People are coming here from places that are busy and congested, and I think they appreciate that quiet. Except where otherwise noted, images are subject to copyright. Right now, the participants are in the Greenbrier Valley, the Eastern Panhandle, Morgantown and Elkins. Thank you for your interest in the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative! Weve found that restoring trees to the postmining landscape helps restore the hydrologic function within a matter of years to decades, said Chris Barton, a forest hydrologist at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Nobody can come in and dig it up or build over it.. Past this point, the canyon walls rise up to form the New River Gorge, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the East.. By around 4 p.m. (depending on railroad schedules), it will be time to get back all aboard the New River Train. One of four visitor centers in the national park, the Sandstone Visitor Center is dedicated to showcasing the regions natural and cultural history. Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. Take in scenic vistas from the end of a hike through the woods. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn He escaped the cacophony by strapping on snowshoes and slipping into the Great North Woods, Paddling through a painterly landscape in New Yorks Adirondack Park. Railroad tracks parallel the New River for most of its length in West Virginia, dating back to the booming days of coal when trains would take the black rock from narrow mountain gorges to barge-navigable Kanawha and Ohio rivers in Charleston and Huntington. Just downstream from this confluence, the wide and turbulent Kanawha Falls present a natural barrier to migration, leading to many aquatic species above and below the falls being genetically distinct from one another. Rim to River Endurance by Adventure Appalachia is an organization dedicated to creating and facilitating top-tier endurance events at the New River Gorge, making fun outside activities more accessible. Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginias Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway. For instance, when you look at the fish of the New River, youre seeing how evolution plays out over long geologic timescales, Hitt said. (West Virginia Tourism Office), Its very unspoiled. But growth is, of course, inevitable, for the town and for the outfitters that already cater to rafters, zip-liners and climbers. We call West Virginia wild and wonderful, and this certainly is, says Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who proposed reclassifying New River Gorge National River as a national park. (Jay Young/Adventures on the Gorge), An annual event features jumpers parachuting from the New River Gorge Bridge to the water below. Aside from the visitation increase thats expected to come with official park status, altered signage, additional parking, and the closure of the parks 7,000 acres to hunting, not much will change at the New River Gorge, and thats the whole point. Thurmond was at its heyday in the 1920s with more coal running through it than Cincinnati, Ohio. New River Gorge Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Oak Hill, WV (304) 465-5617 Read More. Until 2003, the bridge over the river in Fayetteville (top of scene) was the largest steel-arch bridge in the world, and one of the areas most popular annual attractions is Bridge Day, celebrated each year in mid-October at the height of the fall leaf display. Along the river, there are a number of prominent locations that are worth a pitstop. 57 Fayette Mine Road The New River Gorge offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern US. In southern West Virginia, the New River carves a rugged, steep-sided gorge through a plateau of ancient sandstone and shale. With a 300-million-year history, the New is no stranger to perpetuity. I want to The cliffs at New River Gorge are made up of a very hard sandstone, and range from 30 to 120 feet in height. Text 2021. There are some opponents to the re-designation, including sportsmen who protest the loss of the hunting grounds within the park, and those who worry the new status will lead to the overcrowding that plagues many national parks. Start planning your trip with the help of the Fayetteville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the New River Gorge Convention & Visitors Bureau and Visit Southern West Virginia. In the future, I can see the New River Gorge harboring species on their northward migration. Along the river, there are a number of prominent locations that are worth a pitstop. The New River Gorge is located in southern West Virginia, roughly five hours southwest of D.C. Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything youve ever seen before. ! New River Gorge Vacation Cabins | West Virginia The work was brutal, and the pay was around 45 cents a ton. Living in Geologic Time: Regrowth and resiliency bring new accolades to one of the worlds oldest rivers. It provides an array of outdoor experiences, including whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers, aerial adventures, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. He even took pics of everyone on the tour with our cameras. The only thing new about West Virginias New River Gorge is its national park status: In 2021, the New River Gorge became our latest national park, but in geologic terms, the New River is anything but new. The scenic drive is an opportunity to experience the parkits gorge and its river. Celebrate West Virginias Bridge Day with a wonderful walk along the catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge. If you build it, they will stay.. Right now, the participants are in the Greenbrier Valley, the Eastern Panhandle . Bridge Walk offers guided tours of the New River Gorge Bridge from the catwalk 25 beneath the Bridge. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive. West Virginia's New River Is Actually One Of The Oldest Rivers In The World The Gorge is famous for its 53 miles of free flowing Whitewater that cuts through sandstone cliffs towering as high as 1000 feet. Cliffs, waterfalls, and a wide mix of vegetation line a river that winds through the Great Plains in Nebraska. Advertisement. These headwaters and this basin have remained in their current configurations for over 300 million years of evolutionary time, Hitt said. