GLEN JEAN, W.Va. – This week the National Park Getaway heads to southern West Virginia, where you’ll find the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains and some of the nation’s finest whitewater rafting.

About an hour’s drive south of Charleston, W.Va., New River Gorge National River protects a 53-mile stretch of one of the world’s oldest rivers and a surrounding landscape that provides habitat for a rich diversity of plants and wildlife. At New River Gorge, you’ll learn the history of native peoples, pioneers, railroad expansion and logging operations.

New River Gorge is a regional favorite for hiking, mountain biking, sight-seeing and all types of water-based recreation. In this rugged and beautiful landscape, you’ll find ample opportunity for adventure, discovery, solitude and community.

Soak in the splendor of this fabulous place by reading this week’s National Park Getaway article at http:www.nps.gov/getaways.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 397 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at http://www.nps.gov/.