Take a Hike in West Virginia State Parks on National Trails Day June 7

            National Trails Day events are scheduled at West Virginia State Parks, Saturday, June 7. National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. Its purpose is to promote hiking trails throughout the nation by encouraging anyone to get outside and take a hike. Community involvement in trail use and maintenance has been a tradition for more than 100 years. Events on June 7 include:

10 Mile Trek Greenbrier River Trail. Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at the Greenbrier River Trail parking area in Seebert (near Watoga State Park). State Park personnel will then shuttle participants 10 miles down the trail for a hike back to the vehicles at Seebert. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and plenty of water.  A shuttle van will be available to store lunch and other gear. For more information about the 10-mile Trek, please contact the Greenbrier River Trail at (304) 799-7416.

Hike Kumbrabow.  Hike departs at 10 a.m. from parking area at forest headquarters for a two-mile walk on the Mowery Trail, to Mill Ridge Fire Trail and return via the Clay Run Trail. Forest Superintendent Stephanie Bailey is the event host. Kumbrabow State Forest is in Randolph County. (304) 335-2219

Hike and Bike National Trails Day at Twin Falls Resort State Park
Throughout the day, a series of guided hikes and rides will be conducted. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the Scout Field parking lot.  A mountain bike skills clinic with Mike McGraw will start the bikers off with mountain bike rides following the clinic. In addition, there will be morning hikes at the park. This event is for all age groups. For more information about the mountain bike clinic or rides, please contact Mike McGraw at (304) 294-5550. For information about the hikes, contact Twin Falls at (304) 294-4000.

Rail Trail Festival/ National Trails Day – North Bend State Park
The weekend of June 6 – 8 is full of fun activities for the whole family and sponsored by the North Bend Rail Trail Foundation. Contact: DJ Allen (304) 628-3100 or (304) 628-3777

A Bluestone Turnpike Hike - National Trails Day
Pipestem State Park to Bluestone State Park team up for a 10-mile hike along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. Hikers should meet at Mountain Creek Lodge (bottom of the tram) at Pipestem Resort prior to 10 a.m. The hike will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and pack water and lunch.  A shuttle is provided by to Pipestem Resort. The Bluestone Turnpike Hike is part of the WV Hiking Program Contact: Jim Phillips 304-466-1800 x. 344 for reservations for this hike.

"Encounter Naturalist" National Trails Day – Hawks Nest State Park
Naturalist Willa Grafton at  Hawks Nest State Park will be hiking the Hawks Nest Rail Trail starting at 8 AM. Join the naturalist for the hike, or bike it on your own and hope to encounter the naturalist to learn about the area and some brief history along this rail trail. Contact: Hawks Nest State Park (304) 658-5212 or (304) 658-5196.

Hike Across West Virginia – Cacapon Resort State Park
Hikers Wanted! Naturalist Kelly Smith invites you to hike across a short cross section in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and “essentially walk across the state!”  Cacapon Mountain is the highest mountain west of the three Eastern Panhandle counties. This hike will travel down the ridge of the mountain with a gradual elevation change from 2,350 feet to 1,700 feet. The final view near Prospect Rock provides a wonderful panoramic scene of three states and two rivers. Fairly level hiking and a wonderful view at the end. Contact: Cacapon Resort State Park (304) 258-1022

Hike Canaan Valley - Canaan Valley Resort
Naturalist Destiny Phillips invites hikers to meet at the nature center on June 7 and enjoy hiking through the park. This hike will be approximately 10 miles and includes hiking Backhallow, Club Run, Middle Ridge, Deer Run, and Mill Run trails and back to the nature center. Wear comfortable shoes. Participants should bring lunch and adequate water supply.  For more information:  Canaan Valley (304) 866-4121.

            “If you hike on National Trails Day at a West Virginia State Park, let your hiking/walking or biking miles be counted,” explains Sissie Summers, Program Service Coordinator for state parks.  “Log cards will be available at every state park and forest on this day. A convenient log sheet is available online at www.wvstateparks.com under the Hikes/Walks icon. If folks want to walk independently from an organized hike on a trail at a state park or forest, simply keep track of the number of miles hiked on June 7, complete the entries and forward to the address on the log sheet.” 

            Everyone participating in National Trails Day and submitting a log card will receive a 2008 Trails Day patch and National Trails Day certificate. Mileage will be totaled and posted to the West Virginia State Park Web site. “National Trails Day is a great excuse to get outside with your children, family and friends and enjoy you West Virginia State Parks. We hope our scheduled hikes are well received and our trails well traveled on this special outdoor day.”

            For more information about a scheduled hike on National Trails Day, call the specific park for details or go online, www.wvstateparks.com under Hikes & Walks.