"I’m telling you, these West Virginia folks know about hospitality. You can register online now, dream about warblers all winter, and then be New River-bound next April. How’s that for a plan?" - Nina Cheney, Eagle Optics
Since 2002, the annual New River Birding & Nature Spring Festival highlights more than 100 bird species on a variety of birding tours in and around the New River Gorge National River, in the heart of the upland, hardwood forests that Cornell Lab of Ornithology has identified as a crucial stopover habitat for the continued survival of species such as Golden-winged, Blue-winged, and Swainson's Warblers, as well as the Scarlet Tanager.
A friendly birding and nature vacation for everyone, the week long event features guided birding and nature excursions, world-class speakers, the finest collection of guides, tasty food and a back-porch atmosphere unmatched by any other birding and nature festival. Signature guided bird watching experiences include opportunities to visit a wide range of habitats with world class instruction for beginners as well as those wanting to enhance their skills.
FUTURE DATES:
2026, Apr 27 - May 2
Located in the picturesque Appalachian mountains and valleys in Fayette County, West Virginia we explore meadows, wetlands, successional and old growth forests, from river-level to ridge tops in and beyond the New River Gorge National Park & River. Our venue at Opossum Creek Retreat is just a hop-skip-and-a-jump (or within 500 miles) of 66% of the U.S. population and 33% of the Canadian population - we're easy to find... if you know where to look. ;)
Those who attend the New River Birding & Nature Festival quickly discover the key components at the very root of the experience we provide: hospitality to meet the interests and needs of our guests; promoting our area as a great place to live, learn, work and play; and being proactive in efforts to conserve the resources that bring colorful migrant birds our way each spring. These are the values that drive our efforts to provide an experience that is as good as it can be, every spring since 2002.
Birder Chatter
The Festival is our favorite week of the year! We may be biased, but we're not alone. Scroll through the Birder Chatter below to see what some very cool people are saying about it.
"I can't wait to come back!" - First Time Visitor
Meet the Festival's very own Culinary Team - these individuals create the tastiest parts of the week we all enjoy!
Chef Joy Marr, Gourmet on the Gorge, starts our mornings with breakfast and coffee!
- You are here:
-
Home
- About Us