Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 8:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 9:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 8:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program. Contact: 304-456-4300
Winter Wonder Weekend – North Bend State Park
It's full steam ahead to North Bend State Park and Winter Wonder Weekend 2017! Your stop is just the ticket for winter activities like sleigh riding (weather permitting), winter hikes, tours of the local area, programs, crafts and entertainment. Bill Beatty of Wellsburg, WV, is returning to provide an entertaining and informative program Friday evening that you won’t want to miss. The presentation will be followed by an ice cream social by the fireplace and performance by Stepping Stone Band. Saturday activities will include hikes, crafts, bingo, and door prizes along with more entertaining speakers and refreshments. Courtesy of Cal and Sharon Malcom, the weekend will include a display of “Railways in Ritchie County”, a miniature circus with operating model trains, including trains representing the narrow-gauge trains that operated in Ritchie County. Whether you long for bygone days of hearing that lonesome whistle blow or are passionate about trains and their history in the North Bend area, by making North Bend State Park your whistle-stop, you will find Winter Wonder Weekend to loaded with entertaining and informative experiences for all ages! Oh! and if there is Snow! Winter Wonder Weekend becomes an extra special weekend! Winter Wonder Express The link provides pricing and all activities planned.
Blennerhassett Island State Park – (Oct. 22) – FALL DINNER CRUISE
A great fall evening event on the river! Blennerhassett Fall Dinner Cruise is a relaxing country-style dinner on board the Island Belle Sternwheeler. This cruise boards at Point Park in Parkersburg, WV. Advance reservations are required. Cruise price: $27 adult; $21 youth (3-12). Ticket price includes river cruise and dinner. Dinner is baked Tavern ham, baked potato, corn, roll, dessert, beverage. Boarding begins at 5:00 p.m. Call for tickets and reservations.
Summer Beach Party & Night Swim
Children 12 and under $4
Beech Fork State Park – CAMPERTIME!
It's CamperTime! at Beech Fork State Park. Setzer's World of Camping and Burdette Camping Center will have several camper units at the park today for folks to see and learn about RVs. Check out interiors, new options on RVs and campers, learn how to winterize your camper, tips for RV travel, and register to win a two night stay in a camper at Beech Fork State Park. There's no better way to learn RV and camper options than to attend CamperTime events at Beech Fork State Park.
Beech Fork State Park / Birds of Prey
"Who cooks for me, who cooks for you all?" What bird says this phrase? Come to this Birds of Prey Education Program featuring live birds native to West Virginia to learn about owls, hawks and eagles. You'll learn about the habitat, diet and behavior of each bird presented, the most common causes of injury to each species and the laws protecting these special birds. No fee to attend. Open to the public. 7:00 p.m. Presented by Three Rivers Avian Center. Meet Regis the Bald Eagle, Perry, the Peregrin Falcom, Hoolie, the Great Horned Owl and other feathered raptors. All welcome.
Kanawha State Forest – 4/16 – OSBRA EYE MEMORIAL WILDFLOWER WALKS
One of WVs premiere spring wildflower walks! Multiple hike and leaders. Register at 8:30 a.m. at the swimming pool area. Adults $5; Students under 16, $2. Hot dogs, soft drinks, and cookies for sale. Door prizes, raffle. Hikes are from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A variety of walks, including Wildflowers, Medicinal/Edible Plants, Trees, Beginning and Advanced Birding, Photography, etc. (Be sure to bring a camera & binoculars!) Walks are assisted or led by volunteers and employees of the Department of Natural Resources, Handlan Chapter Brooks Bird Club, Mary Ingles Trail Blazers, and the West Virginia Native Plant Society. Learn more at the forest webpage link below.
