Glen Jean, West Virginia, Oct. 28, 2013-The National Park Service is pleased to announce the reopening of the Rend Trail, previously known as the Thurmond-Minden Trail. Portions of the trail were closed in early June for project crews to repair a blowout in the 32 foot high historic dry stacked stone retaining wall. New River Gorge National River received cyclic maintenance project funds to complete this project and ensure visitor safety for those recreating on the trail.
The retaining wall developed a 20 foot by16 foot hole that compromised the integrity of the trail, potentially causing severe damage and possible total failure of the trail tread surface. Day labor crews in the park completed the necessary repairs including removing all vegetation and soil to over 20 feet deep below the original trail tread. The rebuilding of the trail section involved adding and compacting layers of dirt and stone, while also rebuilding the stone outer wall. Crews installed new culverts and drainage pipes, opened up new ditches, and will be reseeding sections and adding gravel soon as weather permits.
This trail is a popular access for hikers, runners, and bikers in the park. Check out the park's trail newspaper at https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking.htm for additional hiking locations in the park. For questions, please contact Robin Snyder at 304-640-0724. 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.
About the National Park Service
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit https://www.nps.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
