Guided Activities

 

Join a ranger or park partner for free hikes, talks, and activities. These guided activities provide an opportunity to learn about the natural world around us, experience our rich cultural history, try something new, or just explore a new part of your national parks.

Throughout the year groups may arrange programs as staffing permits. Please call or email the park if you would like a park ranger to present a program for your group.

Things to know:

• All programs are beginner level and low impact.
• All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted.
• Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all hikes.
• Water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera are useful tools to bring along.
• All activities follow Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
• Terrain may be uneven.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• All equipment will be provided.

 

Upcoming Activities:

 

August
Date/Time	Activity	Description	Location
Thursday, August 1 7:30-8:30 AM	Kaymoor Stairs Hike	Join us for a hike into the past and down (and up!) 821 stairs! This scenic workout will take us past views of the gorge and down to the remains of a retired coal processing plant, coke ovens, and abandoned town site. Bring water and sturdy shoes!	Kaymoor Top Trailhead
Saturday, August 3 10:00-11:00	Bluestone Walk at Bluestone National Scenic River	Meet a ranger at the bottom of the tramway at Pipestem Resort State Park to walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. The hike is a fairly easy walk along the Bluestone River with a few small hills and some rough footing. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discuss a little regional history. Bring good walking shoes, drinking water, and money for the return tram ride.	Bottom of the tram at Pipestem Resort State Park
Monday, August 5 10:00-11:00 AM	Qi Gong at Canyon Rim	Do you want to improve your balance and muscle control? Looking for a relaxing practice you can continue at home? The low impact practice of Qi Gong might be the answer! Restore your energy with this beginner class at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This session with an ACTIVE Southern West Virginia Community Captain will teach the basic movements of these ancient Chinese martial arts. No Reservations Required! Just come wearing comfortable clothes and shoes! Bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated!	Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Wednesday, August 7 6:00-8:00 PM	Psyched on Bikes Series: Oak Hill Rail Trail*	Come learn technical biking skills and make some new biking buddies all August long! Join us Wednesdays at 6pm to build your skills and put them to use. The Psyched on Bikes Series is perfect for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers as we will have activities for all skill sets. All are welcome! Please come wearing sturdy shoes and bring water! Please RSVP if you would like to use one of our mountain bikes or feel free to bring your own! ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Oak Hill Rail Trail at Park Drive in Oak Hill (across from the baseball field)
Thursday, August 8 7:30-8:30 AM	Kaymoor Stairs Hike	Join us for a hike into the past and down (and up!) 821 stairs! This scenic workout will take us past views of the gorge and down to the remains of a retired coal processing plant, coke ovens, and abandoned town site. Bring water and sturdy shoes!	Kaymoor Top Trailhead
Thursday, August 8 6:00-8:00 PM	Youth Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Dun Glen	Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) is a great way to experience the park and get exercise! We'll provide the instruction and the equipment, just come ready to learn and possibly get wet! This is a great way to refresh your paddling skills or have that first paddling experience! ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Dun Glen Boat Launch
Friday, August 9 5:00-7:00 PM	Long Point Trail Hike	Join us on Friday, August 9th at 5pm for a scenic 3.2 mile hike along the Long Point Trail! This trail features some of the best panoramic views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. This moderate trail winds through the forest until meeting a steep section just before the outlook. Come hike with us!	Long Point Trailhead
Saturday, August 10 10:00-11:30 AM	Bluestone Walk at Bluestone National Scenic River	Meet a ranger at the bottom of the tramway at Pipestem Resort State Park to walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. The hike is a fairly easy walk along the Bluestone River with a few small hills and some rough footing. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discuss a little regional history. Bring good walking shoes, drinking water, and money for the return tram ride.	Bottom of the tram at Pipestem Resort State Park
Sunday, August 11 6:00-8:00 PM	Youth Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Camp Brookside	Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) is a great way to experience the park and get exercise! We'll provide the instruction and the equipment, just come ready to learn and possibly get wet! This is a great way to refresh your paddling skills or have that first paddling experience! ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Camp Brookside Environmental Education Center
Monday, August 12 10:00-11:00 AM	Qi Gong at Canyon Rim	Do you want to improve your balance and muscle control? Looking for a relaxing practice you can continue at home? The low impact practice of Qi Gong might be the answer! Restore your energy with this beginner class at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This session with an ACTIVE Southern West Virginia Community Captain will teach the basic movements of these ancient Chinese martial arts. No Reservations Required! Just come wearing comfortable clothes and shoes! Bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated!	Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Tuesday, August 13 5:3--7:30 PM	Mountain Biking on the Arrowhead Trails	Get your wheels turning! Learn basic mountain biking techniques then put them into practice on a group ride! Trained volunteers will teach you the basics to try mountain biking on NPS trails. All mountain bikes and helmets will be provided. ***Reservations required *** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Arrowhead Trailhead
