5 WV state parks to visit this Halloween
What do you love most about Halloween? Is it the costume parties? Bats and other nocturnal creatures? Or perhaps just some good ol’ tricks and treats. No matter what your preference, West Virginia state parks and forests have just the activity that will get you in the Halloween spirit. Here are five parks with Halloween events the whole family can enjoy. (Pro Tip: Plan to stay over a night or two so you can enjoy the many recreational opportunities and amenities our parks have to offer!)
1. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park — Oct. 27-28, 2023
Head to Cass Scenic Railroad for an evening of Halloween Time Fun. The entertainment kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. Kids and adults of all ages are encouraged to dress in their most creative costumes. Judges will be looking for the best superhero, the cutest, the scariest and the funniest. Afterwards, it’s trick-or-treat time, beginning at the Cass Company Store, then Shay Restaurant, and on to Main Street Company Houses.
Stay for the weekend to take part in a Full Moon Hike beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. The guided hike begins at the Cass Company Store and is 3 miles round trip with a slight grade, but mostly flat. You’ll learn about the Full Hunter’s Moon, an important feast day among many Native American tribes and traditionally a time for hunting and laying in a store of provisions for the long months ahead.
2. Twin Falls Resort State Park — Oct. 28, 2023
Twin Falls Resort hosts Trunk Or Treat for kids up to age 13. The festivities take place in the park campground with multiple businesses and individuals “treating.” Costumes are encouraged. The activity takes place Saturday, Oct. 28. The time and additional information will be posted as available. Check the link for updates!
3. North Bend State Park — Oct. 27-28, 2023
Spend Halloween weekend at North Bend studying Skulls and Bones. The all-ages nature activity begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Nature Center. Rumor has it you’ll learn more about park wildlife than scary stuff. A Halloween craft session will follow.
Stick around for the following day and have a spooky good time at the Campground Trick or Treat. The event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at River Run Campground. Participants will meet at River Run check-in station.
Bonus Activity: On your own time, take a walk or bike ride out to Tunnel No. 19 on the adjacent North Bend Rail Trail. Known as the Silver Run Tunnel, it’s rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in white. (Bring a flashlight or headlamp, even in daylight. The tunnel is dark!)
4. Kanawha State Forest — Oct. 28, 2023
Horror movies may portray bats as scary creatures, but in reality these shy little flying mammals are quite beneficial to the environment. The annual Bat Night Bonfire returns to Kanawha State Forest at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Gather ’round a roaring campfire at the Nature Center to learn about the nine species of bats that live in the forest. The event includes s’mores, hot coffee, and kid-friendly activities.
5. Blackwater Falls State Park — Oct. 28, 2023
As the full moon rises over Blackwater Falls on Saturday, Oct. 28, werewolves take a back seat to bats — nature’s mosquito-eating machines. Gather at 7 p.m. at the Nature Center for Mysterious Moon, Full Moon to build a bat box and learn more about these elusive critters that play an important role in the ecosystem. You’ll also study the moon and learn about the celestial body that has been a source of mystery since the beginning of human history.
Plan your Almost Heaven getaway
Check the calendar for additional listings of activities and events at West Virginia state parks and forests. You can also reserve lodging online.
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