National Parks - West Virginia

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

4/4/1998 Stopped at New River Gorge NR. Still raining; had stopped for a poncho for Maur, so still took a walk to the overlook at Grand View to see the river 1400’ below. Also took a trail to see some natural tunnels in the rocks.

The park sign

Okay, this weather isn't fun

A view of the gorge

6/30/2007 Headed NE not too far across the New River Gorge Bridge and right into the NRG National River Canyon Rim visitor center. This turned out to be one of the best NR by far. Saw the museum area on the geology and coal mining industry (also in the Coal NHA) and saw a good slide show on the recreational aspects. Outside, we were lucky that the day was special, having costumed rangers as Indians and settlers, showing off skills and crafts. Particularly good was the Indian showing furs and skins and how they were transported. Up to now the weather has been comfortable but foggy but slowly the sun came out. We could see the gorge and a bit of the bridge from the visitor center area. I walked down 200 steps along a stairs/boardwalk to a great viewpoint of the whole gorge area and the huge arch bridge, decided Mom could handle it and trotted back up to get her. Back down and up (albeit more slowly).

The park sign

Me and a VC exhibit

Types of coal

Photo of a town like we saw yesterday

The bridge, ...

... the gorge, ...

... and a panorama of both