Get in the Halloween spirit with these October state park events
Celebrate fall with fun activities for all ages
October is here! It’s time for ghosts and goblins, pumpkins and apple cider. Plan a getaway to West Virginia State Parks for an autumn harvest celebration. Here are some of the exciting events to look forward to this month:
It was a dark and stormy night…
Settle in for an evening of spine-tingling ghost stories Oct. 11 at Chief Logan State Park. Local author and storyteller Linley Marcum presents “From the Mountain Mists – Ghost Stories,” a spooky evening filled with tales of spirits, phantoms, and paranormal activities from across West Virginia. Seating is limited, but guests are welcome to bring a blanket or chair—and a friend to huddle up to for comfort when things go bump in the night. The event takes place outside at the Pioneer Cabin, so attendees should dress for October weather.
The stage is set Oct. 26 at Blackwater Falls State Park for Appalachian Ghost Stories with JoAnn Dadisman. Come gather at the lodge, where the lights dim, a cool breeze floats into the room, and a gentle tap, tap, tap on a window signals time for ghost stories to begin. Dadisman, a retired English professor, tells spine-chilling stories of Appalachian encounters and other tales of woe.
A harvest party of historic proportions
Visitors to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park have the rare opportunity to tour the Mansion by Candlelight during a special evening Oct. 11 that hearkens back to 1805 for a party hosted by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. The event includes a round-trip sternwheeler ride, mansion visit, horse-drawn wagon ride and the servants’ party. An optional Harvest Supper can be added to the reservation.
Tricks, treats and other fun for the kids
Blackwater Falls State Park promises a spook-tacular event Oct. 19 with its 25th Anniversary Halloween Haunted House and Party. Details are forthcoming, but rest assured there will be plenty of tricks and treats for everybody.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park hosts a Halloween Celebration Oct. 25-26. Festivities, including a haunted house, take place at the Community Center in Cass.
Hawks Nest State Park is taking their tricks to the tram for their haunted trail and tram ride during the month of October. Every Friday and Saturday night during October guests can ride the tram down to a haunted trail that awaits with spooky characters. Expect to get dirty at this one! Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $13 for kids and $20 for a fast pass.
No doubt—hayrides and fall go together like caramel and candy apples. Tygart Lake State Park scares up some spooky fun Oct. 25-26 with Terror on the Tygart Haunted Hayride. Dress for the weather and prepare for a frightfully good evening.
Cacapon Resort State Park hosts Hayrides & Haunted Trail Oct. 26. Activities include a pumpkin carving contest (with prizes awarded!) and hayrides. Haunted trail tours leave from the Nature Center and end at the campfire circle for some tricks or treat.
Riverside Campground provides the setting for a spooky good time Oct. 25-26 at Watoga State Park. Weekend activities for Halloween in the Campground include movies, a night hike, pumpkin decorating contest, trick-or-treating and much more! The event will include door prizes and other surprises.
Run for your life!
Train to outrun those scary monsters Oct. 26 at Pipestem Resort State Park. The 43rd Annual Pipestem Pumpkin Run includes a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and half-mile fun run for children 12 years and younger. Wear your scariest, funniest or craziest costume; there will be a Halloween costume judging at the finish line!
Whether you prefer tricks or treats, you’ll find lots of great things going on at West Virginia State Parks. Start planning your autumn getaway today!
- Plan your trip
Trick or treat yourself to a fun trip to West Virginia State Parks!
- Book your stay
Enjoy these spooktacular events and extend the fun by staying the weekend!
- Make memories that last a lifetime
No matter how you enjoy the season, enjoy it with those you love and make some memories to look back on for years to come.
