This morning, state officials celebrated the grand opening of the longest sled run on the East Coast at Blackwater Falls State Park. The new and improved Blackwater Falls sled run lets sledders race down more than a quarter-mile of fresh-groomed mountain snow. From the bottom, the new Wonder Carpet conveyor system whisks sledders—with their sleds—effortlessly back to the mountaintop, where they can do it all over again. New snowmaking equipment makes every day a sledding day, all season long, and newly installed lights extend the fun long into the night on select dates.
“Our parks system offers a number of great winter activities, and we are elated to add the longest sled run on the East Coast to that list today, ” said West Virginia Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette whose Department oversees state parks. “After taking a trip down the mountain this morning, I can promise you one thing: this sled run is something you don’t want to miss!”
The sled run is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sledders of all ages are welcome on the run; however, children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors to the sled run can take a break from sledding to enjoy hot drinks, homemade soups, and hearty stews any time at the park’s beloved Warming Hut.
Blackwater Falls State Park boasts a 54-room lodge, 39 vacation cabins, and more than 10 miles of cross-country skiing trails. The Blackwater Falls area enjoys an average 150 inches of snowfall every year. To plan your next vacation, visit www.blackwaterfalls.com.
Video Clips
Clip one: Initial sled run
Clip two: Kids taking a ride down the longest sled run on the East Coast
Clip three: B roll of snow plow
Clip four: B roll of snow from inside the warming hut
Clip five: Commerce Secretary Keith Burdette cutting the ribbon
