Women’s empowerment hike set March 30 in New River Gorge

A women’s empowerment hike to the legendary Long Point overlook of the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, has been scheduled for March 30.

Kate Miller of Active Southern West Virginia will lead the three-mile “We Hike to Heal” event, during which participants are encouraged to share stories about the power of Mother Nature and her ability to empower communities.

The hike is coordinated in conjunction with The Outdoor Journal Tour, a month-long women’s wellness campaign that culminates March 30 with hiking events around the world.

“The goal of movement is to encourage women all over the world to tap into the healing and empowering influences within themselves and the great outdoors,” says Melanie Seiler, executive director of Active Southern West Virginia.

The hike will begin at 10 a.m. at the Long Point Trailhead off Gatewood Road on Newton Road near Fayetteville.

Later, at 1 p.m., Linda Stein will lead a wildflower hike for general audiences coordinated by Get Active in the Park in partnership with Active Southern West Virginia.

The second hiking will follow the Southside Trail along New River from near Cunard to the remains of the town of Red Ash.

Active SWV hikers near Beckley.

Linda Stein, a community captain for the Active program, will guide the hike and spoke of the initiative’s ability to activate residents of south-central West Virginia, notably among seniors.

“My experience as a community captain has been witnessing people who had not been active but became active as a result of these programs,” Stein said.

“It also provides support for senior health improvement through social connection, physical activity, and increased confidence. Active SWV has filled a void where a resource was missing.”

For more information on trail descriptions and driving directions call 304-254-8488, visit the Active SWV website, or join Active SWV on Facebook.