West
Virginia’s National Parks
Incredible scenery, tumultuous history mark the state’s two major federal parks
CONTACT: Matt Turner
304-558-2288, ext. 341
mturner@callwva.com
West Virginia’s history is marked with tales of tumultuous
Civil War battles, the boom and strife of the coal industry, all set amid
some of the most rugged and scenic terrain in the United States. Today, the
Mountain State’s national parks help preserve and interpret that history and
provide access to the vast natural resources that have made West Virginia
the outdoor recreation capital of the East.
West Virginia’s most famous national parks are Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in the Eastern Panhandle and the New River Gorge National River in southern West Virginia.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: A true
Mid-Atlantic gem, Harpers Ferry sits at the confluence of the Shenandoah and
Potomac rivers, sharing borders with Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.
Harpers Ferry is a historian’s treasure. It is the site of the first successful
American railroad, abolitionist John Brown’s attack on slavery, the largest
surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War, and one of the earliest
integrated schools in the U.S. Period actors, interpretive exhibits and stores
are open to the public year-round.
It’s also a scenic masterpiece that Thomas Jefferson called
“worth a voyage across the Atlantic.” The rivers offer spectacular wildlife
viewing opportunities and family-style whitewater rafting and tubing fun.
A number of unique lodging opportunities abound in the surrounding area. The
park visitor center is open daily.
Contact: Marsha Wassel, Public Information Officer
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
P.O. Box 65
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
304-535-6748
marsha_wassel@nps.gov
www.nps.gov/hafe/
New River Gorge National River (and Gauley River National Recreation
Area and Bluestone National Scenic River): Don’t let
the name fool you – the New River is among the world’s oldest rivers (second
only to the Nile). Its craggy, 1,000-foot-deep, mile-wide gorge is a haven
for nature and outdoor lovers from around the world. The southern West Virginia
park might be most famous for its annual “Bridge Day Festival,” during which
BASE jumpers from across the globe invade the tiny town of Fayetteville to
leap (with parachutes, of course) from the massive New River Gorge Bridge
(the country’s second-highest bridge) to the river nearly 900 feet below.
The ancient river flows north awkwardly, carving the canyon
and leaving house-size boulders in its wake. As it drops in altitude, it creates
the East’s biggest whitewater river. Some 30-plus outfitters provide whitewater
adventure and fishing trips from just a few hours to a few days. Camping and
lodging options abound within the park and the numerous state parks and outposts
that surround the gorge.
A national park since 1978, New River Gorge National River
comprises 53 miles of waterway and more than 70,000 acres along its banks
between Hinton and Fayetteville. The park and surrounding area are rich in
cultural and natural history, with an abundance of scenic and recreational
opportunities. Abandoned coal mining towns and remnants of the area’s industrial
past add intrigue to the countless miles of hiking and biking trails within
the park.
Contact: Lorrie Sprague, Public Affairs Specialist
New River Gorge National River
P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846
304-465-6521
lorrie_sprague@nps.gov
www.nps.gov/neri/
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West Virginia Division of Tourism • 90 MacCorkle Ave., SW • South Charleston, WV 25303
304-558-2200 or 1-800-CALL-WVA • FAX: 304-558-2459 • www.callwvanews.com