Kanawha State Forest – 2/13 – GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT & HIKE
Join naturalist Sara Miller at the nature center (pool parking lot) at 10:00 a.m. Hot drinks will be provided. The morning's bird watching will begin with a 15-20 minute Great Backyard Bird Count feeder watch near the pool building, after which all are welcome to participate in a GBBC hike. The hike will be approx. 2 miles, easy to moderate. Bring binoculars, warm clothes as needed, and a bird guide if you have one! The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy. The activities engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Visit gbbc.birdcount.org to learn about the national involvement. Find more events at WVs state parks at wvstateparks.com
Blennerhassett Island State Park – 2/7 – WINTER LECTURE SERIES
Winter Lecture Series: "Grave Creek Mound". The 2016 Winter Lecture series is every Sunday in February. Andrea Keller and Heater Cline are February 7th guest speakers. These history presentations are educational programs featuring speakers and first-person interpreters on a variety of Ohio Valley / W.Va. topics. The four-week series consists of Sunday afternoon programs beginning at 2:00 p.m. the Blennerhassett Museum. Parking is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required for the lecture series. There is a small cost to the attend the lectures: the cost to attend the lecture series is $5.00 per lecture for non-Friends of Blennerhassett Members and $4.00 per lecture for Friends of Blennerhassett members. Please make reservations for the individual lectures you would like to attend or you can sign up for all four. To reserve your seat for history, call 304-420-4800. Find Lecture Series events and more special programs at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park on the weblink below.
Tygart Lake State Park – 7/16 – CARDBOARD BOAT RACE
Cardboard Boat Race. Yes, you're reading correctly, a cardboard boat race at Tygart Lake. Put your duct taping skills together with some cardboard and come join us for the First Tygart Lake State Park Cardboard Boat Boat Race. Categories open to both children and adults. Prizes will be awarded. Race guidelines will post to the Tygart Lake website in early spring including a preregistration form for those working on boats in advance. Sounds like fun. Need more information? Call Nichole Streets, Park Naturalist at 304-265-6148
Tygart Lake State Park – 4/29 – SPRING MIGRATION BIRDING/BANDING WEEKEND
Spring Migration Birding Banding Weekend. For the love of birds! Saturday and Sunday join Birder Joey Herron as he bands various breeding and migrating birds of West Virginia passing through or to West Virginia. Learn to identify birds by both sight and sound! One of our most popular weekends that attracts visitors from across the United States to see bird species here in West Virginia in the Tygart Lake area. Stay at Tygart Lake Lodge this weekend. Ask for the 'birders' discount of 20% off standard rates. Hope to see you at this awesome bird watching weekend. Call 304-265-6144.
Tygart Lake State Park – 6/11 – HOOKED ON FISHING NOT ON DRUGS
Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs. This is a great family event that incorporates an anti-drug and alcohol use message. Event is free to the public and events include, youth fishing derby, archery, face painting, police K-9 presentations, children's activities, prizes and much more! Call Nichole Streets at 304-265-6148 for details and activity schedule.
Tygart Lake State Park – 3/26 – EASTER EGG HUNT
Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Tygart Lake State Park Foundation is fun for the whole family. Bring your children for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Tygart Lake State Park Nature Center area. Call for starting time and age groups. 304-265-6148
Tygart Lake State Park – 2/27 – MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
Murder Mystery Dinner! A body is found and the killer is on the loose, mingling and hiding among other guests. Can you solve the murder and find out who is the killer? Overnight package with room, mystery and dinner and walk-in package with mystery and dinner only available. Murder and Merriment providing mystery and show. Who dunit? Who knows! Call for pricing and reservations. 304-256-6144
Tygart Lake State Park – 2/19 – CREATIVE WRITING WEEKEND
Creative Writing Weekend. A creative writing weekend with WVs own, instructor Colleen Anderson is a special weekend and time. Open to men, women and students ages 16 an older, this annual weekend is a must. Starting Friday evening and concluding Sunday. The weekend workshop includes two nights at Tygart Lake Lodge, the full workshop with Colleen Anderson and these meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday; Breakfast on Sunday; snack time on Friday evening; and twice on Saturday. What a great idea! Meals are at Apple Annie's - Tygart Lake Lodge restaurant. Call for reservations and pricing 304-265-6144 More weekend special events and offers are located on the Tygart Lake State Park webpages. Click the link below. See you at Tygart.
Tygart Lake State Park – 2/6 – HISTORICAL TYGART LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Historical Tygart Lake Photography Exhibit. Walk Through the Photos of the Past. View Army Corp of Engineer Photographs that depict the building of Tygart Lake Dam - an awesome construction project. Exhibit opening night is February 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the Tygart Lake Conference Room. Free and open to the public. Exhibit remains in place through February 11, 2016. Don't forget to make time to enjoy a meal at Apple Annie's - Tygart Lake Lodge restaurant. Great food. Wonderful setting.
