6/29/2011
PIPESTEM, W.Va. – River treks or a dip in the old farm pond are not the typical activities for a July 4th weekend, but if hiking, watching birds and taking in an evening show at the outdoor amphitheater trumps fireworks, then
Pipestem Resort State Park is a
natural choice for the holiday weekend.
“Pipestem is a special place to learn about animals, insects, birds and even a little history of the area and our state,” said Erin Cockerham, summer naturalist. She mentored under full-time naturalist Jim Phillips at Pipestem in 2009 and learned a lot about interpretation from a practical viewpoint beyond the classroom. She is a pre-professional biology major at Concord University in Athens, W.Va.
Anyone interested in nature-based activities at Pipestem Resort over the July 4th weekend is invited to participate. There is no charge to attend these activities or visit the Nature Center. The Nature Center is open afternoons from Wednesday - Sunday, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 30
River Trek begins at 9 a.m. at the Canyon Rim Center for a hike down the River Trail to Mountain Creek Lodge. Please bring old shoes for wading the Bluestone River. The return up the mountain is via aerial tram back up to the Canyon Rim Center. The tram fee is $2. The adventure lasts about three hours.
Friday, July 1
Brush Creek Falls Walk is a “drive to” and then an interpretive hike along Brush Creek. Pipestem has made improvements in this area and is becoming a favorite area to hike and explore. Dr. Matchen, a geology professor from Concord University, will be the main hike leader. To attend this activity, meet at the Pipestem Nature Center parking lot at 9:30 a.m. The hike and nature study will last around two hours, including driving time.
Saturday, July 2
Bluestone River Walk begins at 10 a.m. when hikers meet a National Park Service ranger at Mt. Creek Lodge for an interpretive hike along the Bluestone River. Hikers will need to take the aerial tram down to Mountain Creek Lodge and allow 15 minutes for the aerial tram ride decent into the gorge. The return tram cost is $2 per person.
And if the Bluestone River Walk isn’t enough to get your blood pumping, the 10 a.m.
Bluestone Turnpike Hike will. The turnpike hike is a 10-miler along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. Hikers should wear appropriate shoes or boots and bring a snack and water for the trek. Reservations are required to participate. Shuttles from Bluestone State Park bring hikers back to Pipestem and must be arranged in advance. Call 304-466-1800 ext. 344 to sign up. This activity can last up to five hours and is considered strenuous by most. “It is one of our most requested hikes,” said Cockerham. “People like the area, the exercise, and most of all the wilderness-like feeling as we hike. I personally enjoy getting the chance to see river otters along the Bluestone.”
Sunday, July 3
Two walks are planned – a 9 a.m.
Bird Walk meets in the lobby of McKeever Lodge, Pipestem’s main lodge, and at 11 a.m. there is a
Pond Walk where the naturalist lets attendees “take a dip” with a net in an old farm pond to discover what critters make ponds their home. “These are guided discovery hikes,” said Cockerham. ‘We always find things to identify and to learn about.”
Outdoor amphitheater shows at Pipestem State Park over the July 4th Weekend include an Elvis Tribute show and a Community Town Band performance.
Friday, July 1
"Elvis/Johnny Cash/1950s Show" is at the Pipestem amphitheater and will feature Wrenn Mangum. He grew up on Rockabilly, ‘50s and Elvis and his voice, stage presence, and charisma capture the essence of that era. From humility and humor all the way to romance and Rock & Roll rebellion, Wrenn pays tribute to the Rockabilly greats Elvis, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis and the like with an incredible energy that reminds us of why there were so cool to begin with. Show begins at 8 p.m. and the tickets are $6 for adults and half price for children.
Saturday, July 2
The East River Mountain Town Band is a community town band that performs an eclectic mix of classical, popular and patriotic concert band music. This ensemble of 60-plus members is directed by Concord University graduate and retired Mercer County music teacher Mel Saunders. Show begins at 8 p.m. and the admission is free.
For more information about Pipestem Resort State Park, accommodations, services and activities, call 304-466-1800 or visit
www.pipestemresort.com
Contact Information
Erin Cockerham, Summer Naturalist
304-466-1800