Peer into the Past of Thurmond

Date: August 16, 2013
Contact: Jodi French-Burr, 304-574-2115

C & O roundhouse crew and locomotive at Thurmond, West Virginia 1923

Photo courtesy of Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society

Glen Jean, West Virginia,August 16, 2013— Communities once filled the New River Gorge, each place with its own rich story. Glimpse into the history of Thurmond this weekend on guided walking tours of this famous railroad town. Several ranger-guided walks and informal talks in New River Gorge National River and along the Bluestone River are available this week. Each program provides a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surrounds us and the people who shaped our past. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all guided hikes. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this weekend’s featured ranger programs:

Daily Programs –August 20 – 25, 2013:

Ranger on the Rock

6:30 pm – 7:45 pm. Meet at Grandview’s Main Overlook. Come and go as you please for this informal program with a ranger at one of the best views of the New River Gorge. Enjoy the scenery and discuss area natural and cultural history.

Saturday, August 24, 2013:

Grand Birding

9:00 am – 11:00 am. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center. 1.0 mile walk.Stroll through the park looking and listening for birds of the New River Gorge. Bring binoculars and a favorite field guide or some will be provided.

Bluestone Walk

10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk.  Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.00 for the return tram ride.

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

Sunday, August 25, 2013:

Historic Thurmond Tour

11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

For more information about New River Gorge National River and upcoming ranger activities, visit https://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, follow us on Twitter at https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS, or stop by any park visitor center.