The registration fee does NOT include the cost of housing/meal plan (listed under the Lodging & Meals tab) or transportation to and from the Summit. A $200 per person registration deposit is required at the time of registration.

Registration Fees include the following:

  • Annual membership to Family Nature Summits
  • Curated activities highlighting the best of the area designed and led by national and local experts
  • Guided hikes
  • All transportation to offsite activities
  • Lectures on local conservation and wildlife topics
  • Full-day youth programming by grade or age led by experienced outdoor educators
  • Family time activities 
  • Evening programming for all ages
  • Late-night programs for adults

Registration fees do not include:

  • Room and board
  • Specialized equipment rentals 
  • Supplies for some art/craft classes

Cancellation Policy: Cancel before Dec. 31, 2024, with a fee of $100 per registrant. Between January 1, 2025, and  February 1, 2025, the fee will be $350 per registrant. No refunds will be provided after February 1, 2025.

Getting Here

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Pipestem Resort. We have limited shuttle space available for airport or train transfers each year. Amtrak provides service to downtown Hinton, WV several days a week on the Cardinal Line. The closest airports are:

AirportApproximate distance from New River Summit
Charleston, WV (CRW)2 hours
Charlotte, NC (CLT)3.5 hours
Pittsburg, PA (PIT)4.5 hours

Lodging and Meals

Housing and Meal Information

Room and board for the Summit includes 6 nights of accommodation and 3 meals a day. Meals start with dinner on the first day and end with breakfast on the last morning. A total of 17 meals are included, with to-go meals provided for any offsite activities during meal times. 

Our reduced room rates will be available to Summiteers up to three days before and after the Summit, subject to availability. Room pricing ranges from $98-$170 per night depending on size and sleeping set-ups. After registration, you will be provided information to book directly with the resort. 

Meal packages 

Adults (ages 12+): $370.00

Children (ages 5-11): $185.40 

Young children (ages 4 and under): No additional cost

Hotel room rates are subject to applicable taxes. Rates include Wi-Fi and parking. Room cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to the start of the reservation. 

Traveling solo? We can help you find shared lodging. Just email us!