Causes

Causes
| 2.16.21

America's 63rd National Park: New River Gorge
Will you visit the nation's newest national park?
by Causes | 2.16.21
What's the story?
- In addition to doling out COVID-19 relief and funding the government, the coronavirus omnibus elevated New River Gorge in southern West Virginia from a national preserve to become the country's 63rd national park.
- This is the culmination of a decades-long effort to transform a former industrial area into a national landmark. The gorge and its surrounding areas are prized as one of southern West Virginia's most spectacular natural places and a premier destination for adventure sports in the East.
How big is it and what are its uses?
- The park contains about 72,000 acres of land that are used for white-water rafting, rock climbing, and biking.
- The New River plunges 750 feet over 66 miles, creating long stretches of class five rapids (the most difficult rapids that white-water boaters can navigate)
- The canyon walls, which are as high as 1,600 feet, offer some of the best rock climbing on the East Coast.
- Bike routes throughout the park offer options for both technical mountain biking and casual pedaling among former railroad beds.
What impact will the national park designation have?
- Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), who introduced the New River Gorge legislation in 2019 along with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), expects the national park designation to increase visitor volume by up to 20%. Typically, about 1.3 million visitors come to the park each year.
Sound off in the comments: will you visit the New River Gorge National Park?
–Lorelei Yang
(Image Credit: Creative Commons Public Domain)
Advertisement
The Latest
-
Voting Rights, College Athletes’ Ability to Earn Money, & More on the Supreme Court’s March DocketThe Supreme Court will hear arguments this month in several notable cases, including a dispute over voting rights in the state read more...
by Causes | 3.1.21
-
Sexual Harassment Claims Against Gov. Cuomo: How Should They Be Investigated?What's the story? New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) has been accused of sexual harassment by two women, leading to calls for an read more...
by Causes | 3.1.21
-
Trump: ‘We Went From America First to America Last’What's the story?In his first public appearance since leaving office on Jan. 20, former President Donald Trump on Sunday called read more...
by Causes | 2.28.21