New River Gorge News

New River Gorge Bridge from Long Point

Hiking proponents in southern West Virginia are encouraging area residents to eschew crowded stores on the afternoon after Thanksgiving Day and instead join in a group hike on the Long Point Trail, which leads to one of the best known scenic overlooks in New River Gorge National River.

The 3.2-mile hike to-and-from the rock outcrop at Long Point departs from the Long Point trailhead off Gatewood Road near Fayetteville at 10 a.m., according to a joint press release issued by the National Park Service and the regional activity initiative Active Southern West Virginia.

The easy-to-moderate trail leads to one of the best views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. Hiker should wear appropriate shoes and anticipate potentially wintry weather.

The distance hiked will count toward totals for the New River Gorge 100-Mile Challenge, a hiking initiative being promoted in conjunction with the of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, according to ranger Jodi French-Burr.

Photo courtesy WVExp.com.