Tygart Lake State Park – 1/30 – MY LITTLE PRINCESS PARTY
My Little Princess Party. It's an evening for a princess! Age appropriate themed crafts, a buffet designed for children, a princess dance (Princesses are encouraged to dress in their favorite party dress.) Stay overnight or enjoy the evening. Price is for two: one adult and one child. Overnight stay at Tygart Lake Lodge and all princess festivities: $94.50. Festivities only: $40 per couple (adult/child); additional child or additional adult: $20. Wonderful family setting. Call 304-265-6144 for reservations or to ask questions. Find more Tygart Lake State Park events at the park website link below.
Hawks Nest State Park – 2/13 – ROMANCE! A TRIBUTE TO RED SKELTON
Romance! A Tribute to Red Skelton. "His humor, His sorrow, With the Greatest Respect" A family friendly comedic act that "takes you back in time" to the nostalgic era. Laugh and be entertained by one of the top-rated Red Skelton impersonators, Jennings Barrett from Kentucky. Entertainment for all ages! In the words of the famous Red Skelton "Goodnight and May God Bless" This is a Valentine retreat package that includes candy, flowers, dinner, show, overnight stay, express breakfast, taxes and gratuities. Overnight package rate is for two adults at Hawks Nest Lodge $195 total for two people. It's a great price for a wonderful Saturday evening out on Valentine's weekend. For reservations call 304-658-5212. For more Saturday evening events at Hawks Nest State Park, click the website below. A great state park for winter getaways and awesome gorge views.
Hawks Nest State Park – 2/6 – A NIGHT OF ILLUSION
A Night of Illusion with John Slicer! Be entertained by nationally renowned magician John Slicer as he astounds audiences of all ages! The astonishing John Slicer is more than just a magic show. His captivating sleight-of-hand, interactive audience participation, and mind reading will leave you saying "How did he do that?" A magic and illusion spectacular for the whole family. Overnight package rate includes accommodations for two adults at Hawks Nest Lodge, Dinner and Show for two, an Express Breakfast for two, taxes and gratuities: $169 total for two people. It's a great price for a wonderful evening out. For reservations call 304-658-5212. Find more Saturday evening dinners and shows on Hawks Nest State Park website.
Beech Fork State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
New Year’s Day is a perfect opportunity to start 2016 by connecting nature, engaging in physical activity and a healthy lifestyle all year long. Meet Assistant Superintendent Dillard Price at 9:00 a.m. at the the Overlook Trail entrance. We'll be hiking the Overlook Trail to explore the natural beauty of the area. Wear appropriate footwear and layer according to weather. No fee to participate. This hike can be used as logged mileage for the Chief's Challenge in 2016. First Day Hikes are scheduled and led by park naturalist or superintendents. Let's Hike!
North Bend State Park – 1/10 – WVU MOUNTAINEER, Michael Garcia
The WVU Mountaineer, Michael Garcia will be at North Bend State Park on Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Garcia, a West Virginia University political science major from Fairmont. W.Va. is the 63rd Mountaineer Mascot. "It's a great opportunity to meet an outstanding young man that has represented WVU and the state well" says Steve Jones, Park Superintendent. Garcia will be at the park's lodge. The park employees encourage youth and families to visit and meet The Mountaineer and to remember to bring a camera or mobile device for a photo opportunity. Meeting The Mountaineer is open to the public and without charge.
Blennerhassett Island State Park – 2/28 – WINTER LECTURE SERIES: “Mark Twain”
The 2016 Winter Lecture series has been every Sunday in February at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History in Parkersburg, W.Va. Doug Riley is presenting a first person interpretation of Mark Twain. Mark Twain is celebrated as one of America's great authors and humorists. The four-week series, Sunday afternoon programs, begins at 2:00 p.m. the Blennerhassett Museum. Parking is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required for the lecture series. There is a small cost to the attend the lectures. As available, please call to make reservations for this final lecture.
