America’s newest national park

West Virginia is calling, said Christine Loomis in USA Today. This summer, hikers, bikers, rafters, and rock climbers will flock to the New River Gorge, “a pristine swath of nature” that recently became the 63rd U.S. national park. Thick forests, whitewater rapids, and sandstone cliffs create a natural playground. Visitors can also explore eerily abandoned coal mines and learn about how time transformed the once bleak landscape. One memorable attraction, the Bridge Walk, spans the gorge at 851 feet, offering “an exhilarating stroll with photo ops galore.” Rafting and kayaking, though, are the park’s biggest draws. “No matter which part of the river you choose, it will be the kind of day you remember.” Expect crowds at the new park, because “the secret is fully out,” said Zach Harold in TheGuardian .com. Some locals worry there simply aren’t yet enough campsites, parking lots, or tourist highlights to support the flood of visitors. Others are hopeful, including local rafting operator Dave Arnold. “We’ve gone from the minor league to the majors,” he says.