News Release

New River Gorge National River Announces Spring Facility Hours

Jodi French-Burr

News Release Date: April 1, 2019

Contact: Julena Campbell, 304-640-0724

Glen Jean, WV – New River Gorge National River Superintendent Lizzie Watts announced today that spring operating hours will be in effect at park facilities April 1 – May 23, 2019. During this time, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing will remain open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Sandstone Visitor Center will be open four days a week, Friday through Monday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Grandview Visitor Center will be closed for April but will reopen for four days a week, Thursday through Monday, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm in May.
 

All other park facilities are open for the spring including the campgrounds, parking lots, boat launches, roads, and most trails. The park is normally open 24 hours a day, although certain access roads or areas may be temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions such as flooding or storms. Long-term and most temporary closures are posted on the park’s webpage under “Alerts,” or at www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/conditions.htm, or through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Spring also brings the annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend, set this year for April 26-28. The weekend is a great way to learn more about the diversity of the region’s blooms, birds, and more on free guided walks and talks at local, state and national parks. Visit www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/wildflower-weekend.htm for more information.

Fun guided hikes, bike rides, and other outdoor activities will also be offered this spring as part of the popular “Get Active in the Park” series. Follow “Get Active in the Park” on social media for more information about these free activities. A calendar of park events is online at www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/programs.htm.
 

Lastly, spring is the perfect time to work on the Love Your Park Challenge, which is co-sponsored by Friends of New River Gorge National River. Participants choose from over 50 activities to earn points by exploring or by helping out in the three national parks of southern West Virginia throughout the year. Every finisher earns a prize, with additional prizes going to the first 100 finishers. The challenge ends on December 31, 2019, and all finishers will be entered into a drawing to win a grand prize from Friends of New River Gorge National River. A list of challenge activities and log sheet is at www.nps.gov/neri/getinvolved/love-your-park-challenge.htm.