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:


October 2021
Date/Time	Activity	Description	Location
Friday, October 29 6:30-9:00 PM	Haunted History Hike	Hear legends and stories from Appalachian into the dark of night on this 2-mile long night hike. Program not recommended for children under nine years old. Masks and social distancing will be required. Bring a flashlight. 20 participant limit. Reservations required: email jodi_french-burr@nps.gov.	Meet at the Rend Trail parking area on Route 25 near Thurmond
Saturday, October 30 9:00 AM-1:00 PM	Red Ash Bike and Hike	Mountain bike 7 miles with a ranger on the Southside Trail and learn about the once-thriving coal towns of Red Ash and Rush Run. Pedal along this old railroad line and stop along the way to hike to a cemetery and coke ovens. Bikes will be available. 15 participant limit. Reservations required: call 304-254-8488 or www.activeswv.org/events.	Meet at Southside Trailhead next to the Brooklyn primitive campground, one mile upstream of the Cunard River Access,
For all Get Active in the Park events: Participants will be asked to sign an online waiver. Before arriving at the event check out www.activeswv.org/events for more information.
Get Active in the Park is an innovative partnership between the National Park Service and Active Southern West Virginia. Trained Community Captains deliver free, beginner-level instructional programs to the New River Gorge region. Get Active in the Park empowers our community to see outdoor spaces as a place for health and wellness to take place. For more information about any of our Get Active in the Park Partner Programs, call 304-894-2129 or email getactiveinthepark@gmail.com Check out the Event Calendar for more information and directions to the meeting locations.