Celebrate National Trails Day in the New River Gorge

Celebrate National Trails Day and start the summer on an adventure with the National Park Service. Ranger-guided walks and talks in New River Gorge National River and the Bluestone National Scenic River provide a fun way to get outdoors and learn more about the natural world that surround us and the people who shaped our past. All programs are FREE unless otherwise noted. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes for all guided hikes. Water, snacks, camera and binoculars are other useful tools to bring along. Below is a list of this weekend’s featured ranger programs:

**

*Saturday, June 1, 2013: Bluestone Walk - 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 2 mile walk.  Walk within Bluestone National Scenic River for a mile and return. Along the way, enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and discover regional history. Bring $2.00 for the return tram ride.

* *

*National Trails Day Hike - 10:00 am – 2:00 pm/3:00 pm. Meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway. 10 mile walk.  Take a walk on the wild side through Bluestone National Scenic River and explore the beauty and diversity of this remote area. Hikers will travel with a ranger along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, which runs along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. A FREE shuttle will be provided for the return trip to Pipestem State Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a lunch and plenty of water.

* *

*Historic Thurmond Tour - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

* *

*Sunday, June 2, 2013: Historic Thurmond Tour - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor. 0.5 mile walk. What was life like in one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns? Meet a ranger in Thurmond’s historic district for an informal tour of this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

* *

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/newrivergorgenps*, or stop by any park visitor center.