The New River Gorge area is full of wonderful, dreadful, exciting and unusual stories. The geology of the gorge tells a story that dates back millions of years. There are stories of disasters, both natural and man-made. Floods, draughts, blights, coal mine explosions, and fires have all been a part of its history, and the story of the struggle of the people making a life in this rough and rugged land.

There are many positive stories too. The beauty of the area, the plants and animals that thrive in the gorge, and most of all the people who lived, worked and played here. From the native Americans that hunted, fished and traveled the gorge to the children of today that visit the park making new stories that they will remember and pass on.

New River Gorge National River not only protects the natural resources of the park, but also the stories. By collecting and saving oral histories, photographs, artifacts and records, the park hopes to keep these stories alive and help people create their own New River Gorge stories.