Blackwater Falls State Park activities include Christmas and holiday activities for overnight park guests and day visitors. Activities organized at the Tucker County destination to round out 2012 include:
Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012
“Brunch with Santa”
Meet Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and a couple of elves from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Blackwater Lodge dining room for brunch before Santa returns to the North Pole with his naughty or nice list. Children can enjoy the reading of “The Night Before Christmas” and take home a small gift compliments of Blackwater Falls State Park. Brunch buffet costs $8.50/adult, $4.25/children ages 10-16; children under age 10 eat for free. Don’t forget your camera.
Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012
Ask the Naturalist – Visit Sled Run at 11 a.m. to see what the naturalist has on display and to meet the staff at sled run.
Roadside Nature – Sled Run at 2 p.m. features for this nature interpretive hike along the park road. About one hour, one mile.
Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012
Scout Skills – Meet park naturalists at Sled Run Fire Circle at 10 a.m. to learn the scout skill of the day. Scout skills can include fire building, rope making, etc. No fee.
Friday, Dec. 28, 2012
Morning Lake Stroll begins at 11 a.m. Meet in the Harold Walters Nature Center to enjoy an easy stroll around Pendleton Lake exploring the wintering flora and fauna of that area. About one hour. Trail may be wet, muddy or snow covered.
Once There Was A Tree – Beginning at 2:30 p.m. in Blackwater Lodge music room, this is a storybook reading followed by finger painting. Craft fee: 50 cents
Solar System and Constellation Activity. At 4:30 p.m. create a solar system and constellation craft in the Music Room at Blackwater Lodge. Craft fee: 23 cents + tax. About 45 minutes.
Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012
Listen to the Forest Hike – Meet in the Sled Run parking area at 10 a.m. for this hike to learn about tree identification and inhabitants of the forest. About one-and-a-half hours. Trail may be wet, muddy or snow covered.
History and Hot Chocolate – The Sled Run fire circle is the place to be at 1 p.m. to learn about the original forest around Davis, what happened to it and how it affected present day Blackwater Falls State Park. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy a hot chocolate during the presentation compliments of Blackwater Falls. About half an hour.
Bear-ly There Story – Meet park naturalist Paulita Cousin at Sled Run fire circle for the story about Black Bears. Story time begins at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012
’CC Boys –Blackwater Lodge Music Room features a 3 p.m. uplifting story of the good that came from an enlightened government policy, which invested in the development of human resources and environmental protection in the 1930s. The legacy left from the CCC can still be enjoyed and seen in West Virginia forests and parks. This documentary by Robert Whetsell records the beneficial and often unappreciated impact of the CCC on the lives of West Virginians not only in that time period of economic need but ever since that time. About 30 minutes.
Monday, Dec. 31, 2012
New Year’s Eve
Blackwater Falls State Park offers couples and families an opportunity to ring out 2012 and ring in 2013 in the serenity of a woodland environment. Several package options are available from overnight lodging to event only to children activities. New Year’s Eve Party registration is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Milton Harr Conference Center at the park lodge.
A New Year’s Eve Buffet with spiral ham w/raisin sauce, prime rib, shrimp with lobster in cream sauce on the buffet in available at Blackwater Lodge dining room. Reservations recommended but not required by stopping by or calling 304-259-5216 ext. 403.
New Year’s Eve Dance: begins at 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. with an evening of music and lights from DJ Dan Barkley, hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast. Beer and wine cash bar is available. Children ages 4 to 12 can enjoy a chaperoned party with crafts, movies, games and snacks. Entertainment only is $15/person, $28/couple, $40/triple, $55/quad. Children’s party: $20/child (limited to 20 children on first come basis).
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013
New Year’s Breakfast Buffet at Blackwater Falls Restaurant is from 7 a.m. until noon. Enjoy a full breakfast buffet in Blackwater Lodge dining room. Reservations recommended but not required by stopping by or calling 304-259-5216 ext. 403.
First Day Hike at Blackwater Falls
Meet the park naturalists’ at the Sled Run Parking Area at 10 a.m.to hike to Lindy Point! Start out 2013 with a vigorous walk to one of the most photographic sites in West Virginia with the park naturalist with short stops for interpretation. Hike includes walking forest road 18 and Lindy trail. Snowshoes may be required in deep snow (available for rent at Sled Run). Carry extra water and dress for the weather. Approximately three miles round trip and about three hours for time.
To learn more about Blackwater Falls, accommodations, cabins and activities, call 304-259-5216 or visit www.blackwaterfalls.com.
