The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is America’s 63rd national park and is the newest national park in the United States. The area is rich in cultural and natural history, offering an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. It has been prized as one of southern West Virginia’s more spectacular natural places. The designation of the area is roughly 72,000 acres of land and The National Park and Preserve stretches for 53 miles with over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails in the park. Lawmakers decided during the pandemic to transform this tired industrial area into a national landmark. If you are looking for some time to get out and enjoy nature, you might want to consider visiting The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains. The New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent and is a popular spot for whitewater rafting and jetboat rides. The New River itself originates in North Carolina and flows north up through Virginia and into West Virginia and Ohio.
Other outdoor activities include ranger led guided activities and programs, scenic overlooks, fishing, camping, kayaking and camping. The steep terrain of the gorge adds to the dramatic scenery of this park and offers shelter to at least 63 species of mammals, including the endangered Virginia big-eared and Indiana bats. This area is essential for supporting endangered mammals, rare birds, amphibians, and plants.
Another impressive attraction is the New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge is a steel arch bridge 3,030 feet long over the New River Gorge. The bridge has an arch of 1,700 feet and is the 5th longest. An average of 16,200 motor vehicles travel across the bridge each day.
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