West Virginia’s state parks extend an invitation to take a hike to help celebrate The American Hiking Society’s annual National Trails Day event. This year the national promotion is set for Saturday, June 6, 2015.
“Public parks, organizations and outdoor enthusiasts recognize walking and hiking as healthy lifestyle activities. In West Virginia, the state park system supports the country’s largest celebration of trails by inviting everyone to come out and walk a trail,” said Sissie Summers, programming services coordinator. “We will offer several guided walks and hikes, but we’ve discovered there are many visitors who prefer setting their own pace and trail selection, and they are encouraged to participate too.”
Guided hikes have the added benefit of a naturalist or leader knowledgeable about the area, trails and natural aspects of a trail contributing to the hiking experience, according to Summers. “Regardless of whether you join in a planned hike or venture out on your own, this is a good opportunity to take a walk or a hike, preferably at a West Virginia state park.”
Hikers and walkers June 6 are encouraged to keep a mileage log, available online at www.wvstateparks.com under “Special Notices.” Postcard-style log sheets also are available at state park offices or visitor centers June 6. Information is recorded and submitted by the hiker and mailed to the central state park office. A participation certificate and trails patch are mailed to participants after June 30. State parks offering guided hikes on National Trails Day include:
North Bend State Park (Ritchie County) www.northbendsp.com
Family Trails Weekend, June 5-7. Family Trails Weekend at North Bend State Park in Cairo, WV will feature several outdoor oriented activities throughout the weekend including guided walks, hikes, talks, bike rides, geocaching and environmental education classes. Celebrate National Trails Day Saturday, June 6, with a guided or non-guided hike or walk on one of North Bend’s many well-marked trails. More than 45 miles of trails within the limits of the park offer hikes for all interest and skill levels. For more information on this or any event or for trail maps, resources or questions please call North Bend State Park at 1-800-CALL-WVA, 304-643-2931 or visit www.northbendsp.com. Guide: Ken Zebo, naturalist. 304-643-2931
Cacapon Resort State Park (Morgan County) www.cacaponresort.com
Hike Across West Virginia, June 6. Help celebrate National Trails Day by hiking an 11-mile stretch across the Ridge of Cacapon Mountain. Fairly level hiking and a wonderful view. Meet Naturalist Renee Fincham and summer naturalist Austin Unger at the Nature Center at 8:30 a.m. to take advantage of this unique experience. Pack water. Shuttle is provided. Registration is required. 304-258-1022
Chief Logan Lodge (Logan County) www.chiefloganlodge.com
A Saturday Hike, June 6. Meet at the front desk at Chief Logan Lodge at 10 a.m. and take a guided hike to learn about the wildlife and diversity in the area. Hikes starting at Chief Logan Lodge are generally scheduled the second Saturday of the month, but June is an exception. It’s National Trails Day! Open to the public. No charge to participate. Weather permitting. Call 304-855-6100 for information.
Blennerhassett Historical State Park (Wood County) www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com
Nature Walk – All About Birds, June 6. Get outside and explore the island. At least 14 species of birds adapted to life along the river. Learn bird characteristics through scavenger-like clues, including the food that birds eat, descriptions of feet, beaks and overall bird shapes. Walk begins at 2 p.m. and concludes around 3:15 p.m. There is no. Please ride the 1 p.m. boat to the island to make sure you get to this great nature walk. Boat tickets are sold at the Blennerhassett Museum, which is located at 137 Juliana Street in downtown Parkersburg. Call 304-420-4800 for information.
Stonewall Resort State Park (Lewis County) www.stonewallresort.com
National Trails Day June 6. Stonewall Resort will host the third “Celebration Hike” in recognition of American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day. This hike is non-competitive and open to people of all ages. Participants can walk, run or mountain bike at leisure. Set your own pace and enjoy the excitement June 6 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a $20 registration fee which will include an event T-shirt and a donation to the Stonewall State Park Foundation for future trail maintenance. Contact Samantha Norris: 304-269-8820
Pipestem Resort State Park (Summers and Mercer counties) www.pipestemresort.com
Bluestone Turnpike Hike June 6. Join a National Park ranger for this 10-mile hike along the Bluestone National Scenic River from the bottom of the tram at Pipestem Resort State Park to Bluestone State Park. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and a snack. Shuttle will be provided back to Pipestem. For information, contact Rudy Paugh at 304-466-0417 or email rudy_paugh@nps.gov.
Twin Falls State Park (Wyoming County) www.twinfallsresort.com
Bike the Park, June 6. National Trails Day is an invitation to hike at Twin Falls and report mileage to the front desk or to mail a distance log card. Certificates and patches are mailed to hikers participating in this national day of hiking. Call 304-294-4000 for information.
More National Trails Day hikes may be added before June 6. Visit www.wvstateparks.com under “Events Calendar” and watch for announcements on the West Virginia State Parks Facebook and Twitter pages.