Wednesday, August 14 6:00-8:00 PM	Psyched on Bikes Series: Beckley Rail Trail*	Come learn technical biking skills and make some new biking buddies all August long! Join us Wednesdays at 6pm to build your skills and put them to use. The Psyched on Bikes Series is perfect for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers as we will have activities for all skill sets. All are welcome! Please come wearing sturdy shoes and bring water! Please RSVP if you would like to use one of our mountain bikes or feel free to bring your own! ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Beckley Rail Trail at 3rd Ave (across from State Farm)
Thursday, August 15 7:30-8:30 AM	Kaymoor Stairs Hike	Join us for a hike into the past and down (and up!) 821 stairs! This scenic workout will take us past views of the gorge and down to the remains of a retired coal processing plant, coke ovens, and abandoned town site. Bring water and sturdy shoes!	Kaymoor Top Trailhead
Saturday, August 17, 2019 10:00-11:30 AM	Bluestone Walk at Bluestone National Scenic River	Meet a ranger at the bottom of the tramway at Pipestem Resort State Park to walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. The hike is a fairly easy walk along the Bluestone River with a few small hills and some rough footing. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discuss a little regional history. Bring good walking shoes, drinking water, and money for the return tram ride.	Bottom of the tram at Pipestem Resort State Park
Sunday, August 18 10:00 AM-3:00 PM	Glade Creek Trail Hike	Join us for a 8 to 11 mile hike (depending on water conditions) along the Glade Creek Trail! This trail alongside Glade Creek features some great cascades and deep pools Come hike with us!	Lower Glade Creek Trailhead
Monday, August 19 10:00-11:00 AM	Qi Gong at Canyon Rim	Do you want to improve your balance and muscle control? Looking for a relaxing practice you can continue at home? The low impact practice of Qi Gong might be the answer! Restore your energy with this beginner class at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This session with an ACTIVE Southern West Virginia Community Captain will teach the basic movements of these ancient Chinese martial arts. No Reservations Required! Just come wearing comfortable clothes and shoes! Bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated!	Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Wednesday, August 21 6:00-8:00 PM	Psyched on Bikes Series: SouthsideTrail*	Come learn technical biking skills and make some new biking buddies all August long! Join us Wednesdays at 6pm to build your skills and put them to use. The Psyched on Bikes Series is perfect for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers as we will have activities for all skill sets. All are welcome! Please come wearing sturdy shoes and bring water! Please RSVP if you would like to use one of our mountain bikes or feel free to bring your own! ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Southside Trailhead
Thursday, August 22 6:00-8:00 PM	Youth Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Dun Glen	Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP) is a great way to experience the park and get exercise! We'll provide the instruction and the equipment, just come ready to learn and possibly get wet! This is a great way to refresh your paddling skills or have that first paddling experience! ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Dun Glen Boat Launch
Thursday, August 22 6:00-8:00 PM	Rock Climbing at Canyon Rim	Get vertical in this beginner's rock climbing instructional session. Everyone will rope up and get to climb to the top of a real rock climbing route. Ages 16 and up only. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Saturday, August 24 10:00-11:00 AM	Burnwood Trail Hike	Join us for a 1.2 mile hike of the Burnwood Trail on August 24th at 10am! Along the way, Master Naturalist Linda Stein will show you how to measure trees to determine age. Please come wearing covered toe shoes and plenty of water!	Burnwood Trailhead
Saturday, August 24 10:00-11:30 AM	Bluestone Walk at Bluestone National Scenic River	Meet a ranger at the bottom of the tramway at Pipestem Resort State Park to walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. The hike is a fairly easy walk along the Bluestone River with a few small hills and some rough footing. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discuss a little regional history. Bring good walking shoes, drinking water, and money for the return tram ride.	Bottom of the tram at Pipestem Resort State Park
Sunday, August 25 10:00-11:00 AM	Long Point Trail Hike	Join us on Friday, August 9th at 5pm for a scenic 3.2 mile hike along the Long Point Trail! This trail features some of the best panoramic views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. This moderate trail winds through the forest until meeting a steep section just before the outlook. Come hike with us!	Long Point Trailhead
Monday, August 26 10:00-11:00 AM	Qi Gong at Canyon Rim	Do you want to improve your balance and muscle control? Looking for a relaxing practice you can continue at home? The low impact practice of Qi Gong might be the answer! Restore your energy with this beginner class at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This session with an ACTIVE Southern West Virginia Community Captain will teach the basic movements of these ancient Chinese martial arts. No Reservations Required! Just come wearing comfortable clothes and shoes! Bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated!	Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Monday, August 26 6:00-7:00 PM	ReFit at Grandview	Be a part of the REFIT® Revolution! Join the REFIT® team at Grandview! We have a playlist jammed pack with songs that gets you in the mood for sunshine, spending time by the water, and just plain having fun!! This is a free event, just come wearing comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a bottle of water. No reservations required	Grandview Visitor Center
Wednesday, August 28 6:00-8:00 PM	Psyched on Bikes Series: SouthsideTrail*	Come learn technical biking skills and make some new biking buddies all August long! Join us Wednesdays at 6pm to build your skills and put them to use. The Psyched on Bikes Series is perfect for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers as we will have activities for all skill sets. All are welcome! Please come wearing sturdy shoes and bring water! Please RSVP if you would like to use one of our mountain bikes or feel free to bring your own! ***Reservations required*** Reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Southside Trailhead

