4/17/2009
West Virginia State Parks continues to provide a variety of events and activities into weekend outdoor and indoor opportunities the last full weekend in April.
“April is a transitional month in state parks and forests. Many areas are gearing up for summer. Facilities such as Greenbrier and Cabwaylingo state forests, Tygart Lake, Babcock and Holly River state parks are re-opening lodge or cabins for the vacation season,” says Sissie Summers, programming administrator for the state park system. “The parks with year-round lodges and cabins, such as Pipestem and Blackwater Falls, continue to have great events which encourage overnight visitation as well as day-only activities for a nice something to do.”
The West Virginia state parks system includes lodges, cabins, campgrounds, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, over 800 miles of hiking trails, picnicking areas and shelters, several lakes with boating and fishing opportunities, restaurants, conference services, and nature centers with full-time naturalists or activity coordinators.
“Just keeping up with mowing grass this spring and swimming pool preparation during a time when staffing levels are at an all time low is mind boggling,” Summers says. “But as parks deal with the routine maintenance and daily operations, these areas and supporting organizations continue to produce truly wonderful activities and events.”
In addition to April special events, the parks system has a gift card promotion in April that includes tickets to ride the train at Cass Scenic Railroad, and the mid-week “out and about” cabin discounts at more than a dozen parks and forests with cabins and cottages.
For information about events and activities, a printed calendar booklet is available by calling (304) 558-2764 or 800-CALL-WVA and requesting a copy. The Web site, www.wvstateparks.com, Calendar of Events, includes additional listings as programmers and naturalists add new events.
Events and activities April 23 – 26 at West Virginia State Parks:
· April 23 – 26 Watercolor Workshop at Tygart Lake State Park
Linda J. C. Turner of Laurelwood Art Studio instructs this workshop focused on panoramic and close-up landscapes. Any experience level welcome. The workshop will be conducted in a studio setting and also outdoors, weather permitting. Registration is required and a workshop package is offered that includes instruction, accommodations, and meals.
Contact: Tygart Lake State Park (304) 265-6144
· April 24 Jones Imboden Raid Civil War Kids Day at Prickett’s Fort State Park
School groups are invited to attend a special day of local Civil War history commemorating the Jones Imboden Raid of 1863. Civil War reenactors will provide learning stations for students throughout the day. Regular school tour admission applies.
Contact: info@prickettsfort.org, (304) 363-3030
· April 24 – 26 The Irish Road Bowling Weekend at Pipestem Resort State Park
It’s Irish Road Bowling weekend with a picnic each day. You don’t have to be Irish, but you need to come prepared for great fun. Visit www.wvirishroadbowling.com to learn about Irish Road Bowling. If you make room reservations for this weekend, ask for the Road Bowling rate of 20 percent off published room rate.
Contact, Pipestem Resort State Park (304) 466-1800
· April 24 – 26 Wine Weekend Getaway in the Mountains at Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Enjoy a getaway weekend in the mountains while learning about various wines and gourmet foods prepared by Executive Chef Nemat Odeh and the culinary team. Lodge package offered. Day guests welcome. Reservations recommended.
Contact: (304) 866-4121
· April 25 A Country Music Murder Mystery – Dinner Theater at Blackwater Falls State Park
The final dinner theater of the spring finds the Bodacious Bodines back on the road, this time at Blackwater Falls. These three singing sisters were once a country music sensation, but rivalry may create a final farewell at this final concert. A murder will be committed, and you will help piece together the clues and solve the crime. A Karen Vuranch production, the dinner theater at North Bend was an audience pleaser and as the curtain lowers, it no doubt will produce a grand finale at Blackwater Falls. An overnight package is available and includes a breakfast with the cast the following morning. Evening only attendance welcome. Reservations are required.
Contact: Blackwater Falls State Park, 304-259-5216
· April 25 Jones Imboden Raid Civil War Day at Prickett’s Fort State Park
In April 1863, Confederate forces invaded Fairmont, Virginia (now West Virginia), in an attempt to gain control of the strategic B&O Railroad and capture Francis Pierpoint, Governor of the Reorganized Virginia. The park will commemorate this event through various reenactments and demonstrations. Regular park admission applies.
Contact: info@prickettsfort.org or (304) 363-3030
· April 25 Annual Spring Bird Walk at Prickett’s Fort State Park
Come celebrate the joys of spring with a Saturday morning bird walk. Staff of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will lead the public on this annual rite of passage. Programs begin at 8 a.m. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars. Meet in the lower parking lot.
Contact: info@prickettsfort.org or call (304) 363-3030
- April 25 Great Greenbrier River Race at Greenbrier River Trail
An annual event held the last Saturday in April each year features great prizes, live music and good food. The event attracts a loyal following of racers and fans. The event is a team or individual triathlon race combining running, bicycling, and boating on the Greenbrier River. Proceeds support the Greenbrier River Trail Association. Registration is required.
