Historic image of a large hotel next to a river

Strolling Through Southside

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

  • Sep 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM
  • Free

Join us on Saturday, September 26 , 2026, at 5:30 PM for a ranger-led stroll through Southside, the area across the river from Thurmond that inspired the "rough and tumble" atmosphere it has gained in local folklore. Southside and the Dunglen Hotel will come alive through archaeology, rarely seen photos, and oral history accounts.

Get an up close look at the changes that took place on the Southside, the Ballyhack gambling district, and the famous Dunglen Hotel. Learn about the hotel's interior, auxiliary buildings that stood around it, and gambling that took place. You will also get an in depth look at the portions of the hotel that remain 96 years after a fire destroyed this jewel of the New River Coalfields. 

No registration to join the tour is necessary. The tour will meet at the Thurmond Depot parking lot and cover about ½ mile on mostly flat paved ground and gravel. 

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 37.957125, -81.078792

Schedule

Date:

Sep 26, 2026

Time:

5:30 PM

Duration:

2 hours

Event Type

  • Walk