 

Thurmond Town Tour
To schedule a half-hour tour of historic downtown Thurmond, call us at 304-574-2115.


Check out the Event Calendar for more information and directions to the meeting locations.

 

Park and Partner Programs

• 

  Get Active in the Park

  Join our Active Southern West Virginia Community Captains for a beginner level activity in the park.

• 

  Calendar

  Check the park calendar to search what activities may be going on when you plan to visit.

• 

  Love Your Park Challenge

  Help support your park and win prizes! Join the Love Your Park Challenge.

 

Annual Events

• 

  April 26-28 2019

  Wildflower Weekend

  Celebrate the glories of Appalachian spring through programs at New River Gorge as well as at state parks and other locations in the gorge.

• 

  May 25-26, 2019

  Water Safety Weekend

  Learn how to stay safe on the water through a variety of programs and activities.

• 

  September 27-29, 2019

  Hidden History Weekend

  Celebrate the wonders of Appalachian heritage, the rich sites and stories of our area's diverse history!

• 

  Spring Wildflower Art Contest

  Learn how you can enter the 2019 Youth Arts in the Parks Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest.

• 

  Hidden History Photo Contest

  Celebrate the riches of southern West Virginia’s cultural history through photography. Learn more about the Hidden History Photo Contest.

• 

  July 20, 2019

  Thurmond Train Day

  Explore the railroad town of Thurmond and learn RR safety tips from Operation Lifesaver.