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
Date/Time	Activity	Description	Location
Saturday, October 5 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 Reort State Park
Sunday, October 6 10:00 AM-4:00 PM	Bluestone Turnpike Hike	Take a walk on the wild side on the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, between Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park. Meet a ranger at the bottom of the tramway at Pipestem Resort State Park to walk almost the entire length of Bluestone National Scenic River. The hike ends at Bluestone State Park and a shuttle will be provided for the return trip to Pipestem. Take advantage of this great opportunity to explore a very beautiful and remote area without having to arrange your own shuttle. The hike is mostly level and gentle downhill, although there are a few small hills and some rough and muddy footing. Bring a lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, and plenty of drinking water. **Reservations Required** Call 304-466-0417	Bottom of the tram at Pipestem Reort State Park
Sunday, October 6 10:00 AM-12:00 PM	Long Point Hike (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Description:Join us on 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! Please bring water, snacks, good shoes, and anything else that you might need.	Long Point Trailhead
Saturday, October 5 3:00-5:00 PM	Brooklyn Mine Trail Hike (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Join us for a moderate 5.4 mile hike to the Brooklyn Mine and back.	Cunard - Brooklyn Mine Trailhead
Monday, October 7 9:00-11:00 AM	Kaymoor Mine Hike (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Description:This hike packs a punch. It may be short but it will get your blood pumping! Take the Kaymoor Miner's trail down to the Kaymoor mine and back for a 1.4 mile hike with one of our community captains. Please bring water, snacks, good shoes, and anything else that you might need.	Kaymoor Top
Tuesday, October 8 5:30-7:00 PM	Beginner Mountain Bike (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Fall is one of the best times for mountain biking in the gorge. Join experienced Community Captain Phil for basic mountain biking techniques, then put them into use on a group ride! Meet us on Oct 8 at 5:30 pm. Mountain bikes and helmets are available. ***** Reservations Required, please reserve your spot by calling [phone] or email [e-mail] *****	Arrowhead Trailhead
Saturday, October 12 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 Reort State Park
Saturday, October 12 10:00 AM-12:00 PM	Stone Cliff Hike and Tree Measuring (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Join us for a short hike along the New River on the Stone Cliff Trail. 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!	Stone Cliff Parking Area
Monday, October 14 9:00-11:00 AM	Craig Branch Hike (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Join us for a moderate 5 mile hike.	Kaymoor Top
Sunday, October 20 10:00 AM-12:00 PM	Glade Creek Hike (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Join us for a 3 mile hike of the Glade Creek Trail on Saturday, August 17th at 10am. This hike follows an abandoned railroad along Glade Creek. We will pass a number of cascades and small waterfalls along the way. The trail offers an enjoyable stroll at a very moderate grade and is popular with hikers of most ages and abilities. Please come wearing sturdy covered toed shoes and plenty of water!	Lower Glade Creek Trailhead at Glade Creek Campground
Monday, October 21 9:00 AM-11:00 PM	Butcher's Branch Hike (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Description:Short but sweet hike with views of a waterfall. Prepare for 1.5 miles of moderate walking on this wooded trail. Meet us at Kaymoor Top parking area. Please bring water, snacks, good shoes, and anything else that you might need.	Kaymoor Top
Tuesday, October 29 9:00-11:00 AM	Rend Trail Bike Ride (Get Active in the Park Partner Program)	Join us for a bike ride along Rend Trail! This smooth trail is great for beginners and features a wood bridge and scenic views. Come soak up the relaxing sounds of Dunloup Creek and the vibrant green forest while getting your morning exercise! Bikes will be provided! Participants must be 12 years and older with some biking experience. ***Reservations are required*** Please reserve your spot by calling 304-894-2129 or emailing [e-mail]	Rend 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

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  Get Active in the Park

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

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  Calendar

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

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  Love Your Park Challenge

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

 

Annual Events

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  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.

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  May 25-26, 2019

  Water Safety Weekend

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

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  September 27-29, 2019

  Hidden History Weekend

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

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  Spring Wildflower Art Contest

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

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  Hidden History Photo Contest

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

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  July 20, 2019

  Thurmond Train Day

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