1/11/2012
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Winter brings many events of interest to West Virginia’s state parks the weekend of Jan. 20, according to Sissie Summers, state parks programming services coordinator. “Canaan Valley has downhill skiing and Blackwater Falls has sledding. Hiking and bird watching are outdoor activities that park visitors enjoy in winter and any other time of year. But our special weekends generally focus on a specific interest or activity and generally with an overnight package available.” The weekend of Jan. 20 – 22 is especially packed full of winter fun.
Winter Wonder Weekend at North Bend
Dark skies and wintry weather is the perfect blend for the annual Winter Wonder Weekend at
North Bend State Park.
“Outer Space” is this year’s theme with related activities, games and programs that will create a fun family winter weekend Jan. 20-22. Sled riding is part of the fun if there is snow. “We don’t do warp speeds at our sledding hill,” said Ken Zebo, activities coordinator at the Ritchie county destination, “but we sure feel like a rocket taking off and hope for a smooth slide.” Zebo will be involved with the planned NASA activities during the weekend. Advance reservations are required.
For pricing and availability, call 304-558-2764.
Country Western Couples Weekend at Pipestem
Pipestem Resort State is hosting a Country Western Dance Couples Weekend that includes two nights at the park lodge, dance instruction, and Saturday evening dinner for two. “The $200 package is a great dance weekend,” said Shirley Martin, activities coordinator at the resort. “There is plenty of dancing and several instruction sessions.”
For dance weekends scheduled at Pipestem Resort, call 304-466-1800
Porte Crayon - A History Alive Program at Blackwater Falls
Some of the earliest images depicting West Virginia’s scenic areas, the people and their lifestyles were created by artist and illustrator David Hunter Strother. He is better known by his pen name “Porte Crayon.” A History Alive program, presented by Don Teter of Monterville, is scheduled at
Blackwater Falls State Park on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. It is a free presentation and is open to the public.
Call Blackwater Falls at 304-259-5216 for greater details.
Shirley Schweizer Winter Walk at Kanawha State Forest
On Jan. 21, the Kanawha State Forest Foundation hosts this annual winter walk. Named for foundation member and forest friend Shirley Schweizer, the hike will be led by Doug Wood. Attendees should meet at the
Kanawha State Forest swimming pool prior to 2 p.m. “This interpretive hike will be enlightening and educational with concentration on forest ecology during the winter months,” Wood explained.
For more details about hikes at Kanawha State Forest, call 304-558-3500.
For online information about these or other events and activities at West Virginia’s state parks, visit
www.wvstateparks.com and click “
Event Calendar.”
Contact Information
Sissie Summers, Programming Services
304-558-2764
sissie.a.summers@wv.gov