Put your Heart & Sole into hiking at WV State Parks
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, West Virginia State Parks is inviting visitors to put their “Heart & Sole” into hiking this February. This is a perfect opportunity to spend time with a loved at your favorite park or hiking your most-loved trail. Those who hike two or more miles by the end of the month will receive a commemorative medallion as a reward.
Heart & Sole Hiking Challenge Rules
1. Hike or walk at least two miles at any West Virginia state park or forest at any time in February 2021. Break the distance into several short hikes or cover the two miles in a single hike. And no need to stop at two miles. Visit as many parks and forests you can in February and and trails and miles you can hike in a month.
2. Record your trail and mileage. You can use a GPS watch, fitness app or log the mileage manually on a sheet of paper. There is no special log card or enrollment necessary to participate.
3. Submit your mileage. Send us your logged trails and miles any time in February and no later than March 31, 2021. Email your trail and mileage log to hikefebruary2021@wv.gov. Mail your trails and mileage log to:
West Virginia State Parks
c/o Heart & Sole Month
324 4th Avenue, South Charleston WV 25303
Don’t forget to include your mailing address to receive a “Heart & Sole” hiking medallion.
4. Tell us why West Virginia State Parks are important to you. In your email or letter, include a note about why state parks are important to you and why you like to hike. You can also tag and share photos of your “Heart & Sole” hikes on social media using #WVStateParks.
Featured Hikes
Challenge yourself or your family to get out and explore different parks and trails in February. The state parks system has hundreds of miles of trails with breathtaking scenery. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
1. Hike to a wintry waterfall at Camp Creek, Twin Falls or Blackwater Falls state parks.
2. Enjoy a bird’s eye view from mountaintop trails at Lost River, Pipestem Resort, Chief Logan and Cacapon Resort state parks.
3. Take a leisurely stroll along the Greenbrier River Trail or North Bend Rail Trail or at Kanawha State Forest, which features a wheelchair-accessible interpretive trail.
Trails are open year-round, but some park facilities may be closed during winter. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 on trails and in park facilities, please follow all CDC guidelines, such as social distancing, hand washing and wearing masks while in close proximity to others.
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