The Endless Wall, a popular climbing area in New River Gorge National River/NPS

The National Park Service invites members of the public who have an interest in climbing at New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area in West Virginia to a listening session at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing, West Virginia, on Saturday, April 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The purpose of the listening session is for the NPS to gather information on issues related to climbing and to hear ideas from the public on how to address these issues. The event will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a brief presentation and then move to an open-house format. Park staff will be on hand to provide basic information, answer questions, and capture ideas and issues brought forth by the public. Multiple listening stations will be set up, covering topics such as parking, trailhead facilities, access trails, resource protection, crowding, and climbing routes.

There are more than 1,600 established climbing routes in New River Gorge National River, making the park one of the largest climbing areas in the eastern United States. The extensive cliff that rims much of the western portion of the gorge is composed of Nuttall sandstone, which is renowned among rock climbers. Since the establishment of the national river in 1978, the area’s popularity has blossomed to become one of America’s premier climbing destinations.

Any area residents, business owners, local officials, organizational representatives, and all others interested in climbing in the parks are encouraged to provide their comments. Those who are unable to attend the event on April 8 can provide their comments by e-mail or by mail to: New River Gorge National River, Attn: Claire Rozdilski, PO Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846.