NPS photo Join us for the 15th Annual Hidden History Happenings September 9 - October 15, 2023
NPS Schedule of EventsSeptember 9
See Civil War history come to life at this historic battlefield. Explore encampments, watch rifle demonstrations, and learn more what it was like to be a soldier or civilian during one of the defining periods of United States history.
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works.The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
1.2 mile easy to moderate, round trip hike. Join a ranger on a hike through an old-growth forest that has never been logged where some trees are over 350 years old. This trail gives hikers the ability to see what the original forests of New River Gorge looked like and to understand the unique characteristics of old-growth forests. Sturdy hiking shoes, water, and insect repellant are recommended.
Take a walk with a ranger at Grandview. Explore different overlooks and other aspects of Grandview and Gorge history. Hikes will be about 1 mile roundtrip on easy terrain. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center front porch.
Join a ranger at Sandstone Visitor Center for an opportunity to touch history. Come and go as you please during this informal program. Learn about Appalachian toys, music, mining tools, Native American artifacts, and more.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
September 10
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Take a walk with a ranger at Grandview. Explore different overlooks and other aspects of Grandview and Gorge history. Hikes will be about 1 mile roundtrip on easy terrain. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center front porch.
Join a ranger at Sandstone Visitor Center for an opportunity to touch history. Come and go as you please during this informal program. Learn about Appalachian toys, music, mining tools, Native American artifacts, and more.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of coal mining at New River Gorge. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center.
See Civil War history come to life at this historic battlefield. Explore encampments, watch rifle demonstrations, and learn more what it was like to be a soldier or civilian during one of the defining periods of United States history.
Watch a depiction of the 1861 battle of Carnifex Ferry, a defining moment in the Civil War in West Virginia where Union victory paved the way for the eventual withdrawal of Confederate troops and the creation of the state of West Virginia. Local reenactors will bring to life this historic moment.
September 13
Learn about how the night sky is important now and in the past through star stories while observing the night sky. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, insect repellant, and a flash light. Red lens flashlight covers are recommended.
September 15
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Originally from Welch, WV and raised in Bluefield, VA, Lily Comer is a country singer, songwriter and musician inspired by country legends like Patsy Cline, Lorette Lynn, and Johnny Cash. This is a free concert and open to the public at Twin Falls State Park lodge outdoor courtyard. Carry out beverages to the courtyard and food service by Twin Falls Restaurant is available for purchase.
September 16
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Discover nature of the forest along New River and how people have built their lives here in this rugged country for over 150 years. The hike will be 6 miles roundtrip with moderate elevation change. Be prepared for some moderate off-trail hiking to a rare stand of old-growth trees. Sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, lunch or trail snacks, and insect repellant are recommended.
Take a walk with a ranger at Grandview. Explore different overlooks and other aspects of Grandview and Gorge history. Hikes will be about 1 mile roundtrip on easy terrain. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center front porch.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Discover what life was like on a southern Appalachian subsistence farm around 1900. Explore the farm with a ranger while historic home and farm buildings help paint a picture of the past. Meet at the Trump-Lilly Farm - directions are available online or at the Sandstone Visitor Center.
Visit the historic Graham House, one of West Virginia’s oldest homes built in the 1770s. Explore this historic house that still looks much like it did 200 years ago, plus enjoy this annual chili dinner. Tour the house, take a turn at churning apple butter, enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, listen to live music, and shop local vendors. The event is free; chili dinner is $10.00.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the railroad stories from the history of New River Gorge. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center.
Join us for an outstanding night of music and theater as we bring Mother Jones in Heaven to the Raleigh Theatre and Playhouse. Through story and song, Vivian Nesbitt (Breaking Bad, The Night Shift, Longmire, Law & Order SVU) portrays Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, with musical accompaniment by John Dillon, in Si Kahn‘s one-woman musical about the infamous labor organizer famed for her tireless efforts on behalf of the rights of the working class. Ticket purchased required. Tickets may be purchased online for $15 per person.
September 17
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Take a walk with a ranger at Grandview. Explore different overlooks and other aspects of Grandview and Gorge history. Hikes will be about 1 mile roundtrip on easy terrain. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center front porch.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of coal mining at New River Gorge. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center.
September 19
Be part of an exciting community initiative to capture cultural heritage and preserve history in Fayetteville and throughout Fayette County. Join in on this community brainstorming session to help steer efforts to celebrate and preserve the area’s rich and diverse history, arts, culture, food, and outdoor recreation.
September 22
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Learn about early Batteau use on the New River thorugh this interactive program. Meet at the Sandstone Visitor Center by the replica batteau.
September 23
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
See the best remaining example of a 1920s-era headhouse at this historic Nuttallburg coal mine site on this hike to the old mine entrance. Hear how hard work impacted the lives of the miners that worked underground at this site on this hike on the Headhouse Trail. This hike will be 2 mile roundtrip with moderate to strenuous elevation change. Sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and insect repellant are recommended. Hiking poles may be helpful in steeper portions.
Explore the remains of the old Carper family farmstead and orchard. Learn how early gorge residents learned to live with the natural landscape. This walk will be 0.5 miles roundtrip on easy terrain.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the railroad stories from the history of New River Gorge. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center.
