Appalachia is filled with legends and superstitions, especially at this time of year. Explore this heritage on a guided night hike with National Park Service rangers along the Rend Trail near Thurmond in New River Gorge National River on Friday, October 30 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. As we walk into the dark of night, stories will shed a different light on the mountains through a blend of area history and regional folklore.
 
Legends thrive in this region of southern Appalachia, especially in the New River Gorge. Once a booming, industrial center with over 100 towns, many gorge communities are now long abandoned, leaving only stories of once-thriving communities in the forest. See evidence on the land, an old building foundation or other remnant of that industrial time, and hear stories that bring life back to these places. Some legends are based in fact – odd happenings to the living, while others show fear of the unknown or unfamiliar. Here history is something to be celebrated, even after the sun goes down.
 
Meet at the Rend Trail parking area on Route 25 near Thurmond for this two-mile forest walk on an old railroad line. Wear comfortable walking shoes, be prepared for the weather, and bring a flashlight. This night hike is FREE, but is not recommended for children under 10 years old.        
 
For more information about this program or area National Park Service sites visit: http://www.nps.gov/neri, http://www.facebook.com/newrivergorgenps, https://Twitter.com/NewRiverNPS, stop by any New River Gorge National River visitor center, or call 304-574-2115.
             
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The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information about the National Park Service, visit http://www.nps.gov.