NOTICE: Mother Nature put an early spring in her step with warmer than usual temperature in February. This annual race may or may not occur, however, the park staff plan to give it a try and create some fun regardless if there is enough snow.  If you show up with your Cardboard & Duct Tape Sled, we’ll still find a way to have fun. The sled run ticket sales closed for the season on February 21, 2023.  Call 304-259-5216 to learn more or to ask questions.

Join us for the 11th annual Blackwater Falls Cardboard & Duct Tape Sled Race. This year’s theme is the ‘70’s on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

The fun starts with design and construction of a person-powered, cardboard or corrugated cardboard sled and duct tape able to withstand a descent down the Blackwater Falls sled run.

There are awards: Tip Top Award, Spirit Award, and Speed Award.

The goal is to have super safe sledding fun with the theme of the 1970’s. The creative sled designs will reveal what was going on in the 1970s.

Here are some guidelines:

REGISTRATION is from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. with the race beginning immediately following the conclusion of registration. Advanced reservation is highly recommended.

MATERIALS are Cardboard/Corrugated Cardboard. Extremely hard cardboards such as carpet tubing are not permitted.  Duct tape: Any style of duct tape, however the completed sled must be less than 50% of the total sled design.  The outside of sleds may not be entirely covered with duct tape. Paint can be used for decorative purposes only. Bicycle helmets are required for any rider under the age of 14. Adults are also encouraged to wear helmets.  You must have a ‘team’ name. Get creative. Designs should be family friendly with a positive attitude.  Materials not permitted:  glue, resin, staples, plastic, string, tape or other supplies. Must be only cardboard and duct tape. 

FEE. There is a $5 entry fee per person (five team members or less per sled)

PARTICIPATION is open to all ages. Times for your sled is not counted until all team members cross the finish line (note, you can not push or pull sled for the entire race.) Helmets are not provided by the park; please bring your helmet.  A team may be required to race more than once. No other activities or pets are permitted on the race course/hill. A team can have up to five individuals. Team must be able to demonstrate or verbalize how to stop your sled, yes some sleds are fast.  A registration form and waiver must be completed prior to the race.  Race rules apply to participants and spectators.

For a registration form, email Paulita.L.Cousin@wv.gov or get one at the lodge front desk or nature center at Blackwater Falls State Park.

Book a cabin or a lodge room for the weekend.

Come prepared to have a great time!

Reserve lodging:

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