Appalachian Heritage Week
September 14–20, 2026 hosted by Adventures On The Gorge
A week to slow down, dig into local history, and taste the flavor of Appalachia — all against the backdrop of the New River Gorge National Park.
From ranger-led talks at the canyon rim to fireside cooking demonstrations, craft vendors, live local music, and guided hikes through old coal-mining communities, Appalachian Heritage Week is your chance to experience the culture, land, and people that shaped this corner of West Virginia.
From Monday to Thursday during Heritage Week, save 25% off lodging and aotg adventures with the Fall Into Adventure Midweek Special
Would you like to chat with the Park Service about our local history? They host daily “Patio Talks” at the Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center at 10am. (details) Please check their calendar for other educational events about the New River Gorge.
Monday, September 14
6:00pm – 8:00pm — Wing Night with live music by Chet Lowther at Chetty's Pub
Local beers highlighted tonight at Chetty's
Tuesday, September 15
8:00am & 1:00pm — AOTG Guided Hike (heritage & history focus)
6:00-7:00pm — Storytelling: Ames Heights History with a National Park Service Ranger at Smokey's. Learn about the farms, coal mining communities, and early roads that once stood along the canyon rim, and hear the stories of the people who called this home before the national park and whitewater rafting. (details)
Wednesday, September 16
6:00-7:00pm — Free Guided Hike at Adventures On The Gorge (meet at AOTG Welcome Center)
Thursday, September 17
8:00am & 1:00pm — AOTG Guided Hike (heritage & history focus)
Smokey's: local breweries highlighted at the bar and s’mores in the courtyard (free event)
Friday, September 18
8:00pm – 11:00pm — Live music: The Kind Thieves at Chettys. Highlighting local beers.
Saturday, September 19
8:00pm – 11:00pm — Live music: Friendly Fire at Chettys. Highlighting local beers.