News Release

National Park Service to Host Public Education Session on Climbing Rules and Regulations

Date: March 7, 2018
Contact: Julena Campbell, 304-640-0724

The National Park Service will host a meeting on rules and regulations for climbing activities at New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

This meeting follows up on the successful climbing listening session and community meeting held in the fall of 2017. The purpose of this meeting will be to explain park rules and regulations and how they apply to climbing activities in the park so that visitors partaking in climbing activities have a better understanding of what is and is not allowed. There will be a presentation followed by a question and answer session.

There are over 1,600 established climbing routes in New River Gorge National River, making the park one of the largest climbing areas in the eastern United States. The extensive cliff that rims much of the western portion of the gorge is composed of Nuttall standstone, which is renowned among rock climbers. Since the establishment of the national river in 1978, the area’s popularity has blossomed to become one of America’s premier climbing destinations.

Attendees who require additional information or special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting should contact Chief Ranger, Duane Michael at 304-465-6518 or via email at e-mail us prior to March 15, 2018.

Information about climbing at New River Gorge National River can be found at https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/climbing.htm. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is open seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.