Ranger-led Activities begin at New River Gorge National River and Bluestone National Scenic River

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Gear used for a safe water adventure on a river or lake.

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News Release Date: May 22, 2014

Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115

Glen Jean, West Virginia, May 21, 2014—Summer is almost here! This is the perfect time to enjoy a ranger-guided hike at New River Gorge National River.National Park Service visitor centers are a good place to begin any park visit. These facilities offer detailed information about the park's natural and cultural resources and recreation opportunities. The year-round facilities, Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing and Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, are open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Summer facilities open for the season this weekend. Thurmond Depot Visitor Center in Thurmond opens May 24 (10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily), while Grandview Visitor Center at Grandview opens May 25 (12:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily). The visitor centers at Thurmond and Grandview will be open daily through Labor Day.

Ranger programs are an enjoyable way to explore parks and learn more about each site's amazing resources. A guided walk along the Bluestone River is featured this weekend, as well as a special event – Water Safety Weekend. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for the guided hike.Water, snack, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of Memorial Day Weekend's featured ranger programs:

Saturday, May 24, 2014:

Bluestone Walk

10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway.2.0-mile walk. Meet a ranger at the bottom of Pipestem's tramway to walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.00 for the return tram ride.

Water Safety Weekend: Water Safety Roundup

1:00 pm -4:00 pm. Meet at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Do you know how to throw a water rescue bag or how to make sure you've got the best life jacket for you? Have fun as you try your hand at smart water safety techniques like this and more --- from the safety of land.

Water Safety Weekend: River Ranger Rendezvous

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Meet at the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk on River Road near Hinton. Learn easy tips to stay safe when you go out on your next fishing or boating river adventure. Come and go as you please for this informal program near the water's edge.

Sunday, May 25, 2014:

Water Safety Weekend: Water Safety Festival

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Meet at the "The Pits" boat-launch area on Bluestone Lake on Route 20 in Hinton. This hands-on festival for all ages features watercraft safety, life jacket fittings, water rescue demonstrations, and much more. See how you can put these smart water safety tips into action at every turn.

Monday, May 26, 2014:

Water Safety Weekend: River Ranger Rendezvous

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Meet at the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk on River Road near Hinton. Learn easy tips to stay safe when you go out on your next fishing or boating river adventure. Come and go as you please for this informal program near the water's edge.

For more information about New River Gorge National River and upcoming ranger activities, visit https://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgensps, or stop by any park visitor center.

About the National Park Service

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The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit https://www.nps.gov.



Last updated: February 26, 2015

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Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 246, 104 Main Street
Glen Jean, WV 25846

Phone:

304-465-0508

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