A Bird's-Eye View of the Newest National Park: New River Gorge

 

I have to admit it ... it was difficult at times to see the positive gifts that came out of a challenging year like 2020. But one of those gifts lay before us as we entered the New River Gorge National Park. This beautiful area, previously designated as a national river, became America's 63rd national park in December 2020 as a result of a Covid relief bill. Located in the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia, this huge river gorge has long been known for great hiking, rock climbing, and white water rafting opportunities.

Come with us as we get a bird's-eye view of America's newest national park!

The New River is actually a little mis-named as it is one of the oldest rivers (geologically) in the world. While the origin of the river's name remains a mystery, the most popular story is that this river was not included on an early map of the region, so explorers started calling it ''the new river'' when they came upon it. Years later, the name still remains.

During those earlier years, coal mining and lumbering stripped this area of much of its natural beauty. But with the designation of ''National River'' in 1978 and ''National Park'' in 2020, this pristine wilderness area is being better preserved for future generations. Recreational activities like white water rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking now draw outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to the area.   

When we arrived at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlook near Fayetteville, the groups of colorful rafts on the river below caught our attention. Yes, while this area is famous for its white water rafting, I wasn't sure that I wanted to be that adventurous. Fortunately for me, the weather was cloudy and cool on the days we visited, so Doug didn't try too hard to persuade me to change my mind. Hiking stick in hand, we set out to enjoy some amazing views on the trails high above the gorge. 

Endless Wall Trail

Located in the Fayetteville area, Endless Wall Trail provides numerous views of the river gorge 1000 feet below. During the three mile hike, we passed through thick forests, crossed a creek, and made our way out to numerous cliff overlooks. Far below, we could see rafters enjoying an afternoon on the river. I was content to just take in the beautiful scenery and listen to the screeches of ''fright'' followed by squeals of ''delight'' below us.

 

Long Point Trail

On the other side of the river in the Fayetteville area is another popular trail out to Long Point. The 1.6 mile out and back trail brought us to another high lookout with a panoramic view of the gorge and of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

New River Gorge Bridge

Speaking of bridges, the New River Gorge Bridge is almost as famous as the New River Gorge itself. Completed in 1977, this bridge solved a local travel dilemma. Previously, travelers would have to drive forty minutes or more down the steep, narrow, twisty Fayette Station Road and cross a small bridge in order to get to places on the other side of the gorge.

Now that journey takes but a minute. The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. Towering 876 feet above the river, the bridge itself draws many adventurers to the area. On the third Saturday in October each year, the bridge is closed to auto traffic and opened to pedestrians and daredevils alike. On ''Bridge Day'', enthusiasts vie for the chance to repel or BASE jump from the bridge. Others just enjoy the chance to take in the view as they walk across this massive structure.

New River Gorge Bridge Walk

Speaking of walking across the bridge, we did not have to wait for the next ''Bridge Day'' on Oct 16, 2021 in order to take a stroll across the New River Gorge Bridge. A local company called ''Bridge Walk'' offers the chance to safely walk across the bridge on the catwalk underneath the bridge decking. After researching it, Doug decided that the New River Gorge Bridge Walk would be almost as good of an adventure as white water rafting which he couldn't quite convince me to do. Here participants are securely fastened onto a safety cable ... sounds safer than spilling over a Class IV rapids in the river below.

Strapped securely in our safety harnesses, we began our 3/4 mile stroll along the catwalk high above the gorge. Our guide filled us in on the history and fun facts of the bridge. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the beautiful sights of the river below us.

Doug, on the other hand, was quite content to keep his hands firmly on the hand rails and look straight ahead at all times. This was one of the few times when I was responsible for capturing the ''selfie'' moment.

After our hour stroll across the gorge, the tour company bus brought us back to our starting location. While this type of adventure is a little pricey at $75 a person, it was also a unique way to experience a bird's-eye view of our nation's newest national park ...

... although I think that Doug will stick to capturing the views from the hiking trails.