Season in Full Swing at New River Gorge National River

Summer is almost here!  This is the perfect time to enjoy a ranger-guided programs at New River Gorge National River.  National Park Service visitor centers are a good place to begin any park visit. These facilities offer detailed information about the park’s natural and cultural resources and recreation opportunities. The year-round facilities, Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing and Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone, are open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Summer facilities open for the season this weekend, May 23. Thurmond Depot Visitor Center in Thurmond (10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily) and Grandview Visitor Center at Grandview (12:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily) are open daily through Labor Day.

Ranger programs are an enjoyable way to explore parks and learn more about each site’s amazing resources. Enjoy the programs of Water Safety Weekend as part of your Memorial Day weekend celebrations. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Below is a list of this weekend’s featured ranger programs:

Saturday, May 23, 2015:

Water Safety Weekend: Water Safety Roundup

2:00 pm -4:00 pm. Meet at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Do you know how to throw a water rescue bag or how to make sure you’ve got the best life jacket for you? Have fun as you try your hand at smart water safety techniques like this and more --- from the safety of land.

Water Safety Weekend: River Ranger Rendezvous

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Meet at the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk on River Road near Hinton. Learn easy tips to stay safe when you go out on your next fishing or boating river adventure. Come and go as you please for this informal program near the water’s edge.

Sunday, May 24, 2015:

Water Safety Weekend: Water Safety Festival

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Meet at the “The Pits” boat-launch area on Bluestone Lake on Route 20 in Hinton. This hands-on festival for all ages features watercraft safety, life jacket fittings, water rescue demonstrations, and much more. See how you can put these smart water safety tips into action at every turn.

Monday, May 25, 2015:

Water Safety Weekend: River Ranger Rendezvous

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Meet at the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk on River Road near Hinton. Learn easy tips to stay safe when you go out on your next fishing or boating river adventure. Come and go as you please for this informal program near the water’s edge.

For more information about New River Gorge National River and upcoming ranger activities, visit http://www.nps.gov/neri, check out the park Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgensps, or stop by any park visitor center.

About the National Park Service

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.

PHOTO CAPTION: Kids learn how to gear up for a safe water adventure on a river or lake. National Park Service photo.