The New River Gorge in West Virginia isn't just a scenic river with miles of beautiful vistas and excellent white water rafting. It is also one of the most interesting and diverse places to climb in the United States. Officially designated as the New River Gorge National River, this area encompasses 63,000 acres and offers more than 1,400 available routes to climbers.

Unlike many other assemblages of climbs in the world, New River Gorge is almost exclusively catered toward expert climbers, with most of the cliffs in the 5.10 to 5.12 range. In other words, the amateur and timid need not apply. Most of the cliffs in the New River Gorge are constructed entirely of rigid sandstone; crack and face routes abound throughout the region. The sheer faces of the cliffs combined with the obstacles to climbers make this a formidable opponent indeed.

You must have a permit to use motorized drills in the New River Gorge National River area, and you'll need to purchase a guidebook on your way in so you can find the most appropriate climbs. There are also guide services operating in the area, and this is often the best route for newcomers to the region. The climbing season extends from April through November, though your best bet is to visit New River Gorge between May and June or during the month of September. The weather is best during these months and you won't have to deal with the same volume of traffic.

You'll want to bring a couple of dry bags just in case, as the New Gorge River area has a carry-in, carry-out policy, and rain is not uncommon among the cliffs. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen if you're climbing during the summer months and don't attempt a climb that scares you.

For those who aren't necessarily confident climbers, there are other activities in the New River Gorge area. From white water rafting to fishing to hiking and cycling, there are numerous ways to spend a few days without ever approaching boredom.