The Untamed Beauty of New River Gorge

• HelloHowdy
  [hah-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pleez]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [par-dn]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haw y'all doin]
• Fine. And you?I'm good. How 'bout you?
  [ahm good. how 'bout yuh]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-lish]
• I don't understandI reckon I don't get it
  [ah reckon ah don't get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKin I take a gander at the menu, please
  [kin ah take uh gan-dur at the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't fancy no meat
  [ah don't fancy no meat]
• Cheers!Bottoms up!
  [baw-dums up]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'm fixin' to settle up, please
  [ahm fixin' tuh settle up, please]

• Help!SOS!
  [S-O-S]
• Go away!Git!
  [git]
• Call the Police!Ring the Sheriff!
  [ring the sher-iff]
• Call a doctor!Fetch a doc!
  [fetch uh doc]
• I'm lostI'm flummoxed
  [ahm flum-moxed]
• I'm illI'm poorly
  [ahm poor-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I'm aimin' to purchase...
  [ahm aimin' tuh pur-chase]
• I'm just lookingJust browsin'
  [just brow-zin]
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-ij]
• That's too expensiveThat's a mite pricey
  [thats uh mite prahy-see]
• Can you lower the price?Kin ya wiggle on the price?
  [kin yuh wig-gul on the price]

• What time is it?What's the hour?
  [whats the our]
• It's one o'clockIt's one in the mornin'
  [its one in the morn-in]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yes-t-day]
• TodayToday
  [today]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [tom-or-ah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seven]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the location?
  [whats the lo-kay-shun]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [can yuh point it out on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next haul?
  [whens the next haul]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [uh pass to]

The New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent, estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old. This ancient waterway has carved deep canyons and shaped the landscape over millennia, making it a geological marvel.

Long before European settlers arrived, the New River Gorge area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Shawnee. Archaeological evidence, including tools and pottery, indicates that these tribes utilized the river and surrounding lands for sustenance and trade.

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, European explorers began to venture into the New River Gorge area. The rugged terrain made exploration challenging, but the area’s rich natural resources, including timber and coal, eventually drew settlers.

By the mid-19th century, the New River Gorge had become a significant site for coal mining. The C&O Railway, completed in 1873, facilitated the transportation of coal and other resources, leading to a boom in the local economy. Towns such as Thurmond and Fayetteville thrived during this period.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) played a crucial role in the development of the New River Gorge. The railway opened up the region to industrialization and commerce, connecting the coal-rich areas to markets across the country.

The New River Gorge region was strategically important during the American Civil War. Both Union and Confederate forces sought control over the key transportation routes and resources. Skirmishes and battles, such as the Battle of Fayetteville in 1862, took place in the area.

By the mid-20th century, many of the coal towns that had once thrived began to decline as the demand for coal decreased and mining operations became less profitable. Towns like Thurmond became ghost towns, leaving behind a rich history and remnants of a bygone era.

In 1978, the New River Gorge was designated a National River by the United States Congress. This was done to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area. In 2020, it was re-designated as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, offering greater protection and recognition.

Bridge Day is an annual event held on the third Saturday of October, celebrating the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge in 1977. The event features BASE jumping, rappelling, and various other activities, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

In recent decades, the New River Gorge has become a hub for outdoor recreation and cultural tourism. Activities such as rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking attract visitors from around the world. Efforts have been made to preserve the rich cultural history of the area, including the restoration of historic sites and the promotion of local traditions.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in southern West Virginia. The closest airport is Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, WV, approximately 70 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach the park. For those driving, the park is accessible via Interstate 64, Interstate 77, and U.S. Route 19. Amtrak's Cardinal line also stops in nearby towns like Prince, offering a scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains.

Once at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the best way to get around is by car. Car rentals are available at major airports and in nearby towns. There are several scenic drives within the park, and parking is available at major trailheads and visitor centers. For those who prefer not to drive, local taxi services and ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft are available but may be limited. Biking is also a popular way to explore the park, with numerous trails catering to various skill levels.

The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and gas stations. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing into more remote areas or for small purchases like park fees. ATMs are available in nearby towns such as Fayetteville and Beckley.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding isolated areas after dark. While the park itself does not have high-crime areas targeting tourists, nearby towns may have varying crime rates. Always check local advisories before your visit.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The park has several visitor centers, including Canyon Rim and Sandstone, where rangers can assist with emergencies. Medical facilities are located in nearby towns, with the closest major hospital being Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, first aid kits are available at visitor centers.

Fashion: Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes suitable for rugged terrain. Avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals on trails. Religion: While the park is not a religious site, always be respectful of any cultural or historical landmarks. Public Transport: Public transportation options within the park are limited, so plan accordingly. Greetings: A friendly 'hello' or 'hi' is common and appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Always pack out what you pack in. Don't leave trash behind, and use designated picnic areas for meals.

To experience New River Gorge National Park and Preserve like a local, visit during the fall for stunning foliage or in the spring for blooming wildflowers. Engage with rangers and local guides to learn about the park's history and geology. Don't miss iconic spots like the New River Gorge Bridge and the Endless Wall Trail. For a unique experience, try whitewater rafting on the New River or rock climbing on the park's renowned cliffs.