NRAC

10/12/2026

OH 💩— WAG BAGS ARE BACK.

Thanks to a direct donation supporting NRAC stewardship efforts, wag bags are back at select climbing areas for the season.

This resource helps protect the places we climb by making it easier for folks to do the right thing when nature calls. But the system only works if we use it responsibly and help maintain it.

Here’s how you can help:
💩Take one only when you need one
💩Use it properly...
💩Pack it out, don’t stash it!
💩Don’t grab extras “just in case” 

And be on the lookout for coming volunteer shift to help us keep stations stocked through the winter... can’t make it out to refill.. WELL keep those eyes peeled because soon you’ll be able to contribute a direct donation to kep these stations filled

Big thanks to the donor who helped bring this effort back — and to every climber who does their part to keep the New cleaner, healthier, and more cared for.

10/10/2026

Big love to the brands, businesses, and community partners who helped make the 2026 Hellraiser Comp possible.

Thank you to: Black Diamond Equipment Mad Rock Research-Based, Athlete-Proven Performance Nutrition KAYA | The Climber's App OCÚN | Think Vertical Durable, Sustainable, Gear for Climbers Rab SCARPA North America Rhino Skin Solutions Mammut Crux Power NEMO Equipment FARM TO FEET RangeFinderCoffee Crabtree Artisan Bread yumbelcookieco New River Mountain Guides Mountain Goat Climbing Guides 

last.. but certainly not least special shoutout to Water Stone Outdoors 

For nearly 30 years, Water Stone has helped connect climbers in the New River Gorge with the gear, community, and support that make events like this possible. Without their long-standing support, we wouldn’t have the same way to share all this sick gear from the rad brands that back NRAC’s work.

Please next time you need some gear - DO NOT ORDER ON LINE 😒- show real good people some real love and support!

10/07/2026

As spooky season approaches, so does bouldering season, and that means.. ground falls! 👻

NRAC recently purchased a rescue litter to support Oak Hill emergency first responders and help strengthen emergency response capacity at Needleseye.

We’re thankful for the first responders who serve this area and for everyone helping care for Needleseye!

YOU can sign up for the Hellraiser boulder competition to help support our work at Needleseye…and hopefully never use this litter 😂 link in bio!

10/07/2026

Volunteer Opportunity at Kaymoor Top — Wednesday, Oct. 14 NRG climbers — NPS is hosting a volunteer day at Kaymoor Top on Wednesday, October 14, from 9 AM–2 PM, and they’d love to have folks come out to help.�

Volunteers will meet at the Kaymoor Top parking lot near the Butcher Branch / Kaymoor Miners Trail trailhead and help remove invasive plants around the historic hoist house as part of ongoing
restoration work at Kaymoor. Tools and PPE will be provided, and volunteers will learn how to identify and properly remove invasive plant species while helping protect and restore one of the New River Gorge’s historic sites.

Interested!?!? Contact Madison Lilly with any questions: [email protected]

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

West Virginia’s public lands are part of what makes this place special!

From the Monongahela to the New River Gorge region, our forests, headwaters, trails, and wild landscapes support the outdoor experiences that bring so many of us here — climbing, hiking, paddling, biking, and simply being outside.

Roadless areas help protect that!

The Forest Service is accepting comments on a proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule. Access Fund has made it easy to add your voice.

Take a few minutes to comment, and consider adding why roadless areas matter to you as a West Virginia climber…imagine the beauty of Roller Chain, sans highway 🤔

Comment deadline: October 6 TOMORROW!

Take action through Access Fund link in bio

09/22/2026

NRAC merch is now available at Water Stone Outdoors !
This month we’re highlighting NEW NRAC BRUSHES!! 

Went to the Coliseum this summer? We can tell!

As sending season rolls in, we’re asking for everyone to care about the quality of our rock and the person climbing it after you. Yes, chalk and tick marks are part of the process, but cleaning up after ourselves is too!

Your back muscles and flappers are bigger, but so is the layer of GRIME on those jugs.

Before you leave the cliff: brush your ticks, clean up excess chalk, pack out trash, and help leave the rock better than you found it.

Big thanks to Water Stone Outdoors for supporting NRAC and the climbing community. Next time you’re in town, stop by, pick up some gear, and support local climbing access and stewardship in the New River Gorge!

09/18/2026

Thank you, Meghan!

After two seasons as a New River Gorge Climber Steward, Meghan is stepping into a new full-time role as Education Coordinator with Access Fund 🤩.

Meghan has spent her seasons with us talking to hundreds (probably thousands) of climbers, helping them connect with the bigger picture of stewardship. From Leave No Trace and wag bags to hardware, access, volunteer opportunities, local climbing history, and beta, she shows up to the crag ready to lay down the KNOWLEDGE.

Meghan’s work has always reflected the best of stewardship; sharing knowledge with patience, curiosity, and a special sense for creativity. She always has great ideas for how to educate us all, so of course Access Fund wanted her too!

We’re sad to see her season as a Climber Steward come to a close, but we’re fired up to see her bring that same experience and energy to a larger stage.

And we’re especially grateful that Meghan will continue serving the NRG climbing community as a member of the NRAC Board of Directors, where her perspective and stewardship knowledge will continue to help guide our efforts.

Please join us in thanking Meghan for all she has given and in congratulating her on this exciting next step.

09/17/2026

💀 Hellraiser is coming — and we need VOLUNTEERS!

NRAC is looking for folks to help make this year’s Hellraiser Comp happen!

Don’t want to compete, but want to spectate, show up and support? Volunteer for check-in or score-keeping, setup, cleanup, or general event support. Volunteers are the only way community events like happen. 

No special experience needed — just a willingness to show up, lend a hand, and help create a great day for YOUR climbing community. 

Want to help? Sign up at the link in bio, or reach out to the NRAC team via email.

Art by: Julia Baun

09/11/2026

Have you seen a trail or climbing approach that needs a little love?  🥾🌿

NRAC is already planning for upcoming service projects and we want to hear from you!

Which climbing areas or approaches do you think need attention? Where are you seeing erosion, drainage issues, muddy trails, confusing access, or something else that could use some work? What improvements would make the biggest difference?

Your input helps us build a clearer picture of trail needs across the New River Gorge Region, not every submission will become an immediate project, but your notes will help decide where our volunteer time and resources can have the biggest impact.

Fill out the NRAC Trails Survey through the link in our bio and help us plan what’s next 💚🌱 video by: Colette McInerney