New River Gorge Is The Newest National Park In The US And Is Perfect For Outdoor Adventure
For those looking for outdoor adventure, New River Gorge is the newest national park, cutting through the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor activities are certainly a popular and sensible option. It is easy to socially distance oneself, especially in the stunning New River Gorge. This is the newest location to be added to the list of national parks in the USA and has plenty to offer visitors.
About New River Gorge
New River Gorge cuts through a beautifully scenic stretch of the Appalachian Mountains in southern West Virginia. The river and its surroundings have been managed by the National Park Service since 1978. However, politicians believe that by elevating the location’s status and slightly changing its name, it will draw even more visitors. The name has been changed from New River Gorge National River to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
New River Gorge is the 63rd US national park and was signed into law as part of the pandemic relief package at the end of 2020. New River is a misnomer, however, as it is actually one of the oldest rivers in the world.
The park is a perfect place for outdoor adventures, including hiking the rim of the canyon or white-water rafting on rapids up to Class V. It is also ideal for fishing, hunting, outdoor sports or merely appreciating its natural beauty.
US Senator Joe Manchin said, “The New River Gorge is truly one of West Virginia’s most treasured playgrounds and largest tourist attractions because of its whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, outdoor sports and natural beauty.”
“This designation will increase its international recognition by highlighting West Virginia’s world-class beauty and resources.”
Portioning out New River Gorge
The newest national park is to be split into two sections. One, a 7,021-acre park that will include whitewater rapids, mountain biking and hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing locations and a former coal-mining town. It also includes the New River Gorge Bridge (pictured above), which is the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
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It is also the third-highest bridge in the US. The other section of the park stretches over 65,165 acres and has been designated as a national preserve, where visitors can try out their hand at fishing and hunting.
New River Gorge’s national park designation has been in the works for a few years. State tourism officials are hoping to experience a 20 percent increase in visitors. This is similar to the story of Indiana Dunes National Park. That national park received an upgraded status from a national lakeshore to a national park back in February 2019.
For those in the mood for hiking or mountain biking, rock climbing, negotiating white water rapids, or enjoying a spot of hunting or fishing, New River Park is the perfect location. For anyone who wishes to simply relax in beautiful nature, in the fresh air and surrounded by gorgeous scenery, this is definitely the place to be in West Virginia!
Find out more about the newest national park on the official National Park Service website.
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