Friends of the New River Gorge
Protecting the Rivers and Lands of the New River Gorge Region: We support the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River through conservation, education, and community action.
About Us
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization partnering with the National Park Service to preserve, restore and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of lands, waters, and facilities in the New, Bluestone, and Gauley watersheds. We provide a vital link between private citizens and the government agency tasked with protecting and making accessible these precious wild and wonderful areas of West Virginia.
Our Mission
Friends and the National Park Service work together to develop partnership projects and programs that address park priorities and have the potential to generate volunteer and philanthropic support in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River
Support
There are many ways to support Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. We always need volunteers! We do support for races and other events in the park, and periodically do trash cleanups. Please email us and like our Facebook page to find upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Shop
Show your love of New River Gorge with our merch
Events
Join us on Facebook to join upcoming river cleanups or hang out with us at local events
Membership
Become an official Friend of the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Donate
Find out more about our upcoming projects and support your favorite by donating
Current Projects
Check out some of our current projects!
River Put In Blowers
Working in conjunction with the National Park Service, the Friends have installed and maintain hardened blowers at Summersville Dam on the Gauley River and Cunard on the New River for private users to inflate their craft. We are responsible for maintenance of these popular units. Contribute here to keep them blowing!
Bike Maintenance Station
We plan to install a bike maintenance station at the Arrowhead trailhead. This station will include a stand, pump, and basic tools for mountain bike enthusiasts to service their bikes. But we still need funding to make this happen! Contribute here to keep this project moving!
Where Needed Most
By giving to Friends of New River Gorge your tax deductible donation could provide citizen science experiences for local students, repair high-traffic trails, preserve history, and improve visitor experiences. Every bit helps – your park needs all the friends it can get.
Partners
Thank you to our local business donors for their support of Friends of New River Gorge!
Be sure to check out the member discounts at these amazing places:
News and Events
What It's Like to Be a Volunteer Coordinator at a National Park
Take a look at how Jim Walker organizes trail days, coordinates with park staff, and supports a growing network of volunteers in our three park sites.
How Community Programs Connect People to Public Lands in West Virginia
Explore how our partnership projects are creating new opportunities for education, engagement, and conservation throughout southern West Virginia.
Top Volunteer Projects at New River Gorge and Nearby Parks This Season
From clearing overgrown paths to installing new signage, check out what our incredible volunteers have accomplished this season.