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve conserves over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville. Our guide was really knowledgeable about the bridge and the area. Past here, the scenery only gets better. The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative may collect your Personal Data, such as your full name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number, age in order to process your application and establish a continued relationship with you. Located in West Virginia, this whitewater river flows through deep canyons. Adventures on the Gorge Rafting at a Glance Ride some of the best whitewater on the East Coast. West Virginia - New River Gorge National Park Bridge Walk Ascend West Virginia opens applications for New River Gorge I have even less desire to try the gorges other adrenaline-fueled sport: BASE (buildings, antennas, spans, and Earth) jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge into the river, 267 meters below. Sign me up! govern our dealings with you and what Personal Data we collect from you. Monarch populations have been in decline due to habitat loss. It was worth every penny. This area is also home to New River Community and Technical College, Fayette Institute of Technology and Nicholas County Career/Technical Center. The name is unintentionally ironic because the New is probably one of the oldest rivers in North America. CHARLESTON, W.Va.. The Ascend West Virginia program will soon be offering amenities of the New River Gorge region to those wishing to relocate to West Virginia.. Post Office Box 132 Every bend opens into wild, wonderful exploration and history. New River Gorge (West Virginia) - What to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor The New River Gorge faces a lot of legacy impacts from all sorts of land use history in the gorge, Manning said. FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) The West Virginia Ascend program launched just two years ago and will now be adding the New River Gorge region to its options for relocation. Copyright 2023 West Virginia Department of Tourism. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 After checking in, Bridge Walk guests are shuttled to the Canyon Rim Visitor's Center on the north side of the Bridge. But be quick; your train departs at 8:30 a.m., so you should board by 8! The puckered look of the canyon walls at various locations highlights the ruggedness of the terrain; the puckers are numerous ravines that serrate the canyon rim. Grab a funnel cake, browse some of the unique arts and crafts, inhale the crisp autumn air, and enjoy the beauty of this small town during the peak of fall foliage season. At least, that's certainly the case with West Virginia's New River Gorge. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. The gorge has a lot of niche habitats for different organisms to occupy, supporting a diverse assemblage of plants, mammals, birds, and aquatic species. The New Rivers potential as an adventurers paradise is still expanding, with new mountain biking and hiking trails added every year. Sign up for the newsletter, and we'll send a weekly update on news and stories to your email. Sign up to receive of FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. As you travel along the New River, youll also want to stop at Grandview Overlook. Wildflower hikes. Features The New River Gorge: Ancient River, Old Mines, New National Park Living in Geologic Time: Regrowth and resiliency bring new accolades to one of the world's oldest rivers. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Scenic Drives at New River Gorge - U.S. National Park Service Experience unique, Appalachian-inspired flavor. Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation. Trees pull a lot of water out of the groundwater system, keeping it from mobilizing minerals, salts, and pollutants. [1] The origins of the name are unclear. The authors. Living in Geologic Timeis a series of personal accounts that highlight the past, present, and future of famous landmarks on geologic timescales. Well all prosper from it, Wilson says. The Town of Thurmond, now a well-preserved ghost town, was incorporated in 1903, and it will mark its 120th anniversary in 2023. Since West Virginia was declared a state on June 20th, 1863, the Mountain State has only become more beautiful with age. Appalachian cuisine, quick bites and everything in between await for you in the New River Gorge to satisfy your cravings. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Take a tram down to the bottom of the gorge in Hawks Nest State Park. You will need to rent a car in order to get around the park. I do wonder about how erosion over geologic timescales will work on those valleys filled with loose, unconsolidated rock, he said. West Virginia seeks public input for statewide river otter project With an arch 1,700 feet (518 m) long, the New River Gorge Bridge was the world's longest single-span arch bridge for 26 years; it is now the fifth longest; the longest outside of China. West Virginia has the perfect escape for every traveler, with luxurious stays and action-packed adventures. Coordinates: 375739N 81454W The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a unit of the United States National Park Service (NPS) designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains. We may also share your Personal Data with third-parties who have a contract for services with the University. Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginias Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway. This post was last updated on March 1, 2022, Copyright 2023 West Virginia Department of Tourism. GoMart app suggests so, W.Va. museum curator: locals know there's a Bigfoot out there, West Virginia's 160th birthday celebration scheduled for noon, $500,000 provided for preservation of Shepherdstown Battlefield, First B&B established in New River Gorge now for sale, Capon Springs offers 30-percent state resident discount, Glade Springs resort suspends operations until April 20, Beckley tourism leaders welcome Hilton hotel, growth, Capon Springs celebrates 88th season by changing very little, Applications available for limited-permit area antlerless deer hunts, W.Va. reports 19% increase in number of stocked trout in 2023, W.Va. hiking devotee shares favorite New River Gorge hiking trails, Guyandotte River float, regatta scheduled for June 24, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Eastern Skunk Cabbage performs magic in spring, Deer season for youth, senior, class Q/QQ hunters opens Dec. 26. Replanting offers the best hope for restoring stream biodiversity, but no matter what you do, its crystal clear that mining poisons streams and that mined land will continue to release toxins into the ecosystem in perpetuity.. FAYETTEVILLE, W. Va. The nation's newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is full of secrets, surprises, historic sites, and charming quirks, and chances are good that all of these are within just a days drive. The region is home to one of the worlds first resorts dedicated to outdoor adventures, Adventures on the Gorge. