Critter Watchin’ in the New River Gorge

Date: August 19, 2014
Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115

black rat snake

Jodi French-Burr

Glen Jean, West Virginia, August 18, 2014—Many of us hope to see animals when we visit a park. This weekend will be a chance to see critters in the wild on a ranger-guided walk or talk. Join a ranger on a bird walk, a guided hike along the Bluestone River, or at a snake talk to find out more about the wildlife that make this area their home. Learn about the area's rich human history during other national park programs as well. All ranger programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking shoes for guided walks. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this weekend's featured ranger programs:

Friday, August 22, 2014:

Ranger on the Rock

6:30 pm –7:45 pm. Meet at Grandview's main overlook. 15 minutes to 1 hour.  Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.

Saturday, August 23, 2014:

Grand Birding

9:00 am - 10:30 am. Meet at Grandview Visitor Center. 1 mile walk.  Stroll the park looking and listening for birds. Bring binoculars or some will be available.

Super Thurmond Tour

9:30 am - 11:00 am. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 1 mile walk.  Explore the stories of community life during Thurmond's boom years around the turn of the 20^thCentury. See more places and hear more stories on this special extended tour of the most well-known town in the New River Gorge. Be prepared for some steep terrain during this walk.

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 $2.25 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.

Snakes Alive!

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. 15 minutes to 1 hour.  Meet at Grandview's Main Overlook area. Come and go as you please for this informal program about snakes. See who is who of West Virginia snakes, debunk some myths, plus learn how to best be around (behavior) these slithering creatures. No live snake will be at this program, unless they show up on their own.

Ranger on the Rock

6:30 pm –7:45 pm. Meet at Grandview's main overlook. 15 minutes to 1 hour.  Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.

Sunday, August 24, 2014:

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 area National Park Service sites visit https://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, or stop by any New River Gorge National River visitor center.