This East Coast State National Park Has One Of The World's Oldest Rivers
By Mina Elwell
VACATIONS
With more than 100 miles of hiking paths to explore across its 72,000 acres of dense forest, the park's best feature is perhaps the one that gives it its name: the New River Gorge.
The park is home to what is said to be the oldest river on Earth and the oldest in North America. The river carved a deep gouge into the ancient mountains, creating a deep canyon.
It is ironically designated "New River," possibly by exploring colonists who accidentally named it when they noted their discovery of a new river in West Virginia.
Along with taking in the river, visitors can also scale high cliffs, go whitewater rafting, and, once a year, participate in a huge event to walk the bridge that spans the gap.