April 17-19, 2026
Event Schedule:
Check back soon for more events
Friday April 17:
Springing Up Wildflowers and Their Tales
2:30-3:30 PM
See what’s blooming in the New River Gorge, plus hear the stories behind these Appalachian beauties, their folklore of uses and stories
Canyon Rim Visitor Center theater
Saturday April 18:
Hike Into Spring!
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
2.5 miles.
meet at Grandview picnic shelter #4
The big bloom hike is back! Join rangers and naturalists on a leisurely hike from Grandview top down to the New River, finding wildflowers and other natural wonders along the way. Over 60 blooming wildflower species are usually seen on this hike. Be prepared for some steep terrain as we travel down an old dirt road, the Little Laurel Trail. A free return shuttle will be provided back to the top of the gorge. Wear hiking boots. Bring water, snack, and favorite nature ID tools.
RESERVATIONS requested for shuttle bus by April 10; email dave_bieri@nps.gov with name, number in your party, and phone number.
Sunday April 19:
Bluebells and Blooms: Arts in Nature
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
1 mile
Take a different sensory look at nature, letting it inspire your creativity through the sights and sounds found around Glade Creek at the peak of the spring season. Peace can be found where nature abounds, so join Poet Paula Lepp and Volunteer Jodi French-Burr to guide us closer to such serenity. We’ll explore the area on a level but off-trail walk in search of true community connections and inspiration at Hamlet’s large bluebell patch and along the babbling waters of Glade Creek. Hear poems and learn how writing poetry and nature journaling can help us explore our connections to such places. After the walk, there will be a short poetry/journaling mini workshop with opportunities to further your own creativity by writing/journaling, or if you wish, to simply be nourished by the time shared with others in nature. Wear hiking boots and bring water. Bring journaling and writing tools or some will be available.
Old Growth and Hamlet History
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
1.5-mile easy to moderate off trail hike.
Walk near the New River to explore the old logging town site of Hamlet, once a booming town of the New River Gorge. See evidence of this once-thriving industrial town. Wear pants and sturdy hiking shoes; bring water and a snack.
Meet at Glade Creek Trailhead (6 miles from Prince at Glade Creek Campground)
