Take advantage of activities planned Friday September 22 and Saturday September 23, 2023 at Blackwater Falls. A variety of things to do when you’re not leaf peeping or enjoying a great meal at the Smokehouse Restaurant located at Blackwater Falls Lodge.

FRIDAY, September 22, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. CHERRY LANE HIKE – It’s a WonderFALL Hike
Join the naturalist at Sled Run Fire Circle to enter a cathedral-like hardwood forest and earn West Virginia State Park Wonderfall hiking patch. The lycopodium and moss covered forest floor add a touch of green color throughout the year.

Enjoy listening to and observing Birds of Blackwater Falls: brown creepers, black capped chickadee and woodpeckers as the naturalists interpret the forest and bogs found along our travels. This jaunt is about 11⁄2 miles. The trail doesn’t change much in elevation but contains roots, rocks and short inclines that can be muddy so boots and hiking/walking sticks are recommended. We pace ourselves. Please, dress appropriately for the weather. If you show, we go unless safety is an issue. Plan on about 90 minutes of time from start to conclusion. This program meets the Young People for Parks activity requirements.

1:00 p.m. PREHISTORIC AMBER/COPAL CRAFT
Join us for this craft activity. The sample fossilized over millions of years! Leaves, flowers and insects have been found trapped inside and scientists have learned a great deal about prehistoric times by analyzing the DNA of these little extinct creatures perfectly preserved by the hardened resin that surrounds them. (Just like in the movie Jurassic Park!). The amber/copal comes in its natural state (dull and “crusted”) and we provide the simple tools to remove the crusty shell and polish the piece into a smooth, lightweight golden gem. If you polish a piece really well and look closely, some even contain an insect! The amber can be polished in anywhere from 30-45 minutes or more depending upon the piece and the shininess desired! Recommended for ages 6 and up. Limited to first come basis. Craft fee: $3.00

3:00 p.m. PEPPERONI ROLLS & FLAMES
Join the seasonal naturalist, to have fun with hot sparks , perhaps some Trivia, singing and storytelling. About 1-1/2 hours. This program meets Young People for Parks activity.

SATURDAY, September 23, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. PICKLEBALL
Join the staff to try and play the fastest-growing sport in the US, rising in popularity over the past couple years.

11:00 p.m. RAINBOW ART
Join the recreation assistant to use shaving cream and watercolor to create a tie dye pattern on watercolor paper for your wall. Craft fee: $1.00

12:30 p.m. PARACORD FUN
Join the staff to braid a survival bracelet or perhaps create a critter. Recommended for children ages 9 and up. Craft fee: $1.00-$4.00

1:30 p.m. LEAF SUNCATCHER CRAFT
Join the recreation assistant to use crayon shavings, wax paper and heat to create a beautiful suncatcher for your window. Includes a short video about trees. This program meets Young People for Parks activity. Free.

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