7/8/2011
DAVIS, W.Va. – At an elevation of 3100 feet,
Blackwater Falls State Park is a sure bet to beat summer heat. “When its 83 degrees at Kanawha State Forest or 81 degrees at Watoga State Park, you’ll find Blackwater Falls 10 and sometimes 20 degrees cooler, depending upon the season,” said Rob Gilligan, park superintendent.
In addition to cooler temperatures, Blackwater Falls features daily activities and special events and programs year-round. Park Naturalist Paulita Cousin leads interpretative walks, encourages visitors to visit the nature center and promotes hiking and biking. Daily activities at Blackwater Falls are posted online at
www.blackwaterfalls.com and vary from week to week.
Special events planned at Blackwater Falls in July include:
- July 8 - Bear Hill Bluegrass is not your typical bluegrass band. “They take pride in performing traditional bluegrass and gospel, but also include a mix of classic country and comedy and have fun,” according to Cousin. The band has a friendly down-home manner and involves the audience throughout the show. The show starts at 8 p.m. on the Blackwater Falls Lodge lawn. The entry fee is donation based. In the case of rain, the concert will move indoors.
- July 9 - “Tall Tales and Times Past with Dale” is a special campfire program at 7 p.m. Scheduled at the campfire circle by Harold Walters Nature Center, attendees will grin and giggle as Dale Pase, local storyteller and retired West Virginia park ranger, weaves a story that is mostly true and riddled with historical facts. A marshmallow roast will follow the campfire tales. S’mores kits with roasting sticks, chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows available for sale in boat house prior to program. “Tall Tales and Time Past” with Dale Pase is open to the public at no charge.
- July 9 - Following the campfire program is West Virginia Snakes at 8 p.m. Biologist Jim Fregonara of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will talk about snakes found in the Mountain State and will have live specimens. All ages are welcomed and encouraged to attend. West Virginia Snakes is open to the public at no charge and will last about one hour.
- July 12 and 13 - If you don’t know limestone from sandstone or granite from gravel, Geology! Rocks program teaches, explains and explores the mysteries of “rock.” An evening program on July 12 at 7:30 p.m. will be at Blackwater Falls Lodge with Ken Ashton. “On July 13 at 10 a.m. there’s a hike to learn about geology, topography and more,” said Cousin. Ashton is a geologist with the West Virginia Geological Survey. The morning walk starts at Pendleton Point Overlook. Anyone can attend the evening or morning activities or both. This program is great for Scout and 4-H groups, families and budding geologists. There is no fee to attend and the activities are open to the public.
- July 16 - Let’s Dance with Lou Maiuri is on your dance card for July 16 at Blackwater Falls. Lou Maiuri has taught squaredancing, an Appalachian tradition, for decades. A seasoned caller, Maiuri is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. He has won many awards in competition, including three national championships and is the director and founder of Appalachian Country Cloggers. Bringing traditional dance and instruction to our state parks is a labor of love for Maiuri – his love of people and his love for dance is obvious when you attend one of Lou’s dance events. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, dance groups, etc. welcome. The caller is Lou Maiuri and the dance is open to the public to attend at no charge. Squaredancing begins at 7:30 p.m.
- July 26 - Three Rivers Avian Center will present “Wings of Wonder.” “Who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?” What bird says this phrase? This Birds of Prey Education Program features live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Attendees will learn about owls, hawks and eagles, habitats, diet and behavior of each bird presented, and the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds. “Wings of Wonder is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. and there is no charge to attend.
Blackwater Falls State Park is located in Tucker County in the Canaan Valley area. Known for the scenery and falls, the park is open year-round and caters to the four seasons. The classic lodge accommodations and rental cabins are popular with reunions and vacationers. The lodge offers a 20 percent discount for mid-week two-night stays as part of the Cool Summer Evening options. Cabin rentals at Blackwater Falls are available for Thursday – Sunday or Monday – Wednesday nights.
“It’s another ‘cool option’ for our guests looking for a short vacation. Three or four nights in a cabin is a nice summer getaway,” said Supt. Gilligan. “Folks generally don’t have the luxury of a week away. People today need options. At Blackwater Falls, we’ve opted to give options.” Traditional cabins rented for a one week time frame and weekly rentals are still available.
Blackwater Falls State Park information, packages, and events are available at www.blackwaterfalls.com or by calling 304 259 5216.
Contact Information
Rob Gilligan, Superintendent, Blackwater Falls State Park
304-259-5216
Robert.W.Gilligan@wv.gov