Railroad History and Nature Featured in Ranger Programs

Date: June 23, 2014
Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115

Glen Jean, West Virginia, June 22, 2014— National parks are exciting places to find adventure, especially when you explore the area's rich stories of history or see what nature has to offer. Lucky for us, we have many public parks in the area. Ranger-guided walks in New River Gorge National River and Bluestone National Scenic River provide a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surround us and the people who shaped our past. All programs are FREE. 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:

Saturday, June 28, 2014:

Grand Birding

9:00 am – 10:30 am. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center. 1.0 mile walk.Stroll through the park looking and listening for birds of the New River Gorge. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide or some will be provided.

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, June 29, 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.