The Leafpepper Festival in Tucker County finds a variety of scheduled activities planned. For September 22-23, 2023 these activities are hosted at Blackwater Falls State Park. Activities are open to the public and for all ages and are hosted at the nature center unless indicated otherwise. Find additional activities and events across Tucker County at the website canaanvalley.org.

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

10:00 a.m. CHERRY LANE 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 in the Harold Walters Nature Center 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, 2022
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

10:30 a.m. PICKLEBALL
Join the staff at Harold Walters Nature Center 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 in Harold Walters Nature Center 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 in Harold Walters Nature Center 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 in Harold Walters Nature Center 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.

2:00 p.m. INVIGORATING AUTUMN HIKE
Join the seasonal naturalist at Harold Walters Nature Center for a walk along Balsam Fir Trail with short interpretive stops along the way. About 90 minutes. 2 miles. This program meets Young People for Parks activity.

2:45 p.m. SNAKES ALIVE!
Join the park naturalist in Harold Walters Nature Center to hear about our native snakes, how and why they are protected in the state and more. You may even meet one of our ambassador snakes. Fun for all ages. About 1 hour. This activity meets the Young People for Parks activity requirements.

4:00 p.m. TREES & PLASTER OF PARIS LEAF CRAFT
Join the staff in Harold Walters Nature Center to create a plaster of Paris leaf imprint on
burlap while learning a little information about trees. Craft fee: $2.00. This activity meets the Young People for Parks activity requirements

SPECIAL MUSIC
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER BAND
Michael’s guitar-heavy, rock-edged sound intertwines with invocative lyrical virtuosity and positions him with elite company in the country music scene, ultimately offering a sound that is relevant to fans of all ages, styles, and generations. Join us Blackwater Falls Lodge Harr Conference Center. Free. 

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

Reserve lodging:

Book Now