National Parks

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Hidden beneath the forests of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of the easiest ways to experience one of America’s newest national parks. Unlike many of the gorge’s steep, rugged trails, the Rend Trail follows the nearly level grade of a former railroad line. Families, cyclists, older hikers, … Read more

THURMOND, W.Va. — As the National Park Service moves forward with plans to demolish more than a dozen deteriorating historic buildings in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a new proposal argues that Washington and West Virginia need not choose between preserving unsafe structures and tearing them down. Instead, advocates say the park … Read more

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Travelers arrive from Washington, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, and other metropolitan areas, expecting to spend a day at the New River Gorge before continuing their vacation. Many leave wondering why they hadn’t planned for several more days. It’s a reaction Tabitha Stover hears repeatedly. “One of the things I hear most from visitors, especially … Read more

HINTON, W.Va. — Millions of visitors have now discovered New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, but many leave having experienced only a small portion of one of America’s newest national parks. For countless first-time visitors, the trip follows a familiar pattern. They photograph the New River Gorge Bridge from Canyon Rim Visitor Center, hike … Read more