Compass Reading, Hikes, Porte Crayon History: Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls State Park offers a variety of activities to jump start September. Activities are open to the public and for all ages.
The Nature Center is open Sunday – Friday from 10:30AM – 5:00PM and Saturday from 10:00AM-7:00PM unless noted. The boathouse is open 10:30AM – 5:00PM Wednesday – Sunday until Labor Day and closed on Monday and Tuesday, except on a holiday.

MONDAY, August 28, 2023
11:30 a.m. FINDING YOUR WAY AND CRAFT
View a short film about reading and taking a bearing, what contour lines indicate, magnetic declination and more. Program includes the creation of a cardboard compass for $2.00. Supplies limited to first come basis. About 1 hour. YPP

2:00 p.m. BEARS NATURE FILM
Watch this film about the remarkable animal family that has long captured the human imagination from the mighty grizzly bear to the endearing spectacled bear. About 1
hour. NR. YPP

TUESDAY, August 29, 2023
10:00 a.m. Stemwinder Trail Hike
Join the naturalist’s at the trailhead of Davis Trail (old stables/petting zoo) for a hike along three park trails Boots recommended. About 2 miles, 2 hours. YPP

11:00 a.m. The Resilient Forest Film
Join the attendant to learn about the early history, industrialization, folklife, recreation, conservation and forestry practices of the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area. About 1 hour. YPP

1:00 p.m. SUPERSIZE Craft
Join the staff to paint an oversized flower or leaf. Craft fee: $2.00

2:30 p.m. MEET AND GREET THE TURTLES
Join the naturalist to meet some of the nature center turtles, hear their story and perhaps a little about relatives found in the state of West Virginia. Includes a kid friendly craft for free. About 45 minutes. YPP

WEDNESDAY, August 30, 2023
No Scheduled Activities – Find a park trail or overlook today and enjoy.

THURSDAY August 31, 2023
11:00 a.m. MUSHROOMS OF WEST VIRGINIA
Meet the seasonal naturalist, for this presentation about some mushrooms found in West Virginia. About 1 hour. YPP

12:30 p.m. I spy Way up High
Join the attendant to create a weather window and explore the world of clouds. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP

1:30 p.m. FOSSIL CRAFT
Join the seasonal naturalist, to hear a little about the geology of the area then create a fossil. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP

4:30 p.m. WHO WAS PORTE CRAYON?
Join the seasonal naturalist on the boardwalk patio (near the swing) to Blackwater Falls to learn a little history of the area and hear about Porte Crayon adventures. Look for Kenny. About 1 hour. YPP

FRIDAY, September 1, 2023
11:00 a.m. USEFUL PLANTS AND BASKET CRAFT
Join Kenny to learn about some plants used for cordage then try to weave a small basket. . The craft session is limited to 10 participants on a first come first serve basis. You do not have to participate in the craft to listen to the cordage portion of the program. Craft fee: $15.00

2:30 p.m. HERB GREENHOUSE CRAFT
Join the attendant to create a herb garden for your house. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP

5:00 p.m. RAMBLIN’ RANGER
Join the naturalist in Blackwater Falls Lodge Lobby to answer questions you may have about the park, check out her display and activities. Paulita will be ramblin’ for about 2 hours. YPP

Learn more about Blackwater Falls State Park activities and events by email blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov.

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