Two special ladies grace Blackwater Falls State Park. One with stories of tall tales with some chilling moments and the other of historic dedication as a female serving in the Korean War. Plan to attend these activities and special programs September 4 – 7, 2023.

MONDAY, September 4, 2023
Nature Center Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Animal Homes Nature Film
This film explores the home of wildlife from bird nest to spider web. Hosted and narrated by Chris Morgan, ecologist. Enjoy part of the film or entire film between 11 am and 2 pm. YPP

11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stop and Craft- Suncatcher Craft
Join the recreation assistant to use suncatcher paint on pre-designed suncatcher for your window. Craft fee: $2.00

TUESDAY, September 5, 2023
Nature Center Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY, September 6, 2023
Nature Center Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A SPECIAL EVENING
7:30 p.m. Storytelling
A premier storyteller, retired professor of English at WVU JoAnn Dadisman , tells spine-chilling stories of Appalachia and more. Join us at Blackwater Falls Lodge where visitors are gathered for an evening of stories. Won’t you join us? Attendance is free. The public, park overnight guests, and employees are welcome to attend.

THURSDAY, September 7, 2023
Nature Center Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A SPECIAL EVENING
7:30 p.m. History Alive! Colonel Ruby Bradley.
Women in history are alive at Blackwater Falls State Park! Becky Park of Charleston West Virginia portrays Colonel Ruby Bradley. This inspirational portrayal of a gal originally from Spencer, West Virginia spans her military career.. When Bradley retired in 1963 from the US Army she was the most decorated woman in American military history.

Bradley was captured by the Japanese in the Philippines in 1941 and was a POW until 1945. She was a POW for three years and liberated along with other prisoners in February 1943. She continued to work as a nurse in the prison camp. She was named Chief Nurse of the Eighth Army in 1951 and supervised over 500 nurses in Korea. Bradley attained the rank of Colonel in 1958. Born in 1907, Bradley lived a full life until her passing in 2002.

Becky Park presents the story and follows up in person to answer questions and then as herself talking about the program, the importance of sharing and preserving history. Join us at the lodge for this inspiring program. There is no charge to attend. All ages are welcome.

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:

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