UPDATE Jan. 23, 2018: Following the enactment of the continuing resolution, staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area have resumed regular park operations.
All roads, trails, campgrounds, and river access points are open and accessible, 24 hours a day, weather permitting, according to Julena Campbell, Public Affairs Officer and Chief of Interpretation & Cultural Resources for the three national park areas.
The service did not provide visitor services at its visitor centers or administrative offices, park restrooms, trash collection, and facilities. Nor did it provide roads maintenance, including snow plowing.
A shutdown began at midnight January 20 after Congress failed to pass a relevant legislation funding bill for government operations and agencies.
During the winter, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Sandstone Visitor Center in Sandstone is open Fridays through Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Park employees are happy to be back at work, serving the American people and welcoming visitors to their national parks," Campbell said.
Please visit www.nps.gov/neri, www.nps.gov/blue, or www.nps.gov/gari for updated information about the park.
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