Guided Activities

Ranger led programs can be fun for all ages.

NPS

 

Guided hikes are a great way to learn about the natural world around you.

NPS photo

There is plenty of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to explore on your own, but if you're looking for a guided experience, ranger-led programs are for you!

Whether you're here for an afternoon or multiple days of programming, park rangers are here to help you understand, appreciate, and take care of your newest national park.

There are variety of ranger programs offered throughout each week of the summer, stop in at any of New River Gorge’s four visitor centers to inquire about any daily activities taking place.

Things to know:

• All programs are beginner level and low impact.
• All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted.
• Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all hikes.
• Water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera are useful tools to bring along.
• All activities follow Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
• Terrain may be uneven.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Pets must be leashed at all times while on federal land. Leash lengh may not exceed 6ft. You must clean up after your pet.

 

Summer-Fall 2024 Program Schedule

Patio talks:

Offered daily at Canyon Rim Visitor Center at 10:00 AM - Memorial Day through September 30.
Join a ranger for a 30 minute talk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and learn more about a variety of park topics including park wildlife, mining history, and the native plant garden. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the calendar below for the topic of the day and the program starting location.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Programs meet at the flagpole in front of the visitor center.

Ranger's Choice:

Offered daily at Canyon Rim Visitor Center at 2:00 PM - Memorial Day to Labor Day
Drop in anytime from 2:00 to 3:00 to chat with a ranger about various topics. Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk or check the calendar below for the topic of the day and the program starting location.

Thurmond Walks:

Offered twice daily at Thurmond Depot at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM Memorial Day through Labor Day; Labor Day through October 13 on Saturday and Sunday only.
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. For years, this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C&O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes. 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. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways. Some terrain may become slightly uneven. Good shoes, water, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline; loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour.

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding; RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot, overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the Dunglen area. Visitors in this parking lot can access the town by walking across the road bridge.

Hikes:

Hikes offered on Saturdays at 10:00 on trails close to Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Memorial Day through Labor Day
Locations vary from day to day and hikes vary in length and difficulty. Some terrain may become slightly uneven. Good shoes, water, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. Check the calendar below to see what is happening when you visit.

Gone Fishing (with a Ranger):

Saturday August 3 at 10:00 at Stonecliff
KIds will have an opportunity to go fishing with a park ranger. Fishing rods and supplies will be provided. For children ages 6 to 15.
Meet at Stonecliff (1 mile from Thurmond)

Thursdays Are for the Bats: Grandview Community Science Project:

Starting on Thursday May 16th, we invite you to join us at Grandview Visitor Center every other Thursday through October for our exclusive Bat Emergence Surveys. These surveys are conducted around sunset, the time when the nocturnal residents of our bat condo take flight! Help contribute to important park science! To learn more and get involved, please contact Alyssa Wegner. [e-mail] 304-465-6532

 

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Park and Partner Programs

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  Calendar

  Check the park calendar to search what activities may be going on when you plan to visit.

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  100 Mile Challenge

  Celebrate parks and health by hiking 100 miles on trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Bluestone National Scenic River.

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  Get Active in the Park

  Join our Active Southern West Virginia Community Captains for a beginner level activity in the park.

 

Annual Events

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  April 11-13, 2025

  Wildflower Weekend

  Celebrate the glories of Appalachian spring through programs at New River Gorge as well as at state parks and other locations in the gorge.

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  September, 2025

  Hidden History Happenings

  Celebrate the wonders of Appalachian heritage, the rich sites and stories of our area's diverse history!

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  Wildflower Art Contest

  Learn how you can enter the 2025 Youth Arts in the Parks Wildflower Art Contest.