Contact: Robin Young, Pocahontas County CVB, 800-336-7009 or visit the official Greenbrier River Trail Web page www.greenbrierrailtrailstatepark.com .
· April 25 Osbra Eye Memorial Walk at Kanawha State Forest
Choose from a variety of led wildflower walks on trails throughout the forest. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the swimming pool area. There will be several walks beginning at 9:30 a.m. and include wildflower identification, beginning and advanced birding, and a photography hike. There is a $5 fee for adults and $2 for ages 16 and younger to cover arrival refreshments and door prizes. The event is assisted by Division of Natural Resources, Handlan Chapter Brooks Bird Club, Mary Ingles Trail Blazers, and West Virginia Native Plant Society.
A hot dog sale is planned for lunch opportunity. Attendees are encouraged to bring a cameras and binoculars. An event flier is posted on the forest Web site www.kanawhastateforest.com .
Contact: Shirley Schweizer (304) 925-2771 or Kanawha State Forest, (304) 558-3500.
· April 25-26 New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend
Celebrate the glories of an Appalachian spring in New River Gorge National River, Hawks Nest State Park, and Babcock State Park. Wildflowers will be blooming from the rim of the gorge to the river. Join rangers and naturalists in exploring these jewels of nature as well as this region’s diverse ecology!
Contact the National Park Service at (304) 466-0417 or view flier on the Hawks Nest or Babcock state park Web pages www.wvstateparks.com .
· April 26 Spring Birding at Babcock State Park
The bird walk begins at 9 a.m. at Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park in Clifftop. Stroll the diverse habitats of Babcock with Assistant Superintendent Sean Pettrey in search of the region’s more secretive beauties — birds.
Contact: (304) 438-3004
· Nature’s Splendor Hike at Hawks Nest State Park
This walk begins at 3 p.m. and meets at the lower parking lot near Hawks Nest Lodge in Ansted. Attendees will join state park naturalist Willa Grafton to explore the many wonders of the New River Gorge on this walk along the Hawks Nest Rail Trail. See both flora and fauna on this easy hike.
Contact (304) 658-5212.
· April 25 Antiques Appraisal Clinic at Blennehassett Museum of Regional History
Bring your family heirlooms, antiques, books, paintings, collectables, yard sale finds, and other treasures to be evaluated by our antique appraiser — Jeff Spear, manager of Riverview Antiques in Marietta, Ohio. Appraisal cannot be done of jewelry, guns, or musical instruments. There is a limit of four items for appraisal per person and a cost of $5 per item. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Blennerhassett. An informational flier is posted on the park Web site.
Contact: Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (304) 420-4800.
· April 25 The Annual Show-Me-Hikes at Greenbrier State Forest
The Show-Me-Hike at Greenbrier State Forest has been a spring perennial for 45 years, beginning in 1965. The program is sponsored by the Old White Garden Club and Greenbrier State Forest. “All tours and the hike pace are geared for all ages and are not considered difficult,” according to Jeff Layfield forest superintendent. Dress for a day with nature and bring a picnic lunch. The event does not cancel if there is rain. For more details, call (304) 536-1944 or visit www.greenbriersf.com and view the event flier.
Charlie’s Bird Walk – 9 a.m.
The walk begins from the entrance to the Cabin area located approximately one mile on the right from the Main Office of Greenbrier State Forest located at Caldwell; one mile south of I-64, exit 175, on Hart’s Run Road.
The Show-Me-Hikes
Meet guides at the Main Picnic Shelter of Greenbrier State, located approximately 1.5 miles on the left from the Main Office. Pick up a Spring Wildflower check list, sip a cup of gourmet coffee and select from tours through Greenbrier State Forest, over Kate’s Mountain, or along the Greenbrier River Trail.
• All Day Tours–10 am to 4 p.m
Greenbrier River Trail or Kate’s Mountain Tour
• Morning Tours– 10 a.m. to noon
Black Bear Tour or Mabel Dowdy Trail
• Afternoon Tours– 1:30 to around 4 p.m.
Shale Barren Tour or Mabel Dowdy Trail
· April 25 – 26 Ramp Celebration Weekend at Stonewall Resort State Park
An event sure to leave a good taste in your mouth! Executive Chef Dale Hawkins celebrates the ramp – a member of the onion family that tastes like a mix between onion and garlic – through a variety of innovative dishes in his New Appalachian culinary style.
Contact: Stonewall Resort State Park (304) 269-7400
Contact Information
Sissie Summers
304-558-2764
sissiesummers@wvdnr.gov