WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia has one National Park--our newest National Park as of January 2021!! Number 63.
New River Gorge National Park in Glen Jean, WVa
The New River Gorge is located in southern West Virginia, roughly five hours southwest of D.C. The new designations encompass 53 miles of the New River (locally called simply “the New”) and the rugged tangle of Appalachian forest around it, which is crisscrossed by hiking and mountain biking trails, railroad tracks, and winding country roads. The 70,000 acres area has been administered by the National Park Service, which maintains several visitor centers on the gorge, since it was given National River status in 1978.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its 53 miles of free flowing whitewater that cuts through sandstone cliffs towering as high as 1,000 feet in the air. It boasts class III through V rapids and plenty of boulders to keep even the most experienced rafters engaged. The upper part of the river is calmer and more welcoming to new rafters. The area also boasts more than 1,500 climbing routes, as well as a 12.8-mile system of mountain bike trails built by the Boy Scouts.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/01/22/new-river-gorge-national-park/
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