https://www.nps.gov/gari News releases from Gauley River National Recreation Area. en-us https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/oral-history-recordings-made-available-to-public-on-new-river-gorge-npp-website.htm Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:05:00 EST Staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are pleased to announce that oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and region are now available for listening and downloading on the park’s website. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/oral-history-recordings-made-available-to-public-on-new-river-gorge-npp-website.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/temporary-closure-of-gauley-river-nra-s-tailwaters-campground.htm Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:32:00 EST The Tailwaters Campground in Gauley River National Recreation Area, located below Summersville Dam on the upper Gauley, will temporarily close for the beginning of ‘Gauley Season’ this year. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/temporary-closure-of-gauley-river-nra-s-tailwaters-campground.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nps-invites-public-to-comment-on-proposal-for-tailwaters-campground-at-gauley-river-nra.htm Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:28:00 EST The NPS is seeking comments for proposed rehabilitation of Gauley Tailwaters Campground. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nps-invites-public-to-comment-on-proposal-for-tailwaters-campground-at-gauley-river-nra.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2025-youth-arts-in-the-parks-contest-now-open.htm Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:41:00 EST Fish Out of Water, a painting of Yellow Trout Lily © Elijah Bennett, 7th grade, Home School, Fayette County. 2024 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest – Best in Show. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2025-youth-arts-in-the-parks-contest-now-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-npp-vip-jacki-wright-wins-regionwide-award.htm Mon, 16 Sep 2024 11:24:00 EST Volunteer Jacki Wright was recently awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2023 https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-npp-vip-jacki-wright-wins-regionwide-award.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nrgnpp-announces-2024-hidden-history-happenings.htm Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:41:00 EST Programs celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nrgnpp-announces-2024-hidden-history-happenings.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-at-the-three-national-parks-in-southern-west-virginia-contributed-96-5-million-to-local-economy.htm Tue, 03 Sep 2024 09:29:00 EST Report shows visitor spending supports 1,268 jobs in nearby communities https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-at-the-three-national-parks-in-southern-west-virginia-contributed-96-5-million-to-local-economy.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2024-appalachian-spring-wildflower-art-exhibit-opens-at-tamarack-and-online.htm Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:05:00 EST You can now view the winning artwork for the Youth Arts in the Parks 2024 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest online and at Tamarack Marketplace. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2024-appalachian-spring-wildflower-art-exhibit-opens-at-tamarack-and-online.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2024-spring-nature-fling-celebrates-regional-ecology-mid-march-through-may-in-southern-west-virginia.htm Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:32:00 EST NPS announces Spring Nature Fling event https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2024-spring-nature-fling-celebrates-regional-ecology-mid-march-through-may-in-southern-west-virginia.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/visitation-increases-in-2023-for-all-three-national-park-sites-in-southern-west-virginia.htm Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:12:00 EST Visitation increased across the board at all three national park sites in southern West Virginia in 2023. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/visitation-increases-in-2023-for-all-three-national-park-sites-in-southern-west-virginia.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2024-art-contest-near-deadline.htm Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:13:00 EST Area youth can help highlight southern West Virginia ecology through this art contest. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2024-art-contest-near-deadline.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2024-youth-arts-in-the-parks-contest-now-open.htm Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:00 EST Local students can help celebrate southern West Virginia ecology through art. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2024-youth-arts-in-the-parks-contest-now-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-fishing-line-receptacles-at-popular-river-access-points-along-nrgnpp-and-gauley-river-nra.htm Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:58:00 EST Nine popular fishing spots along the New and Gauley River now have a special place established for anglers to dispose of fishing line, courtesy of the Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-fishing-line-receptacles-at-popular-river-access-points-along-nrgnpp-and-gauley-river-nra.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/orphaned-gas-well-to-be-plugged-at-gauley-river-nra-with-funding-from-president-biden-s-investing-in-america-agenda.htm Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:24:00 EST The National Park Service will begin work plugging an orphaned gas well within the Gauley River National Recreation Area with funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/orphaned-gas-well-to-be-plugged-at-gauley-river-nra-with-funding-from-president-biden-s-investing-in-america-agenda.htm https://www.nps.gov/cato/learn/news/reducing-deer-numbers-and-removing-invasive-plants-are-key-to-long-term-forest-health.htm Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:20:00 EST Most forests in eastern United States national parks are at risk due to browsing by overabundant white-tailed deer and crowding by invasive plants, according to a National Park Service (NPS) study published in the journal Ecological Applications. https://www.nps.gov/cato/learn/news/reducing-deer-numbers-and-removing-invasive-plants-are-key-to-long-term-forest-health.