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Mid-September Nature: Blackwater Falls
September 10, 2023 – September 14, 2023
In addition to enjoying fall colors painting the landscape, enjoy these activities at Blackwater Falls State Park Sunday, September 10 through Thursday, September 14, 2023. From geology to strolls and black bear aware programs, find us at the nature center unless noted.
SUNDAY, September 10, 2023
10:00 a.m. Rockin’ on the Trail of Geology
Join the seasonal naturalist at the Salt Sands Sign located at Pendleton Point Overlook to ramble deeper into the local rocks, terrain and perhaps fossils of Blackwater Falls. About 1 hour, some walking. Participants receive a free Geology of Blackwater Falls book. YPP
12:00 p.m. Fossil & Geode Craft
Join the staff to create a fossil or work at exposing a geode. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP
2:00 p.m. Creature Feature – Fisher (Pekania pennanti)
Join the seasonal naturalist to hear about this member of the weasel family. Although the name suggests this mammal eats fish, it typically does not. About 30 minutes. YPP
MONDAY, September 11, 2023
10:00 a.m. Mammals Nature Film & Finger Painting
Join the recreation assistant to hear amazing facts and folklore about our favorite furry animals. Optional: Finger Painting for free. YPP
1:00 p.m. Finding Your Way & Craft
Join the recreation attendant to learn how to use a compass and map with a short film. Optional: Use markers and other materials to create a compass. Supplies limited to first come basis. Craft fee: $2.00 YPP
TUESDAY, September 12, 2023
10:00 a.m. History Stroll
Join the park naturalist at the trailhead of Gentle Trail for an easy stroll to a view of Blackwater Falls while hearing a little about our area history, Flora and Fauna. About 1 hour. 1/4 mile. YPP
3:00 p.m. Raptors of West Virginia
Join the recreation attendant to learn about some of West Virginia’s birds of prey. Sorry, No Live Animals. Find us at the nature center. About 45 minutes. YPP
WEDNESDAY, September 13, 2023
Nature Center Open: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. Black Bear Aware
Join the park naturalist to hear about West Virginia’s state mammal and learn tips to protect you, your pet and Black Bears. Among the biggest land mammals on the planet, bears require a lot of resources to survive and must use all their skill, brawn and brains to get what they need whether foraging for food, defending themselves or raising cubs. About 1 hour. YPP
1:30 p.m. Light Pollution and Solution You
Join the park naturalist to learn about light pollution and the impact it has on the world and you. About 45 minutes YPP
THURSDAY, September 14, 2023
2:00 p.m. Fall Wildflower Walk
Join the seasonal naturalist for an easy stroll around the nature center in search of fall wildflowers. About 1 hour. 1/2 mile. YPP
3:00 p.m. Suncatcher Craft
Join the staff to use colorful paint on a suncatcher. Craft Fee: $1.00
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Want to STARGAZE on your own?
Blackwater Falls as a permit process for folks to Stargaze After Hours.
Get the permit in the Harold Walters Nature Center during normal business hours.
The designated stargazing locations at Blackwater Falls are at two locations:
1 Harold Walters Nature Center Parking Lot
2. Pendleton Point Overlook Parking Lot
Roaming the park during quiet hours when the park is closed (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) is discouraged. But stargazing is possible with the permit at the two designated locations that are super areas with very dark skies.
The permit lets park security know you’ve registered. As a reminder sleeping/camping at locations is not permitted. Individuals must actively be stargazing and remain near their parked vehicle.
Reserve lodging: