New River Festival

Date: May 31, 2013
Contact: Robin Snyder, 304-640-0724

Glen Jean, West Virginia, May 30, 2013—Interested in Paddling with the Pros along the Lower New River? Or perhaps you would like to take a hike and explore one of the most intact examples of a coal mine in the country? For younger participants, would you like to be a scientist and test the water quality by catching critters in the creek? Whether it is mountain biking, kayaking, or hiking there is a field trip opportunity for you! You can participate in these activities and more at the New River Festival onJune 8th, 2013, sponsored by the New River Clean Water Alliance. You can find the field trip opportunities and register in advance at http://newriverfestival.com/event/new-river-festival-trips-and-clinic-registration. 

Trips and Clinic Information:

Paddle with the Pros on the New River

Join local Team Wave Sport paddler Shane Groves to play boat down the Lower New River.  Get some tips on paddling this stretch of river and enjoy the play run! This trip is recommended for advanced kayakers confident in Class IV whitewater who would like to build freestyle kayaking skills. Solid whitewater combat role required.  A free shuttle provided by ACE will pick up participants at the Fayette Station Parking lot at10:30amfor the trip to the Cunard Access of the river. Bring your own kayak and gear to Fayette Station to board the shuttle. Space on this trip will be limited to15 paddlers, and registration is required to hold your place on the shuttle.

Hike Historic Nuttalburg with a New River Gorge Park Ranger:

A walk through Nuttallburg today provides one of the most intact examples of a coal mining complex in West Virginia and one of the most complete coal related industrial sites in the United States. Join a ranger to learn about the town of Nuttallburg, one of nearly fifty towns that sprang up along the New River in response to a growing nation's need for coal. Step back in history and explore rows of old coke ovens, the conveyor and tipple system, and foundations of a church, school, and homes that were part of this thriving community. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center at9:30 AMfor carpool to the site. Registration is required.

Stream Exploration and Photography Workshop for Kids:

Join a park ranger to explore the water resources of New River Gorge National River through photography and water quality monitoring tests at Wolf Creek, along Fayette Station Road. Participants will catch critters in the stream to determine water quality, study their samples, and take photographs of the gorge as part of this field trip. Meet at Canyon Rim at1:00 PMfor carpool to the site. Registration is required. 

Biking Trips lead by the New River Bicycle Union

Join New River Bicycle Union (NRBU) members for a road or mountain bike ride! If you are interested in the road ride, meet at the festival location by the shop. This trip will be a no drop ride (meaning we will ride as a group). The route will be based on the skill and fitness level of participating riders and, if there is a wide variation in skill level, they will break into two groups. The ride will be one to two hours in length and may include a ride through the scenic town of Fayetteville and/or a ride through the gorge.

The mountain biking will start at the Arrowhead Trail system. There will be a ride for beginners and one for more experienced mountain bikers. Ride times begin at10:00 AM. Registration is required.

Again, register now, as space is limited at http://newriverfestival.com/event/new-river-festival-trips-and-clinic-registration. Also, check out festival events and learn more about other festival activities throughout the weekend at www.NewRiverFestival.com. The festival will feature a variety of exhibits from local watershed organizations, a film festival, music, entertainment and more! Join the New River Clean Water Alliance for the 2^ndAnnual New River Festival to celebrate the New River and efforts to keep it clean. The festival location is the Old Rivers Campground which is now the ACE Gear Shop, located off of Route 19 in Fayetteville.

From Beckley, take Hwy 19 to Fayetteville. Go through the light at Court Street (Hwy 16) and take your next left onto Fayette Station Road (County Route 82). From Summersville, take a right onto Fayette Station Road, just after you cross the New River Gorge Bridge. See you there!

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About the New River Clean Water Alliance

The New River Clean Water Alliance, formed in 2009, is a partnership dedicated to promoting clean water and community efforts in the New River and its tributaries in Fayette, Summers, and Raleigh Counties. The following organizations have representatives in the Alliance: Piney Creek Watershed Association, National Park Service, Plateau Action Network, and Development, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association, National Committee for the New River, and National Parks Conservation Association.