Pipestem Resort State Park encourages visitors to participate in Dark in the Park, a late-evening activity to encourage guests to observe nature after dusk.
“Sounds, temperatures and visibilities change as day turns to dusk, and we want people to experience those changes,” said Kim Hawkins, activities coordinator for Pipestem Resort State Park.
Areas have been set up for this self-guided activity that individuals or families can enjoy at their own pace. Participants pick up instructions at the front desk and head outside. Like a scavenger hunt, the goal is to find posted signs with flashlight symbols at the special locations, and then listen for sounds, watch the sky and observe nature with nighttime senses.
The locations include: the arboretum, Long Branch Lake, the 18-hole golf course, the aerial tram/Mountain Creek Lodge and the Bolar Observation Tower. Participants can share their experiences at the park nature center. The activity is free of charge.
Dark in the Park is one of many activities offered at Pipestem State Park to encourage outdoors recreation. Pipestem is located in Summers County between Athens and Hinton. It is open year-round with two lodges, cabins, camping, biking and hiking, lake fishing, golf, aerial tram rides, restaurants and more. To learn more about Pipestem Resort State Park, visit www.pipestemresort.com or call 304-466-1800.