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/superintendent-sellars-2022.htm Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:19:00 EST National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Gay Vietzke has selected Charles Sellars as the new superintendent of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. He will also manage both Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River, in southern West Virginia. He is expected to begin his new assignment after the new year. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/superintendent-sellars-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1465/national-park-tourism-in-west-virginia-creates-131-million-in-economic-benefit.htm Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:11:00 EST A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 2,187,125 visitors to national parks in West Virginia spent $108.9 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 1,447 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $131 million. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1465/national-park-tourism-in-west-virginia-creates-131-million-in-economic-benefit.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/national-park-service-announces-9-8-million-infrastructure-investment-to-address-legacy-pollution-in-parks.htm Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:54:00 EST The National Park Service has received approximately $9.8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug, remediate and reclaim abandoned oil and gas well sites in national parks, including Gauley River National Recreation Area. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/national-park-service-announces-9-8-million-infrastructure-investment-to-address-legacy-pollution-in-parks.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve-is-increasing-access-to-campgrounds.htm Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:52:00 EST New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will be increasing access to campgrounds this weekend with the reopening of six additional areas including Gauley Tailwaters. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve-is-increasing-access-to-campgrounds.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2021-art-contest-nears-deadline.htm Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:07:00 EST Area youth can help highlight southern West Virginia ecology through this art contest. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2021-art-contest-nears-deadline.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-celebrates-black-history-month.htm Wed, 03 Feb 2021 06:38:00 EST February is Black History Month and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is highlighting the park’s African American Heritage Tour. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-celebrates-black-history-month.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2021-contest-entry-window-open.htm Fri, 08 Jan 2021 10:11:00 EST Area youth can help celebrate southern West Virginia ecology through art. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2021-contest-entry-window-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/friends-of-new-river-gorge-national-river-plan-for-2021.htm Wed, 09 Dec 2020 05:42:00 EST Friends of New River Gorge National River supported the park in presenting multiple programs and activities in 2020. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/friends-of-new-river-gorge-national-river-plan-for-2021.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2021-youth-arts-in-the-parks-contest-now-open-for-wildlife.htm Mon, 30 Nov 2020 06:14:00 EST Local students can help celebrate southern West Virginia ecology through art. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2021-youth-arts-in-the-parks-contest-now-open-for-wildlife.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/temporary-tailwaters-road-closure-at-gauley-river-nra.htm Thu, 22 Oct 2020 10:43:00 EST The Tailwaters area of Gauley River National Recreation Area will be intermittently closed for a paving and milling project beginning Monday, October 26. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/temporary-tailwaters-road-closure-at-gauley-river-nra.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/twelfth-annual-hidden-history-weekend-and-2020-photo-contest-exhibit-are-here.htm Wed, 23 Sep 2020 11:18:00 EST Discover hidden history stories of New River Gorge at Hidden History Weekend. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/twelfth-annual-hidden-history-weekend-and-2020-photo-contest-exhibit-are-here.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2020-hidden-history-photo-contest-announced.htm Mon, 24 Aug 2020 12:01:00 EST Celebrate southern West Virginia’s cultural heritage by entering this photo contest. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2020-hidden-history-photo-contest-announced.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-70-million-in-economic-benefits.htm Fri, 26 Jun 2020 11:54:00 EST An NPS report shows that 1,356,700 visitors to New River Gorge National River, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area spent $60,400,000 in communities near the three parks in 2019 https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-70-million-in-economic-benefits.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2020-youth-arts-in-the-parks-online-exhibit-gets-people-in-the-mood-for-spring.htm Thu, 02 Apr 2020 10:45:00 EST The winning entries of the Youth Arts in the Parks 2020 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest can now be viewed in an online display. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/2020-youth-arts-in-the-parks-online-exhibit-gets-people-in-the-mood-for-spring.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-national-river-announces-temporary-closure-of-campgrounds-and-restrooms.htm Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:14:00 EST The National Park Service will be temporarily closing campgrounds and restrooms in all areas of New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River in response to COVID-19. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-national-river-announces-temporary-closure-of-campgrounds-and-restrooms.