January 12– Winter Walk – Kanawha State Forest
Explore the forest. An interpretive hike both enlightening and educational regarding forest activity in winter months.
January 18 – 20 – Tracking and Woods Lore Weekend – Twin Falls Resort State Park
Explore how Eastern American Indians and early Europeans accomplished subsistence living from the land and learn techniques on animal tracking and identification. Limited space. Registration required. $ Contact: Twin Falls Resort State Park 304-294-4000
March 22 – Celebration of Spring – Cathedral State Park
Wildflower and bird walks and other nature hikes to celebrate the first days of spring. Contact: Cathedral State Park 304-735-3771
April 5 – 25th Annual Sue Browning Wildflower Hike – Chief Logan State Park
Spend a day at Chief Logan State Park viewing the spring wildflowers on our many trails. Includes continental breakfast, guided hike, lunch and door prizes. $12 for advance reservations. Sponsored by the Logan Garden Council. Contact: Sandy Mayo 304-855-5863
April 25 – National Arbor Day – Cathedral State Park
Enjoy the largest and oldest trees in West Virginia with a hike at Cathedral State Park. Contact: Cathedral State Park 304-735-3771
April 26 – Osbra Eye Memorial Walk – Kanawha State Forest
Discover spring in bloom and bud. A diverse choice of led hikes by notable area naturalists. Registration from 9 – 9:30 am in the pool area. Morning refreshments. $ Contact: Shirley Schweizer 304-925-2771 View complete event info online
April 26 – Show-Me-Hike – Greenbrier State Forest
The weekend begins with an evening program on Friday. Start Saturday with a morning bird walk. Gather at Shelter #1 at 10 a.m. to choose from five different hikes, a van tour or children’s program. See and identify common, rare and unique wildflowers along the Greenbrier River of the shale barrens of Kate’s Mountain. Morning, afternoon or all day tours from which to choose. Suitable for all ages. Bring your lunch and camera. No charge. Contact: Greenbrier State Forest 304-536-1944 or greenbrier@wvdnr.gov
View Show Me Hike flyer
May 3 – Family Trail Day – Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park
This event features the eight-mile walk between Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks. Shorter walks are also featured. This event is co-sponsored by Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park, and the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association. Contact: Blackwater Falls State Park 304-259-5216 or Canaan Valley Resort State Park 304-866-4121
May 3 – Annual Spring Bird Walk – 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 8:00 am. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars.
Contact: Prickett’s Fort State Park info@prickettsfort.org 304-363-3030
May 3 – "Encounter Naturalist" Spring Nature Hike or Bike – Hawks Nest State Park
The naturalist will be hiking the Hawks Nest Rail Trail starting around 8 AM. Join the naturalist for the hike, or bike it on your own and hope to encounter the naturalist to learn about the spring vegetation found in the area and some brief history along this rail trail. Contact: Hawks Nest State Park 304-658-5212 or 304-658-5196.
May 4 – Spring Nature Walk – Twin Falls Resort State Park
Enjoy a leisurely spring walk to discover spring flowers as well as other wonders of the trail and forest. Approximately a two hour walk beginning at 2:00 pm. Meet at the lodge. Contact: Twin Falls Resort State Park 304-294-4000
May 8 – 10 – 47th Annual West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage – Blackwater Falls State Park
The famous activities packed weekend includes bird walks, wildflower tours, nature programs, beginner wildflower and bird identification workshops, craft exhibits and sales* Annual Event. Contact: Blackwater Falls State Park , 304-259-5216
May 10 – Spring Migration Bird Count – Pipestem Resort State Park
Join the search for 100 species of birds in one day. Contact: Jim Phillips 304-466-1800 x. 344
May 11 – Mother’s Day – Cathedral State Park
Bring Mom to Cathedral State Park for a guided hike around the old growth forest. Contact: Cathedral State Park 304-735-3771
May 17 -
Spring Hike -
Tygart Lake State Park
Join Master Naturalist Gary Niezgoda and Dorothy Hood for these special hikes. Hikes will depart from Tygart Lodge. Open to the public. No charge to attend. Learn about the flora and fauna at Tygart Lake and the Taylor county area.
Contact: Tygart Lake State Park Naturalist 304-265-6144
May 17 – Cystic Fibrosis Walk – Kanawha State Forest
Join organizers of this event to help “walk out” cystic fibrosis. Meet at Shelter #8. Registration fee for this event. $
Contact: Will Bobinger 304-357-1763 or Ashley Rice 304-345-0465
May 30 – June 1 – Whistles, Wings and Wildflowers – Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Enjoy a weekend full of birding and wildflower walks and talks, with a special train ride and a little history thrown in for good measure. Expert guides provided. Wide variations in elevation and habitat make for great diversity in species. See many northern species. This is a unique opportunity for late season birding at elevations of up to 4,800 feet. Our historic company houses are available at 20% discount with the purchase of tickets for the Whistles, Wings and Wildflowers Special train. Contact: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park 304-456-4300
June 6 – 8 – Rail Trail Festival/ National Trails Day – North Bend State Park
This is a weekend full of fun activities for the whole family. Contact: DJ Allen 304-628-3100 or 304-628-3777
June 6 – 8 – 2nd Annual Southern Boreal Bird Festival – Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Canaan Valley is the ideal habitat for many species of birds, including Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, Alder Flycatcher, and Bobolink, found further north in the North American continent. Includes daily walks, workshops and guest speakers.
