Audio
Fayette Station Road Auto Tour Chapter 2
Transcript
Chapter 2 New River Gorge National River was established by Congress in 1978 as part of the National Park System to conserve and interpret the outstanding natural, scenic, and historic resources of the gorge and protect the New River itself as it flows through this part of West Virginia.
You probably have already heard that New River Gorge National River is renowned for its world-class whitewater boating, hiking, warm water fishing, and rock climbing, [pause…] but it is also known for its abandoned coal mines, company towns, tipples, and coke ovens which are remnants of the late 19th and early 20th-century Industrial Age, when coal was king and the railroad was the lifeline of the gorge.
Watch for a store on the right at the intersection of Route 82. Turn right here onto Route 82 and immediately take the left fork. This road will take you down into the gorge.
One hundred years ago, the New River Gorge was a bustling, noisy, smoky place, with thousands of residents. New towns sprang up around every bend of the river, trains chugged through the gorge, and smoke from continuously burning coke ovens clouded the valley, obscuring the beautiful views that we see today.
Clues to the industrial past can easily be overlooked as one drives in this area, because plants have overgrown the decaying structures of towns and mine sites. This tour, however, is designed to help you catch a glimpse of the vitality of the region, as you travel down one winding road into the past.
You will first travel through Lansing, a small town that began as a farming and coal mining community.
During the summer, it may be difficult to see the New River itself from Fayette Station Road because of all of the dense foliage. But, this rich plant diversity is a part of what makes this park a national treasure. New River Gorge National River lies at the core of a globally significant, unfragmented forest and contains the most diverse flora of any river gorge in central and southern Appalachia. The park provides essential habitat for endangered mammals, rare birds, and amphibians.
As you drive the Fayette Station Road and enjoy exploring the many other delights of this national park, please minimize your impact here and leave the park in the condition that you found it., Respect wildlife, dispose of waste properly, and be considerate of other visitors. [music begins by fading in] Stop the recording now until you leave or pass the first pull-off just beyond Lansing. [music fades out quickly] [after a pause, music starts, and fades out slowly]
Description
Chapter 2: Lansing-Edmond Road to Rt.82
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