Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2022 | 15 Posts
- 2021 | 24 Posts
- 2020 | 26 Posts
- 2019 | 11 Posts
- 2018 | 6 Posts
- 2017 | 3 Posts
- 2016 | 19 Posts
- 2015 | 4 Posts
8
New River Gorge: Now a WV National Park
Only 63 areas throughout the country have been recognized with the designation of national park. As of January 2021, West Virginia is honored with the naming of New River Gorge as the first national park in the state. Almost heaven, indeed!
Thanks to its natural beauty and abundance of activities, New River Gorge has long been a favorite location for our real estate agents. Here's a look at why the newly-minted national park should be on your recreational radar.
The Road to National Park Status
Technically, "The New," as it's affectionately known to locals, has been part of the national park system since 1978, when it became New River Gorge National River after President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation. This act put 70,000 acres under protection of the national park system in order to preserve the area for future generations.
With the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December 2020, approximately 7,000 acres of New River Gorge attained full-fledged national park status, where hunting is forbidden. The remainder of the park is maintained as a national preserve, continuing to operate under essentially the same policies that took effect in 1978.
Celebrating the Beauty of West Virginia
In the midst of New River Gorge's spectacular scenery rises its most iconic feature: the New River Gorge Bridge. Prior to the bridge's opening in 1977, crossing the river involved a 40-minute journey along narrow mountain roads. Thanks to the bridge, the trip was cut down to less than a minute.
Since then, the New River Gorge Bridge, the third-highest span in the United States, has become one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia. Its image graced the state's version of the commemorative quarters issued by the U.S. Mint in 2006, and the bridge itself landed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
An Inside Look at New River Gorge National Park
Even before it became the latest star in the national park constellation, New River Gorge was one of the country's top destinations for rock-climbing enthusiasts. The park boasts nearly 2,000 high-quality climbs, meaning you can anticipate a fresh challenge with each visit. Sport climbing, which makes use of permanent anchors in the rocks, is the predominant form, but there are also opportunities for traditional and top-rope climbing.
For those who prefer more down-to-earth activities (or is it closer to the ground?), New River Gorge has much to offer as well. Hiking trails range from 1/4 mile to seven miles in length in a variety of terrains, so there's something to match any preferred degree of difficulty. If you're really ambitious, take the 100 Mile Challenge that started as a way to observe the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. The trails are pet-friendly, so bring Fido along.
Of course, the magnificent New River is the centerpiece of the park, so many activities revolve around water. During summer, whitewater rafting is a popular activity, and anglers are lured by the abundance of bass, walleye, and catfish found in the river.
Whether you're looking for a primary residence or a vacation getaway, you'll find it among the wonderful Morgantown homes for sale. Ready to make the move? Contact us at Heritage Real Estate Co. for professional assistance every step of the way.
Bill Porter, Broker
(304) 612-3746207 Aurora Dr
Morgantown, WV 26508
WEST VIRGINIA LICENSES BROKER WVB240300963
AGENCY 010271-00
Translate
Office License No. 010271-00