10/7/2008
A Heron Fest, a Civil War battle, a mansion on an island lit by candles, Irish Road Bowling, a 10-mile hike and a woodsman competition complete with bluegrass music are scheduled at West Virginia state parks the weekend of October 10-12.
October is an exciting time to take part in West Virginia state parks activities, according to Sissie Summers, Programming Administrator. “It’s all a person can do to keep up with the fun events parks and park advocates arrange. There’s a variety of events all the year and the price is right, free or dang close to it.”
“It’s like Independence Day in October,” Summers explains. “‘Leaf colors are our fireworks and, according to reports from our staff, visitors will not be disappointed.” The West Virginia state park Web site, www.wvstateparks.com , posts leaf peeping reports to help visitors determine color change. “In addition to fall color, most parks are getting ready for that other season – winter – that folks are planning for. Winter getaways, New Year’s Eve offers and dinner theaters begin in November and run through early spring. But right now, if families and friends are looking for something to do this weekend, parks offer outdoor events, great views from a park restaurant, and great fall colors to enjoy on a hike or drive.”
October 10 and 11 – Mansion by Candlelight on Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Contact: Blennerhassett Island, Pam Salisbury, Events, pamsalisbury@wvdnr.gov
For two nights only! Sternwheeler rides will transport you back to the year 1805 where the Blennerhassetts are hosting a party on the island near Parkersburg. On this autumn evening, electricity is banished while the mansion and island are transformed into the flame-lit world of the early 19th century. The soft glow of candlelight will weave a mesmerizing spell as you listen to music, see dancing or watch a lively game of cards. The island’s cooks will be busy preparing a harvest dinner. Some of the festivities include: The Tavern Tarts, 18th Century Dancers, characters Margaret and Harmon Blennerhassett and Mr. and Mrs. Putnam, music, clog dancing and gingerbread samples. Reservations are required and available by phoning (304) 420-4800. Call for sternwheeler boarding location. An info card is posted online at www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.
October 11 – Irish Road Bowling at Holly River State Park
Contact: Holly River, Ken McClintic, Superintendent, hollyriver@wvdnr.gov
Irish Road Bowling makes use of a ball made out of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. “There are basic rules and terms and participants hurl a 28 ounce ‘bowl’ with an underhand motion down a one-to-two mile country road and see how far it goes,” explains Ken McClintic, Park Superintendent. The game is scored like golf, with the fewest shots from the start to the finish line winning. McClintic, a road bowler himself, won the W.Va. state championship July 2008 held in Ireland, W.Va., with final shot about the length of three football fields. For information about Irish Road Bowling event at Holly River or at Stonewall Resort (November 2) go online www.wvirishroadbowling.com or phone Holly River at (304) 493-6353.
October 11 – Heron Festival at Beech Fork State Park
Contact: Beech Fork, Dillard Price, Assistant Superintendent, dillardprice@wvdnr.gov
A day of family fun from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. begins with art and crafts and continues throughout this Saturday event. Pontoon rides and hayrides are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Balloon Art by Garry Boothe at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. is a family favorite at the activity room; the bike parade (1 to 2 p.m.) and live gospel music from 1 to 4 p.m. New this year is the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Habitat and Fisheries Management Display at 2 p.m. and Forestry Arson Display at 3 p.m. Following the camper decorating contest award at 7 p.m. is Bugs Stover and his “Chillers and Thrillers” Campfire Stories from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information call Beech Fork (304) 528-5794. Beech Fork State Park is located in the south western section of West Virginia near Barboursville and is easily accessible from Interstate 64.
October 11 and 12 – Twin Falls Resort’s 26th Annual Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree
Contact: Twin Falls, Scott Durham, Superintendent, scottdurham@wvdnr.gov
Twin Falls Resort State Park even, with the ongoing expansion of the park’s lodge, is still hosting one of the state’s best home-grown festivals. The events this year include woodsman competition with WVU Forestry School and Gilbert Lumber starting at 10 a.m., and chain saw carving by Don Blanchard, both on Saturday only; art and crafts both days; dancing with Lou Maiuri (Saturday), clogging (Sunday), and bluegrass sounds both days by the Accord Family. All events will be held at Twin Falls ball field with the exception of hayrides, which begin at the pro shop upper parking lot. For more information and times call Twin Falls 304-294-4000. Twin Falls is located in Wyoming County near Saulsville on Route 97 about 30 minutes from Beckley.
October 11 and 10 Mile Fall Hike at North Bend State Park
Contact: North Bend, Kathy Metz, Assistant Superintendent, kathymetz@wvdnr.gov
Assistant Superintendent Kathy Metz will be leading this year’s 10-mile hike along North Bend’s Rail Trail. Hikers are to meet at North Bend shelter number 3 at 8 a.m. for caravan departure and should bring lunch and water. Color forecast at North Bend is excellent, according to park reports. For details, call the park in advance at (304) 643-2931. “If hikers can’t make this event, North Bend is offering a 20 percent discount in the lodge rooms, October mid-week,” Metz says. “A lot of people just like to visit and walk the park trails or North Bend Rail Trail at their leisure.” North Bend is situated in Ritchie County between Cairo and Harrisville with exits off U.S. 50 at Ellenboro or for Cairo. Mapquest routing is not recommended.
October 11 and 12 – Droop Mountain Battle Reenactment
Contact: Droop Mountain, Mike Smith, Superintendent, mikesmith@wvdnr.gov
This two-day reenactment of the 1863 Civil War Battle of Droop Mountain includes battles on both Saturday and Sunday with the Skirmish at Mill Point at 3 p.m. Saturday and the Battle at Droop Mountain, at 1 p.m. Sunday; living history events, Civil War Museum, period dance and more. Join us to understand the history of this site of West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle. To learn more about the weekend agenda for this event, visit www.droopmountainbattlefield.com . A complete schedule is provided by the W.Va. Reenactors Association or contact Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park at (304) 653-4254. The park is located in Pocahontas County along Route 219.
October 11 – “Encounter Naturalist" Autumn at Hawks Nest State Park
Contact: Hawks Nest, Willa Grafton, Naturalist, willagrafton@wvdnr.gov
Join naturalist Willa Grafton for a hike on Hawks Nest Rail Trail. Meet at the upper trail head on River Road (turn at Rite-Aid) at 8 a.m. for an approximately four-mile hike. Grafton, a certified forester, will discuss the deciduous landscape of West Virginia, fall foliage and features found at Hawks Nest. For additional information, phone Hawks Nest State Park (304) 658-5212.
October 11 and 12 – Fall Festival at Prickett’s Fort State Park
Contact: Prickett’s Fort, Public Info, info@prickettsfort.org
Enjoy this weekend and view traditional crafts, antiques and fall activities from the 18th century. Regular admission to the fort applies. Contact Prickett’s Fort State Park at (304) 363-3030 or e-mail info@prickettsfort.org to ask for details.
October 10 through 26 – Fall Foliage Runs at Cass Scenic Railroad
Contact: Cass Scenic Railroad, Fred Bartels, Trainmaster, fredbartels@wvdnr.gov
Trips are scheduled every day in October at Cass Scenic Railroad, but October 26 is the last day that trips to Whittaker Station and Bald Knob will run until May 2009. The October schedule is posted at www.cassrailroad.com or call the park at (304) 456-4300 for departure times and trips. The Halloween Train on October 25 is the last special dinner train, with the last trip of the season scheduled for October 26 to Bald Knob at 11 a.m. and to Whittaker Station at 2:30 p.m.
Contact Information
Sissie Summers
304-558-2764
sissiesummers@wvdnr.gov