New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (Episode 34)

Send us Fan MailNew River Gorge became America's newest national park in 2020 — but the story here goes back 10,000 years. This is where the smokeless coal that fueled the industrial revolution came from. Where Henry Ford leased mines and Carter G. Woodson — the father of Black History Month — worked as a coal miner. Where Mother Jones helped build the labor movement. And where one Saturday every October, BASE jumpers from around the world leap off the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.Eve West, Chief of Interpretation and Education at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, joins The Parks Podcast to peel back the layers of a park that keeps revealing more the deeper you go — and share everything you need to know to plan your visit.In this episode: — Why New River Gorge was designated a national park AND preserve — and what the difference means — Henry Ford, Carter G. Woodson, and Mother Jones — the history most visitors don't know — How the gorge's forests were stripped bare and came roaring back — Invasive species — what they are, what's happening at New River, and what you can do — Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and everything else you can do here — Bridge Day — the one day a year people jump off the bridge — How to plan a visit to a park that doesn't work like traditional national parks — Accessibility, dogs, camping, and where to stayLinks mentioned: Plan your visitBridge DayBridge Walk (underneath the bridge)Gauley River National Recreation AreaFriends of New River GorgeCamping reservationsSupport the show