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not click on the Application button. From Charleston, you leave the urban industrial hustle n bustle, and the mountains close in around you as the train enters the upper Kanawha Valley. Because hunting is not permitted in national parks, most of the area was designated as a preserve, which will allow continued access for hunters who have stalked whitetail deer on the sandstone bluffs for generations. Credit: Mary Caperton Morton. Water. The park will cover 7,021 acres at the center, where the gorge is a mile wide and spanned by the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel arch span in the Western Hemisphere and the third-highest bridge in the United States. Photograph: Lawrence Pierce/AP. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. The tours are 2-3 hours in length. Neural Networks Map the Ebb and Flow of Tiny Ponds, Collaboration Helps Overcome Challenges in Air Quality Monitoring, What We Know and Dont Know About Climate Tipping Elements, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. All rights reserved. Is someone joining you on your adventure? The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe. Rushing waterfalls. 12 remarkable facts about the New River Gorge in West Virginia For a time, New River coal was one of the most abundant on the market, fueling everything from steel mills to power plants. In southern West Virginia, the New River carves a rugged, steep-sided gorge through a plateau of ancient sandstone and shale. The survey, which is similar to the box turtle and rattlesnake citizen science surveys the division has conducted, will provide updated information about the bodies of water river otters currently occupy. If you want to ride the New River Train, get tickets early! Theres not a lot of virgin forest here, so thats all come from regrowth in the past 50 years. Bridge Walk Way This simulated true color image was created by combining the shortwave infrared, The eerie ghost towns and some of Americas best water rafting will all be amidst a background of red and gold leaves and protruding sandstone cliffs. The New River Gorges unusual orientation lies at the core of one of the largest intact temperate forests in the world, said Douglas Manning, a terrestrial ecologist at the national park. We think people will be looking for a chance to spend time in the great outdoors and spend time in less crowded spaces, and we look forward to rolling out the welcome mat for all of America., [Paddling through a painterly landscape in New Yorks Adirondack Park], Ruby says the New River Gorge and nearby areas welcome roughly 1.4 million annual visitors, but numbers at the new national park are expected to jump almost immediately. More than 60 coal towns were built along the New River to support the mines. The. Gov2Go is a personal assistant for government that allows you to always stay on top of your required government interactions. Ascend WV exceeds expectations through two years Image of the Day The New River is among the oldest rivers in the world, with some estimates dating it back 360 million years. The name is unintentionally ironic because the New is probably one of the . This impressive 923-meter-long steel arched span soars 267 meters above the New, making it one of the highest vehicular bridges in the world. This section of the National Park has spectacular views overlooking the river along with hiking trails and a seasonal visitors center. In 2019, around 1.3 million people recreated at the New, and tourism now drives Fayettevilles once-faltering economy. State of West Virginia A 2014 study by Hitt and colleagues in Freshwater Science found fewer species, lower abundances, and less biomass downstream from mining operations. The New Rivers upstream watershed includes mountaintop removal mining, in which the tops of entire mountains are removed to access buried coal seams, and the overburden is pushed into a neighboring valley, destroying thousands of kilometers of mountain streams. Whats the old movie where they build that baseball field? he muses, thinking of Field of Dreams. I truly believe this may be a way to keep your child or grandchild living in West Virginia. The old river has cut compelling patterns and formations into the red rocks of Utah. The New River Gorge is located in southern West Virginia, roughly five hours southwest of D.C. One reforestation project, at a former mountaintop removal mine that was replanted in 2009, went from looking like the surface of the Moon to a lush green forest in less than a decade, Barton said. For more information about the Gov2Go app and website go to getgov2go.com. New River Gorge Bridge (Fayetteville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Land Post Office Box 132 Dating back to the days of the supercontinent Pangaea, it is one of the oldest rivers in the world and one of the few waterways in North America that runs north. But the curtain is being drawn back on the canyon, because part of it has become Americas 63rd national park. But now I know that history will always be preserved. Since then, river otter populations have stabilized and are increasing in certain areas. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. Jump in a rubber raft and splash through 8 miles of spectacular rapids on the New River Gorge National River. And now, this is considered to be the most botanically diverse river system in the central and southern Appalachians. People think, Well, we know there are coal mines. In actuality, of the states 15.5 million acres, nearly 12 million is forested land, much of it open to recreation. The updated title of park and preserve makes the New River Gorge only the second site outside Alaska to receive that designation. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. To learn more about participating in the survey, visit WVDNR.gov/surveys and scroll down to River Otters. BASE jumpers take advantage of the one-day event to parachute off the 876-foot span. Where to Stay. Its a real victory, Capito says. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve - Visit Southern West Virginia From its headwaters in what is now western North Carolina, the Teays flowed north through the Virginias before turning west into the Ohio River Basin, eventually draining into a vast inland sea. West Virginia seeks public input for statewide river otter project, King Coal to premiere at Culture Center in Charleston July 8. Surrounded by water whenever the river is running high. Hunters can tell you stories about finding indentations, foundations, evidence of camps from way back when. Applications now open forAscend New River Gorge. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve West Virginia A River Runs Through It A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent.