New River Gorge National Park: America’s Newest Adventure Haven

Hello to the latest national park in the United States – New River Gorge National Park! This natural wonder is located in the heart of West Virginia, taking millions of years to meticulously create its stunning landscape, and now it is ready to become the backdrop for your next adventure. The sandstone cliffs provide world-class climbing activities, and the rapids of rivers provide the most exciting drifting activities on the East Coast. No wonder this place has been preserved for so long. But the secret has been revealed, and as of December 27, 2020, the New River Gorge officially became the latest national park and protected area in the United States, which has made adventurers around the world very happy.

Concerns and Challenges of the New River Gorge Park

The path of the park winds along the slopes, leading hikers and cyclists to some of the most scenic spots in West Virginia. Imagine standing on the Changjiao Bridge, gazing at what used to be the world’s longest single span arch bridge – the New River Gorge Bridge, feeling like I am standing at the top of the world. However, not everyone is celebrating. Locals are increasingly concerned about whether the park is ready to welcome visitors. Gene Kistler, the co owner of Water Stone Outdoors, expressed a common concern: “This matter is considered too little, it’s a bit strange.” Due to limited camping sites, overcrowded hiking sites, insufficient trails and parking lots, locals are concerned that the public park’s infrastructure may not be able to withstand a surge in tourists.

Despite these concerns, the excitement is palpable. Eve West, a public information officer with the park, reported a 90% increase in website hits, particularly on the ‘Plan Your Visit’ page. Melissa McCune, a council member for Thurmond, has noticed a significant uptick in out-of-state visitors, many of whom are ‘national parkers’ eager to check the newest park off their list.

Yet, with no additional funding accompanying its new status, the park faces financial challenges. New River Gorge operates on an $8.7m annual budget, a fraction of what larger parks like Yellowstone work with. The local community has even had to step in to provide essential equipment for the park’s rescue squads.

This designation also brought costs to local hunters, who lost 7000 acres of high-quality hunting land. Although hunting is still allowed in protected areas, the disappearance of the center of the canyon hunting ground has made some people feel “very disgusted”, such as hunter and outdoor writer Larry Keys

Optimism and Potential of the New River Gorge Park

But this is not all bad luck and pessimism. The new status of the park is expected to bring economic benefits and highlight the natural beauty of West Virginia. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, who helped create the park, are optimistic about its growth potential. A plan has been made to accommodate more tourists, and some locals are excited about the future of the park.

As a travel columnist and adventurer, I can prove the charm of Xinhexia National Park. It is a beautiful and exciting place, ranging from the intense rapids of drifting to hiking through the endless Great Wall. The new status of the park is well deserved, as it has attracted tourists from all directions. When John Denver’s “Country Road” echoes in our minds, we think of West Virginia, where the undulating green Appalachian Mountains are indeed “almost heaven”

So, pack your luggage, bring your equipment, and head to Xinhexia National Park. Whether you want to conquer rapids, climb cliffs, or simply immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, this park is ready to welcome you outdoors. Just remember to be gentle and respect this land that has been cherished for thousands of years. Adventure awaits in the latest national parks in the United States!

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