CAMPING/HIKING-NP-New River Gorge, WV

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Let's visit the 63rd National Park(NP)-New River Gorge(NRG) NP and Preserve: NRG NP was declared a National Park in Dec. 2020. It contains 53 miles of the New River (the second oldest river in the world, approximately 10-360 milllion years old!); "breath-taking views of the rims of the gorge"; unique variety of plants and animals not found elsewhere; ruins and historic sites that tell the stories of people and their lives in the 1800s. The NRG Bridge, "the longest steel span in the western hemisphere", was completed in 1977. It changed a 40 minutes drive along narrow mountain roads and across an ancient river to less than a minute drive.
We will be wowed by the beautiful views of cliffs, white water rapids, ruins, history, forestry, waterfalls, and much more.

This preliminary posting includes the general itinerary to allow you to make plans and lodging arrangements ahead of time. The Organizers will fill in more details over the next weeks. Please read through thoroughly before signing up.
***Fine details: Hikes vary in Ratings from A to D; pace 2.5mi when moving, slower going up/down; includes steps-going down 821+ steps then back up the same steps. Make sure you are comfortable doing an "A" hike at this pace and with the terrain before signing up. Don't sign up if you're not sure. Attendance is limited. You will start on the Wait-list until you've answered the prescreen questions. No dogs allowed.

Itinerary:
6/13, Thurs.: 3PM-Canyon Rim Visitor Center(VC). We'll visit the VC, take in views of the NRG Bridge. Hike: Bridge Trail(Rating: D; 1.5mi. 390ft.) to stretch our legs and warm up for the next day's hike.
6/14, Fri: meet 7:30AM at campground to carpool; arrive at 7:45AM at Trailhead. Hike(Rating A: 10mi, 2000ft.; approx. 4h30min.). This trail will involve going down 821+ steps to coal mine ruins then ascending the same steps. Bring 3+L electrolytes, snacks/lunch.
Dinner: group dinner at local restaurant-TBD. Please bring cash, in case we cannot split the bill.
6/15, Sat: meet 7:30AM at campground to carpool; arrive at 7:45AM at Trailhead. Hike #1- (Rating D: 3.2mi., 320ft., 1h30min.). We will hike through rich forest, Fern Creek, and zig-zag along the cliff edge.
Hike #2- (Rating D: 1.4mi, 120ft, 1hr.) Views of tipple, coal mines, coal houses, coke oven.
Event: 2:30PM, Thurmond Depot Visitor Center, 254 River Crest Road
Thurmond, WV 25936. Visit an old railroad town. Alternate parking: Dunglen area across the river(.25mi. away) then walk across the road bridge.
6/16, Sun: Options: 1) 10AM-Sandstone Falls; meet at Sandstone Visitor Center, 330 Meadow Creek Road, Sandstone, WV 25985. This is approx. 1hr. Southeast from Rifrafter Campground.
2) TBD
3) Head home.
The Organizers may change the itinerary.

Lodging: Each person is responsible to make their own arrangements and know the cancellation policy. Summer is a popular time to visit NPs.

1. Rifrafters Campground: the Organizers are staying here, sites #4, #5.
   https://www.rifrafters.com/. We will meet at the parking lot near the Check-in office at 7:30AM to head out for the day.
2. NRG Campground: primitive campsites, free, no reservations, 1st come basis; "try your luck" during busy seasons. You should have a back up plan for this one.
   https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/camping.htm
3. The Outpost NRG Campground: check out the tent platforms...They look like treehouses!
   https://outpostnrg.com/
   There are other campgrounds and lodging options nearby.

Carpool: enter into Comments section and arrange among yourselves.

Terrain: natural, dirt, roots, stones, rock scrambling, steps; paved roads.

Bring: electrolytes(1L per 5miles, more during hotter months); tick/insect repellent; sunscreen; hiking poles(if you use them); waterproof hiking boots; hat; raingear; snacks/lunch; basic personal first aid items(ie, bandaids, Tylenol, etc); your emergency medicines(if you use them)-ie., Epi-Pen, rescue inhaler for asthma.

Cost: free NP.

Cancellation: steady heavy rain or thunderstorm for each day. We will hike in light rain.

Disclaimer: the Organizers are doing these hikes as exploratory. You are invited to come and explore the area, the trails, and the activities with us. You are responsible for your own activity, health, and well-being at all times. Outdoor activities carry inherent risks. The risks involved are the same as if you were doing these activities on your own.