Fall kicks in during October, and West Virginia State Parks are celebrating “Park-tober” by offering a wide variety of lodging discounts and special events to appeal to everyone from leaf peepers to rail riders.
“October is when the temperatures become cooler, the leaves explode in color, and West Virginia’s state parks provide the types of fun outdoors opportunities that don’t happen at other times of the year,” said Sissie Summers, programming coordinator for West Virginia State Parks. “This month we have special activities and several parks offer fall discounts to encourage people to stay overnight in the lodges and cabins.”
Information about specific special events and discounts can be seen online at www.wvstateparks.com under “Event Calendar” and “Lodging and Camping.” Information also is available on Facebook at West Virginia State Parks and on Twitter at WV State Parks. Share your state park experience on Instagram at #wvstateparks.
Special Park-tober Events
Oct. 3-4 – Battle Days at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park: A living history event detailing the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant. 304-0869.
Oct. 3-5 – Fall Migration and Bird Banding Weekend at Tygart Lake State Park: Learn the birds of the area with leader Joey Herron. 304-265-6144
Oct. 4 – “Life on the River” at Blennerhassett Island State Park: Discover life beneath the surface, including fish, mussels and river ecology. 304-420-4800
Oct. 4 – Ann Bailey Lookout Tower Hike at Watoga State Park: Fall foliage hike. 304-799-4087
Oct. 4 – Brunch with Margaret at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park: Last chance this season to meet with Margaret. 304-420-4800
Oct. 4 – On The Drum at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park: Traditions of Native American life sound out during this evening. 304-675-0869
Oct. 7-8 – Lunar Eclipse sky watching at Twin Falls Resort State Park: A full eclipse should be visible, and get a 50 percent lodging discount. 304-294-4000
Oct. 10-12 – Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree at Twin Falls Resort State Park: A fall tradition featuring bluegrass music, food, arts and crafts, and a woodsman competition. 304-294-4000
Oct. 10-11 – Mansion by Candlelight at Blennerhassett Island State Park: Hundreds of candles light the way from the sternwheeler landing to the mansion and other activities. 304-420-4800
Oct. 10-12 – Fall Photography Workshop at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Capture the beauty of October with instructors Clayton Spangler and Walter Scriptunas. 304-456-4300
Oct. 11 – 10-Mile Fall Hike and Classic Car Show at North Bend State Park: Enjoy the beauty of October while hiking along this park trail, or enjoy the classic cars on display by the Ritchie County Car Club. 304-643-2931
Oct. 11-12 – Harvest Festival at Prickett’s Fort State Park: A fall weekend that focuses on 18th century foods, including preservation, cooking, customs and manners. 304-363-3030
Oct. 11 – Heron Fest, an October Event at Beech Fork State Park: A family day with events, games, craft booths and activities. 304-582-5794
Oct. 17-31 – Haunted Trail at Little Beaver State Park: Things are getting spooky! Ghosts and goblins greet you during an evening stroll along the park trail. 304-763-2494
Oct. 18 – 18th annual Halloween Party & Haunted House at Blackwater Falls State Park: Scary fun and costume judging with games for children and a “haunted area.” 304-259-5216
Oct. 18 – Second Annual Fall Fling – Disc Golf at Pipestem Resort State Park: All skill levels welcome. Fling your disc this fall! 304-466-1800
Oct. 18 – Fall Dinner Cruise at Blennehassett Island State Park: Relax on board the Island Belle sternwheeler for a country-style dinner and a cool-weather boat ride on the Ohio and Little Kanawha Rivers. 304-420-4800
Oct. 18 – Kids Halloween Party at Tomlinson Run State Park: Boo-dles of fun for ages infant to 9 in the group camp area. 304-564-3651
Oct. 18 – Outdoor Cooking Class at Cacapon Resort State Park: It’s harvest time! Learn the secrets of outdoor cooking from Master Naturalist Clark Dixon. 304-229-6229
Oct. 18 – Spooktacular Costume Party/Dance at Chief Logan Lodge: Come in costume for the fun, music and treats. 304-855-6100
Oct. 23-26 – Quilters Getaway at North Bend State Park: What better way to spend a long October weekend than relaxing while working on quilting projects? Instruction provided. 304-643-2931
Oct. 24-26 – Waterfall and Fall Photography Excursion at Pipestem Resort State Park: Bring your camera for field trips to Brush Creek, historic Hinton and Sandstone Falls. 304-466-1800
Oct. 25 – Halloween Party at North Bend State Park: Games, prizes, costume contest, crafts. 304-643-2931
Oct. 25 – Halloween Train at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: A highlight of October West Virginia State Parks events, ride the haunted train to Whittaker Station with ghostly surprises for all. Includes a rare night-descent back to Cass. Wear costumes! 304-456-4300
Oct. 31 – Saw-whet Owl Banding at Valley Falls State Park at Tygart Lake State Park: Help Joey Herron capture and band the owls, then enjoy the “Hoot Owl Lodge Special” for an overnight stay. 304-367-2719
Special Park-tober Lodging Discounts
“Falling Rates” at Tygart Lake State Park, Oct. 1 – Nov. 20, 2014
The temperatures, leaves, and nightly lodge and cabin rates are falling at Tygart Lake State Park Oct. 1 through Nov. 20. For Sunday through Thursday reservations, beginning with night one at 10 percent off normal rates, get an additional 10 percent off each consecutive night (midweek stay only) through night five. Some restrictions apply. For reservations, call 304-265-6144
Great Rates Falling at North Bend State Park in October
Like West Virginia autumn leaves, great getaway prices are falling at North Bend in October. Forested terrain rewards visitors with great fall colors. The North Bend Rail Trail is nearby for hiking and bike riding, and the 305-acre lake is quiet and a perfect setting to enjoy a fall travel getaway. Mention “Great Rates” when making reservations at 304-643-2931. Some restrictions apply.
Fall Foliage Fiesta at Twin Falls State Park mid-weeks in October
Take 25 percent off standard lodge room rates Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays in October at Twin Falls State Park. The park is surrounded by colorful deciduous trees and complimentary deep greens of eastern Hemlocks. It’s a fiesta of color. The Fall Fiesta rate is also extended to groups when making advance bookings. Ask for the “Fall Fiesta” rate when making reservations at 304-294-4000.
New packages and deals are posted frequently at West Virginia state parks are added weekly. Visit www.wvstateparks.com frequently and click “Packages” for more discounts in October and following months.
