Along Route 19 in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia lies the New River Gorge National River. Crossing the bridge that spans the gorge takes less than a minute, giving no hint to travelers of the immense history, geology and technology encompassed in this valley. However, a stop at the Visitors Center offers a unique view of the world’s second largest single-span steel arch bridge, a museum of local history, boardwalk trails and overlooks of the Gorge. Designation in 1978 as a National River by the National Park Service insured the protection of 53 miles of this historic watershed.

[Read more →]