Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Bridging the New

One of the most iconic views at the New River Gorge is of the massive arch bridge suspended over the river. While visitors love to look at it, the bridge means much more to the locals who celebrate its construction every year.  Join a ranger to learn how this marvel of ......More

One of the most iconic views at the New River Gorge is of the massive arch bridge suspended over the river. While visitors love to look at it, the bridge means much more to the locals who celebrate its construction every year.  Join a ranger to learn how this marvel of engineering was built and what it means to the people who live here.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Where's the Bears?

Bears are one of the most well-known animals in not only the national parks, but in our society.  At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Black Bears roam the forests as part of the ecosystem.  Join a ranger to learn more about these furry friends and how you can......More

Bears are one of the most well-known animals in not only the national parks, but in our society.  At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Black Bears roam the forests as part of the ecosystem.  Join a ranger to learn more about these furry friends and how you can keep yourself and bears safe during your visit.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Footsteps and Whistles: Traveling Through the New River Gorge

Both animals and people have used the New River Gorge as a means to travel through the rugged Appalachian Mountains for millennia. Come hear their stories while following their footsteps and learn about the different means of transportation used over the years.This most......More

Both animals and people have used the New River Gorge as a means to travel through the rugged Appalachian Mountains for millennia. Come hear their stories while following their footsteps and learn about the different means of transportation used over the years.This mostly shaded hike will follow a flat to gently sloping wide dirt trail for 3 miles roundtrip with just about 100 foot elevation gain. Visitors will need to navigate 54 wooden steps around a rock slide and a wooden trestle that may be slick. Good shoes, water, sunscreen, and insect repellant are recommended.

The Rend trailhead is located off Thurmond Road WV 25. This road is narrow and winding. RVs and trailers are not recommended. Parking for large vehicles at the trailhead is limited.Follow Highway 19 south from Canyon Rim Visitor Center or north fr

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

What's in a Name?

Join a ranger to learn how the gorge has defined human settlement here and been defined by humans in return.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Our Newest National Park (Or is it?)

Although this land has been protected by the National Park Service for over 40 years, the name "New River Gorge National Park and Preserve" is only a few years old. Join a ranger to find out what makes New River Gorge special enough to not only be a part of our national......More

Although this land has been protected by the National Park Service for over 40 years, the name "New River Gorge National Park and Preserve" is only a few years old. Join a ranger to find out what makes New River Gorge special enough to not only be a part of our national park system, but also have the title of National Park.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Hike to the Mine

Coal mining shaped the human history the New River Gorge in many ways, but what was life as a coal miner in the early 1900s actually like? Where did a mine look like and how did the coal reach cities and industrial centers? Take a hike back in time to the coal mining da......More

Coal mining shaped the human history the New River Gorge in many ways, but what was life as a coal miner in the early 1900s actually like? Where did a mine look like and how did the coal reach cities and industrial centers? Take a hike back in time to the coal mining days as you join a ranger to learn more about mining in New River Gorge at the Nuttallburg headhouse.This 1.5 mile roundtrip hike will descend 400 feet to the mine and headhouse at Nuttallburg. The trail is part gravel and may be steep at times. Good shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellant are recommended. Hiking poles may be useful, but are not required.

The Headhouse trail is located at the Short Creek Trailhead. From US 19 turn onto Lansing Edmond Road (WV 82). Continue for 2.5 miles then take a right onto Beauty Mountain Road. The trailhead will be located on your right in about 0.1 mile.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Native Pollinators

Join a ranger and talk about the different types of native pollinators, their habitats, and how we can help them through local action.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Old Growth Forest Hike

Join a ranger on an easy 1.2-mile-long hike through an old growth forest with trees over 350 years old. Learn how to identify various tree species found throughout the New River Gorge and discover what makes old growth forests unique.This 1.2 mile hike will be mostly sh......More

Join a ranger on an easy 1.2-mile-long hike through an old growth forest with trees over 350 years old. Learn how to identify various tree species found throughout the New River Gorge and discover what makes old growth forests unique.This 1.2 mile hike will be mostly shaded and required walking over slightly uneven ground on a dirt trail. Good shoes, water, sunscreen, and insect repellant are recommended.

The Burnwood trailhead is located in the Burnwood Day Use area across US 19 from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, return to US 19 and drive straight across. After crossing US 19, continue into the day use area. The tra

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Life in the Mines

Coal mining shaped the human history the New River Gorge in many ways, but what was life as a coal miner in the early 1900s actually like? What tools did they use to fuel America? What was it like working long hours inside a mine? What kind of lives did they lead off wo......More

Coal mining shaped the human history the New River Gorge in many ways, but what was life as a coal miner in the early 1900s actually like? What tools did they use to fuel America? What was it like working long hours inside a mine? What kind of lives did they lead off work in the company towns? Find out by joining us at this ranger talk at Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Bridging the New

One of the most iconic views at the New River Gorge is of the massive arch bridge suspended over the river. While visitors love to look at it, the bridge means much more to the locals who celebrate its construction every year.  Join a ranger to learn how this marvel of ......More

One of the most iconic views at the New River Gorge is of the massive arch bridge suspended over the river. While visitors love to look at it, the bridge means much more to the locals who celebrate its construction every year.  Join a ranger to learn how this marvel of engineering was built and what it means to the people who live here.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Owls of New River Gorge

Night creatures intrigue us all, especially owls. Join a ranger to see how owls are designed for stealthy night hunting, plus learn whose "hoot" is whose (calls of the wild).  

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

The Gorge's Greatest Provider

For years the New River has acted as a superhighway providing life, fun, and prosperity.  Join a ranger to uncover what the New River has provided to make today's way of life possible.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  N......More

Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town.  For years this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C& O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes.  Now over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond the town is all but abandoned.  Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways.  Some terrain may become slightly uneven.  Good shoes water a hat sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.  The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. 

Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the

Life in the Mines

Coal mining shaped the human history the New River Gorge in many ways, but what was life as a coal miner in the early 1900s actually like? What tools did they use to fuel America? What was it like working long hours inside a mine? What kind of lives did they lead off wo......More

Coal mining shaped the human history the New River Gorge in many ways, but what was life as a coal miner in the early 1900s actually like? What tools did they use to fuel America? What was it like working long hours inside a mine? What kind of lives did they lead off work in the company towns? Find out by joining us at this ranger talk at Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Look for signs at the visitor center or ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for program start location.