Beckley - The idea of hiking 100 miles in the New River Gorge National River during 2016 has struck a chord with outdoor enthusiasts and New Year's resolution-makers.
More than 100 hikers braved subfreezing temperatures on Saturday to take part in the first ranger-led hike in the New River Gorge National River's 100 Mile Challenge, co-sponsored by Active Southern West Virginia and the YMCA of Southern West Virginia.
"This year is the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and our challenge to hike 100 miles in the New River Gorge National River and Bluestone National Scenic River is a way to honor that anniversary," National Park Service Ranger Jodi French-Burr told hikers just before embarking on the program's inaugural event, a 3.5-mile hike along Grandview Rim Trail.
"It's good way to start the new year right," added Ranger Richard Altare. "This hike follows the rim of the deepest part of the Gorge - it's about 1,200 feet deep here - and provides views of up to 12 miles of the New River."
New River Gorge National River became a unit of the National Park Service in 1978, and later assumed management of the Bluestone National Scenic River and the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Together, the three National Park Service units - now promoted as the National Parks of Southern West Virginia - protect nearly 114 square miles of canyon lands and cliff-top plateaus.
Saturday's hike drew 110 people and a dozen or so canine companions to the New River Gorge National River's Grandview section, a former state park perched on the rim of the New River Gorge about 15 miles east of Beckley. Hikers gathered outside the tiny Grandview Visitor Center, emitting clouds of vapor as they talked among themselves in the 29-degree air as they awaited the start of the hike.
"It's a good way to get people outside and active," said Ruth Sheff of Charleston, one of many Kanawha County hikers taking part in the event. "We don't know all the trails and the different areas to hike in the Gorge, and we thought this program would help us learn about them. If you hike just 8 or 10 miles a month, reaching the 100 mile goal is do-able."
"To paraphrase a Chinese philosopher, a journey of 100 miles begins with a single step," said Altare, just before leading the hikers on their first steps along the Grandview Rim Trail.
The trail passed through rhododendron tunnels, hemlock groves and stands of leafless hardwood forest, through which sweeping views of the New River Gorge were visible at numerous vistas along the route, which ended at Turkey Spur, a rocky promontory accessible by new staircases, boardwalks and observation platforms.
"I want to hike every trail in the Gorge this year," said Mark Jarrett, public information officer and chaplain for the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority, as he paused to take in the view along the route. "I wanted to recon this area for when my granddaughter, Scout, comes here later on. I'm her hiking paw-paw.
"Hiking the trail with a ranger really helped me learn a lot about the park and its history."
There are about 100 miles of trails to hike in the National Parks of Southern West Virginia, ranging in length from 0.25 to 8.5 miles, many of which connect to other trails, creating additional mileage for hikers eager to reach the 100-mile mark.
"A continuous trail running the length of the Gorge is in the plans and will eventually take shape," Altare said.
This year, park rangers will lead monthly hikes designed for 100-mile challenge hikers in addition to normally scheduled ranger-led hikes, during which Challenge hikers can also rack up miles. From June through August, rangers lead monthly hikes along the 8.5-mile Bluestone Turnpike Trail in the Bluestone National Scenic River, with shuttle service provided back to the tramway at Pipestem Resort State Park, which provides access to the starting point for the hikes.
Until then, additional ranger-led hikes will be posted on a more spontaneous basis, as weather and trail conditions allow, on the New River Gorge National River's Twitter and Facebook pages. Those registered as 100 Mile Challenge participants will by notified of upcoming hikes by email.
Hikers are welcome to explore the Gorge's trails on their own, and keep track of their mileage on log sheets. Participants can register and download log sheets and trail maps with hiking distances by clicking the "100 Mile Challenge" tab at www.nps.gov/neri, or by calling 304-465-2515. All participants who complete 100 miles or more will receive a prize. Additional awards will be given to the first 100 hikers to complete the challenge.
Challenge hikers also are invited to post their trail adventures on the New River Gorge National River's social media sites, using the hashtag #NRG100mi.
West Virginia's state parks system has launched a similar program, the Chief's Challenge, which encourages hikers to explore at least 100 miles of trails in state parks and state forests. Chief's Challenge information is posted at www.wvstateparks.com/Hikes_Walks.html and includes an enrollment link and mileage log sheet.
Reach Rick Steelhammer at rsteelhammer@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5169 or follow @rsteelhammer on Twitter.