First Day Hike: Blackwater Falls

January 1 is a great day to visit Blackwater Falls State Park, braving the elements whatever the weather may be, and participate in a First Day Hike.

Naturalist Paulita Cousin invites you to join her in the lobby of Blackwater Falls lodge at 10:30 a.m. on January 1, 2024. This year’s hike is a stroll along portions of three Blackwater’s trails exploring the forest. There will be short interpretive stops along the way.

Leashed dogs are welcome. Please, dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. Packing bottled water is recommended. Hiking sticks for walking uneven terrain and muddy areas at your discretion, but encouraged. “We’ll hike about 2 miles or about 90 minutes.

The Smokehouse Restaurant is available in Blackwater Falls Lodge for an early breakfast or after-walk lunch. The naturalist recommends the pizza ‘because it is really good.’

This program qualifies for the West Virginia State Parks First Day Hiking Patch and Young People for Parks program activity.

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative anchored by America’s State Parks, Inc. to get people outdoors, with hikes scheduled in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park.

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