Tucked away in south central West Virginia, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is a gem of our National Park System, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Encompassing over 70,000 acres of land and containing a biodiversity of over 1,400 different species of plants, the park is situated along 53 miles of wild river flowing through a 1,000 foot deep gorge. With world class whitewater rafting and kayaking, tops in the nation technical rock climbing, and hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, nearly endless options for adventure exist. President Jimmy Carter signed legislation in 1978 establishing the park “for the purpose of conserving and interpreting outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects in and around the New River Gorge and preserving as a free-flowing stream an important segment of the New River in West Virginia for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” That’s exactly what we’ve been doing! This Southern West Virginia Travel Guide is worth checking out!