Explore how the tradition of music and verse rings throughout Appalachia. Hands-on activities and performances throughout the day bring the heart of these traditions to life. Learn more about traditional Appalachian instruments, practice your skills playing these instruments, and listen to live performances by Long Point String Band, Lady D and Mission, and Gospel Singaleers. Live performances start at 1:00 PM. More schedule details available on the park calendar.
September 24
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Take a walk with a ranger at Grandview. Explore different overlooks and other aspects of Grandview and Gorge history. Hikes will be about 1 mile roundtrip on easy terrain. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center front porch.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the visitor center sign for the history topic of the day.
September 26
Be part of the Finding Fayetteville – and Fayette County – history community heritage project by starting to preserve some of your own stories. Learn basic ways to find and record your own histories of family and community life and how to encourage others to do the same, building community heritage through the history of all community members.
September 29
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Hear legends and stories from Appalachia into the dark of night. Program not recommended for children under nine years old. This easy hike will follow a gently sloping dirt trail for 2 miles roundtrip with just about 100 foot elevation gain. Good shoes, water, and a flashlight are recommended. Reservations are requested; call 304-465-2632 with the number of people in your party.
September 30
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Hike along an old railroad line to the mine town of Red Ash, plus explore Red Ash Island, a place filled with stories of the challenges faces by people that lived and worked in the New River Gorge. This hike will be a mostly flat, 2 mile hike roundtrip with some short hike off trail with moderate elevation change to get to the island. Sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and insect repellant are recommended.
Take a walk with a ranger at Grandview. Explore different overlooks and other aspects of Grandview and Gorge history. Hikes will be about 1 mile roundtrip on easy terrain. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center front porch.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the visitor center sign for the history topic of the day.
Take a four-block sidewalk tour of historic downtown Bramwell. Hear stories about this town and the coal operators who lived here in the early 1900s.
October 1
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the visitor center sign for the history topic of the day.
Explore traditional Appalachian skills through hands-on demonstrations including quilting, blacksmithing, foraging, native species gardening, and more. This informal program is come and go as you please outside Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
October 3
Nuttallburg was the second town to ship coal out of New River Gorge in 1873. Throughout the industrial era, Nuttallburg remained an important town. Today, all that remains are ruins. Learn more about the history of this place by walking through the ruins of town with a ranger. Discover what it was like to live in Nuttallburg during the coal boom.
October 6
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
October 7
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the visitor center sign for the history topic of the day.
October 8
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the visitor center sign for the history topic of the day.
With Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 9, it’s the perfect time to learn about the skills involved in foraging for wild food as we acknowledge the S’asoyaha, Shawandasse Tula, and Moneton Ancestral Lands. Discover the delicacies that can be found in the woods. Roots, tubers, and shoots, greens, buds, and flowers are among the various plant structures that are available for harvesting. Follow a local legend, “Berry Man” Mitchell Dech, as he leads our educational foraging hike. This event will be hands-on exploring to discover, discuss, and learn about edible plants in their habitats. This hike will be 2 miles roundtrip with easy to moderate elevation change. Reservations are required may be made .
October 13
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
October 14
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the visitor center sign for the history topic of the day.
Working on the railroad was more than just hard work. For many, it presented the chance for lifelong jobs. Join a ranger in the historic town of Thurmond to learn more about the different types of railroad jobs and see if you have what it takes to work your way up the ranks.
October 15
Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works. The mill will be closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about the history of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the visitor center sign for the history topic of the day.
Step back in time at a place where history happened in 1861. Take short, easy 1 mile walk through the battlefield site and cemetery and see the Patterson house to learn more about what happened here during the Civil War.
October 21
Retrace the steps of Mary Draper Ingles on this historic trail with park naturalist Jonathan Lipscomb. Begin at the gate at the end of the Pits Road boat launch area. The trail ends near Leatherwood Road and offers a fantastic view of Bluestone Dam. Enjoy picture views of Bluestone Lake and wildlife viewing opportunities no matter the distance you choose on this out and back trip. Difficulty level is easy. If you walk the whole distance it totals 3.8 miles.
NPS Sounds of Appalachia 2023Returning for the second year, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve presents Sounds of Appalachia as part of Hidden History Happenings. This celebration of Appalachia traditional music begins with two short ranger programs. Practice your music skills by playing real traditional instruments then learn more about the origin of instruments used in Appalachian music. Listen then as the music comes to life through live performances throughout the afternoon. This year's performances will be at the Grandview Ampitheater in the Grandview area of the park.
Featuring The Gospel Singaleers, Sounds of God, Mount Vernon, and Unique Hairston
NPS Heritage Demo Day 2023Join rangers at Canyon Rim Visitor Center for the first ever Heritage Demo Day. Celebrate Appalachian heritage by watching hands-on demonstrations of traditional Appalachian skills and crafts. Experience the art of blacksmithing. Create your own quilt pattern while exploring the importance of quilting to the region's culture. Discover how to cultivate native plants through native species gardening. Learn how to forage in the forest for edible and medicinal plants and fungi. These skills and more will be on display at demonstration booths at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Come and go as you please all afternoon. 
Hidden History Highlights VideosMatewan Unscripted: A Guided Tour in Honor of the Battle of Matewan CentennialHidden History Highlights video series: Several short videos featuring specific stories from from historic sites throughout the park. Auto Tours / Scenic DrivesAfrican American Heritage Tour Walking ToursHistoric Thurmond |
Last updated: October 4, 2023