New River Gorge National River is one of the premier climbing destinations in the eastern United States/NPS

New River Gorge National River invites members of the public who have an interest in climbing at New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area to the autumn climbing public meeting. The event will be held October 27 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center on U.S. Route 19, just north of Fayetteville, West Virginia.

This meeting follows up on the semi-annual public meetings for those interested in climbing at New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area held since April 2017. At the upcoming meeting the park staff will provide updates on action taken as a result of comments in previous meetings, discuss the current Climbing Management Plan (2005), and answer questions and take comments from attendees.

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.

Area residents, business owners, local officials, organizational representatives and others interested in climbing are encouraged to provide feedback to the park. Those who are unable to attend the event can provide their comments via email to [email protected], or via email to: New River Gorge National River, Attn: Claire Rozdilski, P.O. Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846.

Attendees who require additional information or special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting should contact Claire Rozdilski at 304-465-6526 or via email at [email protected] prior to October 25. 

Information about climbing at New River Gorge National River can be found this webpage.