Contact: Canaan Valley Resort 304-866-4121
June 7 – Hike across West Virginia – Cacapon Resort State Park
Hikers Wanted! Hike across a short cross section in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and essentially walk across the state! Help celebrate National Trails Day by hiking a ten-mile stretch across the ridge of Cacapon Mountain. Fairly level hiking and a wonderful view at the end. Contact: Cacapon Resort State Park 304-258-1022
June 7 – "Encounter Naturalist" National Trails Day – Hawks Nest State Park
The naturalist will be hiking the Hawks Nest Rail Trail starting around 8 AM. Join the naturalist for the hike, or bike it on your own and hope to encounter the naturalist to learn about the area and some brief history along this rail trail. Contact: Hawks Nest State Park 304-658-5212 or 304-658-5196.
June 7 – Hike and Bike National Trails Day – Twin Falls Resort State Park
This event is geared toward hikers and mountain bikers. Throughout the day a series of guided hikes and rides will be conducted.
Contact: Twin Falls Resort State Park 304-294-4000
June 7 – A Bluestone Turnpike Hike - National Trails Day
10 miles - Pipestem State Park to Bluestone State Park
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; meet at Mt. Creek Lodge at Pipestem Resort. Allow time for aerial tram ride to Mt. Creek The Bluestone Turnpike is part of the WV Hiking Program Contact: Jim Phillips 304-466-1800 x. 344 for reservations
June 21 – Celebration of Summer – Cathedral State Park
Wildflower and bird walks and other nature hikes to celebrate the first days of summer. Contact: Cathedral State Park 304-735-3771
July 4 – A Bluestone Turnpike Hike – 10 miles - Pipestem State Park to Bluestone State Park
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; meet at Mt. Creek Lodge at Pipestem Resort. Allow time for aerial tram ride to Mt. Creek.
The Bluestone Turnpike is part of the WV Hiking Program Contact: Jim Phillips 304-466-1800 x. 344 for reservations
July 12 – Walk Between the Parks – Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Naturalist guided hike between Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Contact: Canaan Valley 304-866-4121
July 19 -
Summer Hike -
Tygart Lake State Park
Join Master Naturalist Gary Niezgoda and Dorothy Hood for these special hikes. Hikes will depart from Tygart Lodge. Open to the public. No charge to attend. Learn about the flora and fauna at Tygart Lake and the Taylor county area.
Contact: Tygart Lake State Park Naturalist 304-265-6144
August 2 – Walk Between the Parks – Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Naturalist guided hike between Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Contact: Canaan Valley 304-866-4121
August 2 – A Bluestone Turnpike Hike – 10 miles - Pipestem State Park to Bluestone State Park
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; meet at Mt. Creek Lodge at Pipestem Resort. Allow time for aerial tram ride to Mt. Creek.
The Bluestone Turnpike is part of the WV Hiking Program Contact: Jim Phillips 304-466-1800 x. 344 for reservations
September 13 – Margaret Denison Fall Nature Walk – Kanawha State Forest
Guided wildflower walks on various trails throughout Kanawha State Forest: fall wildflowers, fungi, pond/aquatic life, birds, trees and nature photography. Allow 3 hours for activity. Registration 9 am at the pool area. $5.00 for adults. $2.00 for children under 16.
Contact: Shirley Schweizer 304-925-2771
September 19 – 21 – Nature Wonder Weekend – North Bend State Park
Wild food enthusiasts will enjoy this weekend of hikes, programs and a wild food banquet. Contact: Emily Fleming 304-558-2754
September 20 – Ravishing Raptors – Cacapon Resort State Park
Attention birders! Add to your bird list by joining the activities throughout the area. There will be many outdoor ogling opportunities as guided bird walks and programs for all ages are planned. Sponsored by the Morgan County Ecology Coalition.
Contact: Cacapon Resort State Park 304-258-1022
September 20 - Autumn Hike -
Tygart Lake State Park
Join Master Naturalist Gary Niezgoda and Dorothy Hood for these special hikes. Hikes will depart from Tygart Lodge. Open to the public. No charge to attend. Learn about the flora and fauna at Tygart Lake and the Taylor county area.
Contact: Tygart Lake State Park Naturalist 304-265-6144
September 22 – Fall Hawk Migration Hike– Moncove Lake State Park
Meet Park Superintendent Jesse Anderson at Moncove Lake SP swimming pool parking lot at 9am for a car caravan tour to the top of Peter's Mountain to begin our hike to Hanging Rock Hawk Tower to assist in counting migrating hawks, eagles, and other raptors. Species to look for include Broad-winged hawks, Bald and Golden Eagles, Ospreys, as well as nearly every eastern species of raptor. The hike is approx. 1 mile and moderate in difficulty. Participants, once at the tower are welcome to stay or leave at their leisure. Bringing a sack lunch is suggested. For further information please email or call at 772-3450.
October 4 – Wild Walks Weekend – Blackwater Falls State Park
This event features the eight-mile walk between Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks. Shorter walks are also featured. This event is co-sponsored by Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park, and the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association. Contact: Blackwater Falls State Park 304-259-5216 or Canaan Valley 304-866-4121
October 4 – "Encounter Naturalist" Autumn – Hawks Nest State Park
The naturalist will be hiking the Hawks Nest Rail Trail starting around 8 AM. Join the naturalist for the hike, or bike it on your own and hope to encounter the naturalist. Fall foliage conversation. Contact: Hawks Nest State Park 304-658-5212 or 304-658-5196.
October 11, 2008 – 10 Mile Fall Hike – North Bend State Park
Hike 10 miles along North Bend’s Rail Trail. Bring lunch and water for this event! Contact: North Bend 304-643-2931
For information regarding WV State Park & Forest Hiking Program, Adopt-A-Trail or Geocaching, click here. |
