Mary Draper Ingles Walk Experience

Mary Draper Ingles Walk Experience

Walk in the footsteps of Mary Draper Ingles' 1755 escape from captivity as she traveled through the New River Gorge.

By New River Gorge Eco Tours

Date and time

Saturday, November 16 · 1 - 4pm EST

Location

Stone Cliff Campground

McKendree Road Oak Hill, WV 25901

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.
Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

  • 3 hours

Mary Draper Ingles famously "followed the river" home to Drapers Meadows, Virginia, after being kidnapped and held in captivity in present day Kentucky. The path of her return trip in November of 1755 went fully through the New River Gorge. Modern scholars of Mrs. Ingles' journey have determined that her route would have likely been along the Stonecliff Trail, and the timing would seem to indicate that she would have passed here in mid to late November.

Join us for a special Mary Ingles eco tour on either Saturday, November 16 or Sunday, November 17, 2024. Your guides will lead you along the Stone Cliff Trail and provide special opportunities designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the monumental challenges Mrs. Ingles faced as she braved the wilds of the New River Gorge those many years ago.

Your guides will lead you not only along the probable path of Mary Ingles journey, but acquaint you with the story of her capture and return, both the facts and the fictions.


New River Gorge Eco Tour cancellation and refund policy:

  • Cancellations made more than 14 days before the event will be refunded the total booking charge less a $5.00 cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations made between 7 and 13 days before the event will be refunded 50% of the booking charge.
  • No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the event.
  • Full refunds will be issued if tours are canceled due to inclement weather or if tour registration is below the minimum threshold of 3 participants.

Frequently asked questions

Where will the Mary Ingles Walk Experience take place?

This walk will be held on the Stone Cliff Trail, along the New River. The terrain is mostly level and the walk will cover about 3 miles, out and back.

Where will the tour begin? How will I know where to go?

The tour begins and ends at the Stone Cliff Campground, just a mile from the historic town of Thurmond. There is plenty of parking.

Who are my guides?

New River Gorge Eco Tours are guided by the owners, Amy & Shawn. Both are Master Naturalists, trained in first aid and permitted to operate within the New River Gorge National Park.

How far will we walk?

We will cover about 3 miles total.

What should I expect?

You'll meet your guides, Amy and Shawn, at the selected trailhead. They will review safety guidelines and give you an overview of the trail. Amy & Shawn will provide narration about Mary Ingles' journey, and point out many natural features she would have experienced.

What do I need to bring?

Most folks like to have a camera. Insect repellent is a good idea, but sunscreen is usually not necessary since we spend most of our time under the forest canopy. You should bring drinking water, but Amy & Shawn will have extra as a safety precaution.

What should I wear?

The most important thing is footwear. Please wear hiking boots or sturdy and comfortable shoes. Sandles are not a good idea. Dress in layers because sometimes the temperature can vary greatly from beginning to end of the tour, and rain gear is advisable if the forecast calls for it.

May I bring my dog?

No, sorry. We do not allow pet dogs on our tours.

Organized by

New River Gorge Eco Tours

At New River Gorge Eco Tours, we believe that everything is better in hiking boots.

During your guided forest walk, we’ll tell you the story of the New River Gorge from its geological beginnings to the human activity that has become an integral part of its ecology. Together we’ll explore different forest communities and the complex network of plants and fungi that make up the “Wood Wide Web.” We promise – you’ll walk out from under this lush forest canopy with a deep appreciation of all the beautiful places and tiny treasures that make this place exceptional.