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/eve-west-named-chief-of-interpretation-at-new-river-gorge-national-river-gauley-river-national-recreation-area-and-bluestone-national-scenic-river.htm Thu, 20 Feb 2020 09:59:00 EST Superintendent Lizzie Watts has named Eve West as the new Chief of Interpretation at New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/eve-west-named-chief-of-interpretation-at-new-river-gorge-national-river-gauley-river-national-recreation-area-and-bluestone-national-scenic-river.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nps-hosts-community-meeting-to-discuss-park-projects-in-2020-season.htm Tue, 11 Feb 2020 11:01:00 EST The National Park Service is holding a meeting to discuss upcoming projects throughout the park. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nps-hosts-community-meeting-to-discuss-park-projects-in-2020-season.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2020-art-contest-entry-deadline-near.htm Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:50:00 EST Area youth can help highlight southern West Virginia ecology through this art contest. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2020-art-contest-entry-deadline-near.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/winners-of-2020-friends-of-new-river-gorge-national-river-photo-competition-now-on-display-at-canyon-rim-visitor-center.htm Wed, 29 Jan 2020 05:23:00 EST The winning photographs from the 2020 Friends of New River Gorge National River photo contest are now on display at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/winners-of-2020-friends-of-new-river-gorge-national-river-photo-competition-now-on-display-at-canyon-rim-visitor-center.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2020-art-contest-entry-window-open.htm Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:31:00 EST Area youth can help celebrate southern West Virginia ecology through art. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2020-art-contest-entry-window-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-national-river-to-host-public-meeting-on-climbing-activities-in-the-park.htm Thu, 14 Nov 2019 06:12:00 EST NPS to hold a public meeting to discuss climbing concerns. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/new-river-gorge-national-river-to-host-public-meeting-on-climbing-activities-in-the-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2020-wildflower-art-contest-announced.htm Tue, 15 Oct 2019 07:48:00 EST Area youth can help celebrate southern West Virginia ecology through art. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/youth-arts-in-the-parks-2020-wildflower-art-contest-announced.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/national-park-service-issues-new-policy-concerning-e-bikes.htm Wed, 02 Oct 2019 12:25:00 EST E-bikes will be permitted in some areas of local national park units. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/national-park-service-issues-new-policy-concerning-e-bikes.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/river-safety-program-developed-to-alert-boaters-of-flow-reduction-on-gauley-river-2018.htm Fri, 24 Aug 2018 06:21:00 EST New signs alert boaters of a flow reduction in case of an emergency on the Gauley River. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/river-safety-program-developed-to-alert-boaters-of-flow-reduction-on-gauley-river-2018.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-64-million-in-economic-benefits.htm Thu, 10 May 2018 10:22:00 EST Report shows visitor spending supports 823 jobs in local economy https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-64-million-in-economic-benefits.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-67-million-in-economic-benefits.htm Mon, 08 May 2017 11:38:00 EST A recent report shows that tourism to the three national parks in southern West Virginia has contributed nearly $61.7 million in economic benefits to the region in 2016. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-67-million-in-economic-benefits.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/flood-clean-up-continues-in-the-three-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-most-park-facilities-are-open.htm Wed, 29 Jun 2016 06:53:00 EST NPS crews are assessing damages and cleaning up from last week's flooding. Most park facilities are open. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/flood-clean-up-continues-in-the-three-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-most-park-facilities-are-open.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-the-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-60-million-dollars-in-economic-benefits.htm Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EST Report shows visitor spending supports 808 jobs in local economy. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-the-national-parks-of-southern-west-virginia-creates-over-60-million-dollars-in-economic-benefits.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-local-national-parks-creates-over-51-million-dollars-in-economic-benefit.htm Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:12:00 EST Report shows visitor spending supports 673 in local economy https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/tourism-to-local-national-parks-creates-over-51-million-dollars-in-economic-benefit.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/carnifex-tunnel-is-closing.htm Mon, 24 Mar 2014 06:34:00 EST NPS determines that this tunnel on the rail grade along the Meadow River is unsafe for visitors. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/carnifex-tunnel-is-closing.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nps-seeks-public-comment-on-proposed-fees-at-some-new-river-gorge-national-river-campgrounds.htm Thu, 24 Oct 2013 08:30:00 EST NPS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fees at Army Camp, Glade Creek and Grandview Sandbar Campgrounds in New River Gorge National River https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/nps-seeks-public-comment-on-proposed-fees-at-some-new-river-gorge-national-river-campgrounds.htm https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/river-safety-program-developed-to-alert-boaters-of-flow-reduction-on-gauley-river.htm Fri, 06 Sep 2013 10:23:00 EST The 2013 Gauley Season begins on September 6, 2013. National Park Service Rangers will provide daily patrols during the scheduled releases to provide safety oversight of boaters and commercial outfitters on the river. https://www.nps.gov/gari/learn/news/river-safety-program-developed-to-alert-boaters-of-flow-reduction-on-gauley-river.htm