In 1978, Congress added New River Gorge to America’s national park system because it contains an ancient river of intriguing geology and form, extraordinary scenic beauty, an unusual diversity of plants and animals, an irreplaceable memory of American mines and railroads, and superb recreation, especially fishing and boating. Congress established New River Gorge National River to conserve and interpret outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects in and around the New River Gorge and to preserve an important segment of the New River in West Virginia as a free-flowing stream for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. As part of a nationwide system of parks, it preserves America’s heritage.