Blennerhassett Island State Park – 2/21 – WINTER LECTURE SERIES: “Stephen Foster”
The 2016 Winter Lecture series is every Sunday in February. Steve and Lisa Ball will present the music of Stephen Foster along with the history behind each piece of music. These history presentations are educational programs featuring speakers and first-person interpreters on a variety of Ohio Valley / W.Va. topics. The four-week series consists of Sunday afternoon programs beginning at 2:00 p.m. the Blennerhassett Museum. Parking is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required for the lecture series. There is a small cost to the attend the lectures. Please make reservations for lectures, as available, you would like to attend.
Blennerhassett Island State Park – 2/14 – WINTER LECTURE SERIES: “Behind the Camera Lens”
The 2016 Winter Lecture series is every Sunday in February. Paul Borrelli is the February 14 guest speaker featuring photographic history of Parkersburg, W.Va. These history presentations are educational programs featuring speakers and first-person interpreters on a variety of Ohio Valley / W.Va. topics. The four-week series consists of Sunday afternoon programs beginning at 2:00 p.m. the Blennerhassett Museum. Parking is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required for the lecture series. There is a small cost to the attend the lectures. Please call in advance for reservations, as available, for the individual lectures or you to sign up for all four.
Blennerhassett Island State Park – 2/7 – WINTER LECTURE SERIES: “Grave Creek Mound”
The 2016 Winter Lecture series is every Sunday in February at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. Andrea Keller and Heater Cline are guest speakers on February 7. These history presentations are educational programs featuring speakers and first-person interpreters on a variety of Ohio Valley / W.Va. topics. The four-week series consists of Sunday afternoon programs beginning at 2:00 p.m. Parking is free. Seating is limited and reservations are required for lecture series attendance. There is a small cost to the attend the lectures: $5.00 per lecture for non-Friends of Blennerhassett Members and $4.00 per lecture for Friends of Blennerhassett members. Please call in advance for reservations, as available.
Pipestem State Park – 1/22 – Primitive Bushcraft Weekend Workshop
For two nights and three days, learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills that includes making cordage, establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring & purifying water, land navigation, field sanitation and hygiene, fashioning tools, constructing traps and snares, preserving meat, preparing bannock and pemmican, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. This is an reality adventure by day, relaxation by night. Experience by conducted by Forest Manna Outdoors. This high adventure event shares, sustains, preserves the primitive bushcraft skills associated with West Virginia's proud Appalachian history, heritage, and culture and enhance the diversity of outdoor recreational opportunities offered at West Virginia State Parks and Forests. Rate includes two nights at McKeever Lodge and all survival activities.
Twin Falls State Park – TRACKING & WOODS LORE WEEKEND
Step back in time to the 18th century, when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature. Learn some of the skills that were necessary for everyday life, and learn of the cultural sharing that has made our modern lives richer. Enjoy nature, dram, tracking, and history in outdoor and indoor setting. Starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Bring warm clothes, sturdy footwear, camera, binoculars, and notepad to get the most out of this weekend. The workshop is definitely family friendly, with interest for ages from 5 years to over 55. We encourage scout groups (girls & boys) to use the workshop to help them earn certain merit badges and awards in themes of history, nature study, American Indian, Pioneer, woods lore, etc. Two classes are offered for WV Master Naturalist students as well; Tracking (4 hr. credit) and Medicinal/Edible/Useful Native Plants (3 hr. credit). Overnight accommodations are available in either Twin Falls Lodge or a Twin Falls vacation cabin. Package prices include lodging, Saturday dinner, break refreshments, and all event activities. Call for pricing. Make reservations to attend.
EAGLE SURVEY of the PIPESTEM AREA – Pipestem Restort State Park
An annual survey of the skies and waterways for golden and bald eagles in the Pipestem area. From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. volunteers are assigned stations at various areas to watch and record sightings. Naturalist Julie McQuade will take calls and emails from interested individuals for this survey and compile a contact list for the survey team. The team will then assign survey sites and contact individuals with survey info, maps, etc.; paring novice and avid birders. Individuals wanting meet McQuade at the Pipestem Nature Center and caravan to the Pits at the mouth of the Bluestone River, should meet at 9:00 a.m. The survey is from 10:00am - 2:00pm. The all teams meet at Dairy Queen to compile data. Please contact Julie to indicate participation by January 2, 2017. Jim Phillips, retired naturalist, continues to coordinate this area wide event.