On-site (In Park) Education Programs

A ranger presents a program at Grandview's Main Overlook.

NPS photo

 

Ranger-led education programs are offered at several locations within the park. To reserve a program and or visit, please call 304-465-2621. You can also contact the Education Program Manager Lori Hynes via email.

Burnwood Day Use Area

This 100 acre site of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located off Highway 19 across from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Parking, picnic tables and shelters, and restrooms are available. Your group can walk the ¾ mile Laing Loop Nature Trail.

Canyon Rim Visitor Center

With excellent views into the New River Gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge, this facility is located on Highway 19 just north of Fayetteville, WV. The visitor center offers an 11-minute audiovisual program, museum exhibits, bookstore, and restrooms. Students can visit the facility to learn about the New River Gorge and walk out to the overlooks.

Grandview Day Use Area

This 800 acre area of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located 5 miles off Interstate 64 at exit 129, 5 miles east of Beckley, WV. Parking, picnic tables and shelters, restrooms, and playgrounds are available. Your group can walk out to several overlooks to look 1400 feet down into the gorge to the New River and hike from ½ to 3 miles along one of the areas nature trails.

Sandstone Visitor Center

A green design building located at exit 139 off Interstate 64, 15 miles east of Beckley, WV. The visitor center offers a 12-minute audiovisual program, interactive exhibits, watershed floor map, bookstore, and restrooms. Students can explore the facility and learn about the New River Gorge and New River Watershed through self-guided activities or ranger-led programs.

Thurmond National Historic District

Thurmond is a historic railroad town located 7-miles down WV Route 25 off Highway 19 at Glen Jean, WV. Parking, picnic tables and restrooms are provided across the river from the town of Thurmond. The historic depot has been restored and is available for tours by reservation.