Visiting Blackwater Falls for a Valentine Day weekend retreat? Take advantage of activities and programs offered at Blackwater Falls Nature Center February 11 – 14, 2023.

The nature center is open from 10:00AM until 4:00PM. Visit and see exhibits, our critter displays or to ask questions about the area and the park.

SATURDAY, February 11, 2023

10:00 a.m.
Caution! Trees at Work Walk
Join the naturalist for a guided hike along a section of Yellow Birch trail through a mountain bog where cranberries thrive under a canopy of spruce and hemlock. About 70 minutes. 1 mile. Sturdy shoes recommended. Trail contains wet areas, uneven ground, rocks, roots and downed trees that we walk over.

11:30 a.m.
Microscopy Discovery Fun! Really fun.
Volunteer Beverly invites you to explore specimens from nature and have fun investigating, questioning and using observational skills all with a microscope. She makes small discoveries larger than life. Suitable for children ages and up including adults. About 1 hour.

1:00 p.m.
Shaving Cream Art
Use your hands, popsicle stick, watercolor paint and shaving cream to create a unique work of art on paper. Craft fee: $2.00

1:30 p.m.
Ramblin’ Ranger
Watch for the naturalist at the falls area. He’l be roving around the falls area with an interesting item for you to see and talk about. Can you guess what it is? While you’re at it, ask Ramblin’ Kenny questions about the park and area.

2:00 p.m.
Tie Dye an Orb
Join the attendant, Victor, to use colorful paint inside a glass orb. Craft fee: $4.00

3:00 p.m.
Snake Meet and Greet
Join the naturalist for a personal look at one of our West Virginia snakes! Learn about other snakes found in the state, unique traits of snakes, the threats they encounter, and how snakes impact your life positively! Participants may touch the snake if interested. About 1 hour. YPP

SUNDAY, February 12, 2023

10:00 a.m.
Heart Healthy Nature Walk
Let’s go for a walk along Balsam Fir Trail. Program includes short interpretive stops. Sturdy shoes recommended. Trail includes wet areas, uneven terrain, rocks, roots and downed trees that will be walked across. Naturalist Kenny is your host and he paces this walk for everyone’s enjoyment. About 2 miles. 90 minutes. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Giant Sized Painting
Victor will be waiting for you at the nature center to paint an oversized paper flower or leaf. Craft fee: $1.00

2:00 p.m.
Heart Exploration Fun
Join the seasonal naturalist in this hunt and seek activity. Kenny will hide the hearts outside and then you can go on a heart hunt around the park.

MONDAY, February 13, 2023
11:00 a.m.
Tie Dye Fun
Tie Dye a souvenir T-shirt with Brittany , recreation attendant. Craft fee: $8.00 Youth and $10.00 Adult + tax. Sizes limited to first come.

Visit the nature center today from 10:00AM – 4:00PM Plenty of parking. And always fee free to visit.

TUESDAY, February 14, 2023
Happy Valentine’s Day

10:00 a.m.
For the Love of Birds and Chocolate
Join the park naturalist for an introduction to bird watching at our Nature Center window feeders while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Fee free. About 30 minutes. YPP

11:00 a.m.
Hike with your “Hunny”
Join the park naturalist, Paulita, in Blackwater Lodge Lobby for a walk along Elakala Trail. About 1 mile, 1 hour. Sturdy shoes required. Trail contains wet areas, uneven terrain, steps, rock, roots
and downed trees that we walk over. We have a good time while taking our time on this popular trail. Join us. YPP

On Valentine Day, don’t forget to have a meal at the Smokehouse Restaurant at Blackwater Falls Lodge with someone special.