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Contact: Julena Campbell, 304-465-6523
Glen Jean, WV - Superintendent Trish Kicklighter announced today that crews are still out assessing flood impacts to park facilities including campgrounds, parking lots, boat launches, beaches, roads, and trails at New River Gorge National River, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area. Floodwaters from last week's storms have left behind large amounts of muddy debris, downed trees, garbage, missing culverts and asphalt, and many areas of uneven and eroded surfaces throughout the three parks. "After sending multiple rescue crews with boats out last week and over the weekend into the local communities, we've now turned our full attention back towards the parks," Superintendent Kicklighter said. "We are working hard to restore access to high priority areas like campgrounds and river access areas. Our number one priority is the safety of our staff and park visitors. Receding flood waters can leave behind trash and hazardous materials. We will strive to have as much open as possible before the upcoming holiday weekend, but we first need to make sure things are in good, safe condition." Most park facilities and locations are OPEN at this time, but visitors should be prepared for muddy conditions, possible downed trees on trails, and rough, uneven surfaces throughout the park as gravel was washed away in many locations. The following areas are officially CLOSED until further notice: New River Gorge National River Roads: Keeneys Creek road, approximately 1 mile below Winona, and all the way to Nuttallburg and Lower Beach Access road, near Sandstone Falls; Fayette Station Road on the north side Campsites: Walk-in campsites at Grandview Sandbar and Glade Creek (drive-in sites are open) River access points along River Road: Hellems Beach Gauley River National Recreation Area: River access points: Masons Branch (and road into it), Woods Ferry Bluestone National Scenic River: Localized flooding near Lilly is preventing access to park facilities today Engineers from the Federal Highway Administration will visit the park this week to evaluate additional park-owned roads and bridges. As park facilities are opened, or as other changes occur, updates will be posted on the parks' Facebook account at www.facebook.com/ About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 411 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. Follow us on NewRiverGorgeNPS on Facebook Twitter flickr YouTube Instag |
Last updated: June 29, 2016