![]() NPS photo Join us for the 18th Annual Hidden History Happenings September 2025
Hidden History Happenings takes place at the end of September and early October. Celebrate Appalachian heritage in Southern West Virginia. Enjoy free history programs in parks and communities throughout the New River Gorge region. The event schedule is below. Check back as we are still adding new programs. Sounds of Appalachia '25 will take place at Grandview on September 28, 2025 from 12:30 to 4:00. Explore Appalachian traditions through song. Spend the afternoon at Grandview to see and hear the magic music brings to the mountains with diverse performances by regional musicians. Performers this year include Long Point String Band, Bronco Junction, and Woodbine. Hidden History Happenings 2025 Event Schedule:Saturday, September 27, 2025:Historic Thurmond Walking Tour11:00 AM-12:00 PM Join a ranger for a walk through the historic railroad town of Thurmond, once one of the most well-known towns of the New River Gorge during the industrial boom of the 1900s. Meet at the Thurmond Depot. Graham House Chili Dinner 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Live Appalachian music, apple butter making, and historic house tours. Tours and music is free. Historic Graham House WV-12, Pence Springs WV Babcock Gristmill Open House 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed 12:00-1:00) Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works.www.wvstateparks.com/parks/babcock-state-park/ Sunday September 28, 2025:Patio Talk at Canyon Rim: West Virginia’s Mine Wars10:00-10:30 AM Learn how events that began here in the New River led to some of the worst labor violence in US history. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center Patio Talk at Canyon Rim: More Than a Mine 10:30-11:00 AM More than just miners lived in the gorge. Join us to learn about the others who lived their lives in these towns. Meet at Canyon Rim Visitor Center Historic Thurmond Walking Tour 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Join a ranger for a walk through the historic railroad town of Thurmond, once one of the most well-known towns of the New River Gorge during the industrial boom of the 1900s. Meet at the Thurmond Depot. Sounds of Appalachia ‘25 12:00-4:30 PM At the Grandview Ampitheater at Grandview Explore Appalachian traditions through song. Hear the magic music brings to the mountains with diverse performances by regional musicians at this free event.
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed 12:00-1:00) Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works.www.wvstateparks.com/parks/babcock-state-park/ Saturday October 4, 2025:Burnwood Old Growth Forest Hike10:00 - 11:30 AM 1.2 mile hike Join a ranger for a walk through an old growth forest and learn about the areas natural and cultural history. Meet at the Burnwood Trailhead (across Highway 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center) Historic Thurmond Walking Tour 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Join a ranger for a walk through the historic railroad town of Thurmond, once one of the most well-known towns of the New River Gorge during the industrial boom of the 1900s. Meet at the Thurmond Depot. Babcock Gristmill Open House 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed 12:00-1:00) Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works.www.wvstateparks.com/parks/babcock-state-park/ Sunday October 5, 2025:Historic Thurmond Walking Tour11:00 AM-12:00 PM Join a ranger for a walk through the historic railroad town of Thurmond, once one of the most well-known towns of the New River Gorge during the industrial boom of the 1900s. Meet at the Thurmond Depot. Old Growth and Hamlet History 1:00-4:00 PM 1.5-mile easy to moderate off trail hike. Walk near the New River to explore the old logging town site of Hamlet, once a booming town of the New River Gorge. See evidence of this once-thriving industrial town. Wear pants and sturdy hiking shoes; bring water and a snack. Babcock Gristmill Open House 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed 12:00-1:00) Come and go as you please to see the Glade Creek Gristmill inside and out. The miller will be on-hand for informal discussions about the history of this structure and how the mill works.www.wvstateparks.com/parks/babcock-state-park/ Meet at Glade Creek Trailhead. 6 miles from Prince near the Glade Creek Campground ![]() Hidden History Highlights VideosMatewan Unscripted: A Guided Tour in Honor of the Battle of Matewan CentennialHidden History Highlights video series: Several short videos featuring specific stories from from historic sites throughout the park. Auto Tours / Scenic DrivesAfrican American Heritage Tour Walking ToursHistoric Thurmond |
Last updated: August 26, 2025