Glen Jean, West Virginia, Oct. 17, 2013- New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and the Bluestone National Scenic River re-open to visitors today. Visitors can access all public areas and facilities including visitor centers, restrooms, river accesses and campgrounds. The three parks have been closed since October 1 due to the lapse in Congressional appropriations.
"We are all very happy to be to be back at work and welcoming visitors to New River Gorge National River," said Superintendent Trish Kicklighter. I would like to especially thank our nine employees who worked during the furlough period. They all did an exceptional job."
October is the second busiest month for visitors to the area, particularly with Bridge Day events taking place on Saturday. Canyon Rim Visitor Center will be open to the public during the event, and visitors can enjoy another view of the bridge from the overlook. Employees are happy to be back at work to welcome visitors to the Gorge and continue the park's fall education programs in the local schools.
Park updates will be posted to the park's website at www.nps.gov/neri. You can also find updates on the park's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps and the park's Twitter page at https://twitter.com/NewRiverNPS. For questions, please contact RobinSnyder at 304-640-0724.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
