Nature's Rollercoaster

By Jack Hoblitzell

Images Editor

ome to some of the nation's most breathtaking scenery, The New River Gorge National River has become one of the East Coasts most popular outdoor destinations. The New River Gorge, over a 1000 feet deep in places, is ringed by cliffs and is a playground for climbers, hikers, kayakers, and rafters.

Commercial raft trips run from March through October and are the most popular way to travel the river. Kayakers playing in the rapids are a comon sight throughout the day. Long stretches of flat water separate the rapids, and during the summer warm water temperatures make the river perfect for swimming and floating.

As the shadows lengthen and the afternoon sun drops lower in the sky, rafters float under the New River Gorge Bridge, the world's longest steel arch bridge. From below the bridge is truly spectacular. Spanning the Gorge some 900 feet above the river, the bridge dominates its surroundings and provides a fitting climax to a long day on the river.