Weekend Park Ranger Programs Continue and Seasonal Visitor Center Hours Change

Date: August 30, 2013
Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115

Glen Jean, West Virginia, August 23, 2013— A change in the season brings change in the local National Parks too. Autumn ranger programs continue, but there will be some changes to park visitor centers’ hours of operation. StartingSeptember 9, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing and the Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone remain open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, while the Thurmond Depot and Grandview visitor centers will now operate weekends only for the remainder of September and October. Thurmond Depot Visitor Center will be open Saturdays and Sundays10:00 am to 5:00 pmand Grandview Visitor Center12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Ranger-guided walks continue through the autumn in New River Gorge National River and along the Bluestone River this weekend. Each program provides a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surrounds us and the people who shaped our past. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all guided hikes. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this weekend’s featured ranger programs:

Saturday, September 7, 2013:

Bluestone Walk

10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk.  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.

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

Sunday, September 8, 2013:

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

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/newrivergorgenps, follow us on Twitter at https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS, or stop by any park visitor center.