Popular national park vandalized, perhaps by troubled visitor
Authorities in West Virginia are seeking help from the public in identifying the person who painted over rocks and trees at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
“The park continues to request that anyone with information regarding the defacement of Long Point on or around 12/23/24 reach out,” the park stated Wednesday via social media.
Anyone with potentially helpful information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers West Virginia or telephone 304-255-7867.
Images shared by the park show extensive vandalism in the form of painted words, most of which are smeared. The most legible message reads, “Why me,” which caused some on social media to be concerned for the perpetrator.
“This looks like it could have been done by a depressed juvenile,” one follower remarked via Facebook. “Hope that kid’s okay, if so.”
Another follower echoed this sentiment, but far more people expressed anger and bewilderment.
Painted message on rock surface. Photo: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The most popular comment on the park’s Instagram page:
“I can’t understand the rationale of someone who thinks, ‘What should I do today? I know, I’ll go somewhere beautiful to hike. And, I need to grab some spray paint to make it ugly!’ Please explain if you are one of those people.”
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is named after the scenic New River and famous for its stunning views from the river or the park’s many hiking and biking trails.