On May 14th we explored our 55th National Park – The New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia – and it is magnificent. Ironically, the New River (which geologists say sprang from the ancient river ‘Teays’) is considered by some geologists to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. It may have been on its present course for at least 65 million years and parts of it are estimated to be from up to 300 million years ago. The river begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and flows north to the Ohio River; it is considered to be a world-class, rugged, whitewater river.
The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River and it is like a ribbon tying together all the people and places across the eons. It was interesting to learn more about the indigenous people who once habituated this place as well as how people who came here to work the coal mines after the railroads were established toiled so hard in challenging situations to scrabble out a living. With its rich coal deposits, the New River Gorge fueled the industrialization of our nation.
The bridge crossing the gorge is a central piece of this National Park and it is spectacular. It is the third largest ‘span bridge’ in the world and was built in 1977. We also explored the Sandstone Falls and saw a beautiful water fall cascading from this huge river.
We’ve enjoyed all the green forest land and occasional showers that may pour heavy rain for 10 minutes but provides a mixture of cloudy and sunny days within the next hour. The environment here is so different than the dry west.
- Ted: “This was better than I expected. It captures a rich history of coal and being maybe the third oldest river in the world was awesome to see.”
- Sue: “We have a pretty high bar for what constitutes a national park ranking and we were so impressed by the beauty and history of this special place. We are grateful for the opportunity to see and explore it!”
Please enjoy these images from the newest National Park, and click each to enlarge.
Hi Sue and Ted, Your post from the New River brings back memories. Peter and friends canoed the white water there almost 40 years ago. Love the photos! Ginny