Since 2002, the annual New River Birding and Nature Festival takes place in and around the New River Gorge National Park and River in the heart of the upland, hardwood forests that Cornell Lab of Ornithology identified as a crucial stopover habitat for the continued survival of species such as Golden-winged, Blue-winged, and Swainson's Warbler, as well as the Scarlet Tanager. Our bird and nature watching festival highlights more than 100 bird species on a variety of daily birding tours.
It's our favorite week of the year and we like to think of it as a five-star nature vacation where you nurture your mind and body by connecting with nature in the fresh spring air of the Appalachian Mountains.
You won't find rows of vendor tables with cool stuff from interesting places. You will find dinner tables with all kinds of folks from all sorts of places who enjoy exploring the phenomena of the physical world. A friendly bird and nature watching vacation for everyone, we offer a variety of daily guided birding and nature excursions, world-class speakers, the finest collection of guides, tasty food, and a back-porch atmosphere unmatched by any other birding festival. Signature guided bird watching experiences include opportunities to visit a wide range of habitats, world class instruction for those wanting to enhance their skills, and the best guide-to-guest ratio on the festival circuit. All skill levels are welcome.
Our inclusive packages range from deluxe cabin accommodations to lodging on your own. Each day offers a great field trip, three tasty meals, two knowledge and fun packed presentations, world-class folks you may get to know as friends, and good times.
Schedule of Events:
6:00 am: breakfast at Burnwood
Breakfast is provided hot buffet-style at 6 AM under a pavilion at Burnwood. Cranberry and Infinity Loop trips have a breakfast provided on the bus. Birding by Thursday, coffee is ready at 6 AM and breakfast at 8 AM.
6:15 am - 7:00 am: field trips depart from Burnwood
Cranberry and Infinity Loop trips depart from Burnwood as quickly as possible. Your breakfast is provided and waiting on the bus. Cranberry and Infinity Loop trips return by 5 PM.
All other trips depart from Brunwood by 7 AM and return by 2 PM.
6:00 am - 5:00 pm: Infinity Loop
7:00 am - 2:00 pm: Babcock
7:00 am - 2:00 pm: Kanawha Falls
7:00 am - 2:00 pm: Sugar Creek
7:00 am - 2:00 pm: Fayette Station, Two-Point-Oh!
11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Picnic-style lunch
Lunch is provided on field trips, picnic style, prepared by the respective outdoor adventure center that owns the bus, Adventures on the Gorge or ACE Adventure Resort.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: field trips return to Burnwood
4:00 pm: presentation in the Meadows at Opossum Creek Retreat
- Tom Stephenson
5:00 pm: appetizers and happy hour
6:00 pm: Dinner
Sunday Festival check-in is a casual cookout welcome for all-week and first-half-week birders; roll in between 6 PM and 8 PM, at Burnwood.
Monday through Saturday, appetizers and happy hour at 5, and dinner starts at 6 PM in the Meadows at Opossum Creek Retreat; beverage options and outdoor seating are provided.
7:00 pm: presentation
- Katie Fallon - and ambassadors from the ACCA
