Event

Fire Management in National Parks

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Fee:

Free.

Location: LAT/LONG: 38.000000, -81.000000


The Headhouse trail is located out of the Short Creek Trailhead. From US 19 turn onto Lansing Edmond Road (WV 82). Continue for 2.5 miles then take a right onto Beauty Mountain Road. The Short Creek trailhead will be located on your right in about 0.1 mile.

Dates & Times

Date:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

2 hours

Type of Event

Hike

Description

Wildfires are becoming more common in national parks and other public lands. Are fires bad for the environment and what does it mean for a park when it has a wildfire? Hike with a ranger to the site of a recent wildfire to find out the answer to these questions and more. Learn how fire affects parks as well as how the National Park Service uses fire to manage natural forest ecosystems.

This 1.4 mile roundtrip hike will descend 400 feet to the mine and headhouse at Nuttallburg passing through the area of recent wildfire burn. The trail is part gravel and may be steep at times. Good shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. Hiking poles may be useful but are not required.

Reservation or Registration: No

Image Gallery

Three firefighters with a small controlled fire near a park sign for Sandstone Visitor Center
Three firefighters with a small controlled fire near a park sign for Sandstone Visitor Center
Prescribed fires are just one tool used by park rangers to help manage wildfires as seen in this prescribed fire near Sandstone Visitor Center several years ago.
NPS
Tags: new river gorge wildfires forest ecology ecosystems fire management new river gorge national park and preserve guided hike