New River Gorge: Americas Newest National Park!

America is adding a new National Park! New River Gorge in West Virginia will soon be the newest park to be recognized as a US National Park!

History of Americas National Parks

In 1872 Yellowstone became the first National Park not only in America but in the world. Prior to this time land and nature had only been used for food, fuel, and survival. The makers of the bill that started the “National Parks” envisioned these areas as being used for pleasure as well. They wanted to conserve areas that were unique, and diverse and ensure they could be enjoyed for generations to come.

The new park system went through growing pains and lacked structure and support. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson formed the National Park Service, to better fund, support, and maintain federal lands. As the park system began to grow artists and idealists found inspiration from the parks. People began to paint, photograph, and explore these lands and share with others their beauty. They also began to understand the importance of preservation. Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and John Muir were among a few of the influential pioneers that enjoyed the beauty of the parks and shared them with the world.

Growing the National Parks System

In 1906 President Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act. This allowed presidents to establish National Monuments to preserve areas of natural or historic importance. Preserving Native American Historic sites was a huge motivating factor for this act. Thus, Devils Tower in Wyoming became the nation’s first National Monument.

Since 1872 the United States National Park Service has grown from a single park to 418 natural, historical, recreational, and cultural areas throughout the United States. These are known as  National Parks, National Monuments, National Memorials, National Military Parks, National Historic Sites, National Parkways, National Recreation Areas, National Seashores, National Scenic Riverways, and National Scenic Trails.

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62 of these sites are what we call “National Parks”. These are the best of the best. These parks capture unique and diverse beauty, wildlife, and habitats that make them unique and special. Throughout the years’ new parks have been added to help with funding, economy boosts, preservation efforts. Often times National Monuments are “upgraded” from monument to National Park status. This was the case in New Mexico with White Sands National Monument (now a park) in December 2019. One year later, President Trump has declared NEW RIVER GORGE in West Virginia to become America’s 63rd National Park.

NEW RIVER GORGE

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

National Park Service

Location

New River Gorge is located in Beckley West Virginia, near Fayetteville. Based in the Appalachian Mountains, the weather can be unpredictable and subject to quick-moving storms. In the winter, temperatures range from 19° F to 50° F and in the summer from 57°F to 78°F

Closest Airport

The closest major airport to New River Gorge is Charleston (CHS) located about 70 miles away.

Things to do

There is so much to do at New River Gorge National Park! There are 3 visitor centers and a historic train depot. You can also camp at one of 9 different camping areas ranging from primitive spots along the river to RV sites.

Of course, there is hiking (my favorite), scenic drives, and excellent photo opportunities. There is also rafting, rock climbing, fishing, and an African American Heritage Auto Tour. You could check out the New River Gorge bridge, or Sandstone Falls.

More National Park information

If you are like me and love visiting the National Parks, check out this guide that highlights the best times to visit, the closest airports, and all of the key information you need for each park! You can also read about our visits to Mount Rainier National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. It is possible to continue to visit National Parks during COVID restrictions. You will need to do a little extra planning , I’ve created a guide to help you with that as well, you can read it right here.

I can’t wait to visit this new National Park and explore! You may have been here already before it was designated a National Park, and if so, I’d love for you to share your thoughts on the area by leaving a comment.

Happy exploring!

XOXO-Chantelle