West Virginia tourism logo

March 27, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Catherine Zacchi
304-558-2003, ext. 340
E-mail: catherine.m.zacchi@wv.gov

West Virginia springs into outdoor fun

SOUTH CHARLESTON , W.Va. — West Virginia invites visitors to get into spring by getting out of doors. Rafting, hiking, fishing and other wild, wonderful recreational opportunities abound.

Favorite Fishing Spots
Trout fishing is a year-round opportunity in West Virginia, but it’s best in the spring when the waters are still cold and the Division of Natural Resources is well into its main trout stocking season. The Mountain State has more than 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 public fishing lakes available to anglers of all ages. DNR stocks catchable rainbows, browns, brook and West Virginia golden rainbows from January through May in suitable waters. Premier fishing destinations include Cranberry River, Dogway Fork, Otter Creek, Blackwater River, Elk River, Back Fork of Elk River, Shavers Fork of Cheat River, Slatyfork section of Elk River, Williams River, and the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. Fishing licenses may be purchased online at www.wvfish.com (anglers age 15 and younger fish for free!). Check the daily trout stocking reports by calling 304-558-3399 or visit online www.wvdnr.gov.

Rafting on the Cheat
Spring brings thrilling whitewater rides through 13 miles of untamed river through Cheat Canyon. In this section of the Cheat River, visitors will find more than 30 rapids of Class III or higher. For those who prefer more mild than wild can enjoy Class II-III rapids and swimming holes in Cheat Narrows. For more information on rafting on the Cheat and a list of rafting companies, call 1- 800-CALL WVA or visit www.wvriversports.com and search for “ Cheat River.”

Start Your Engines
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System has quickly gained national recognition for its world-class ATV riding since opening in October 2000. With more than 500 miles of trails open to ATV riders, motorcyclists, off-road cyclists and equestrians, the area is known for its rocky, mountainous terrain and for its ATV-friendly attitude. For more information, visit www.trailsheaven.com.

Agri/Eco Tourism
 Recreation from natural to theatrical abounds at Wildernest Inn, in Rough Run, Grant County, in the Potomac Highlands, 304-257-9076, www.wildernestinn.com. Situated on 1,200 forested acres between George Washington and Monongahela National Forests, this nature lover’s getaway offers specials such as:

Natural Lifeways Inc. is a for-profit firm that works to develop ecology-based communities. Weekend nature studies cost $15 per adult, including lunch and study materials. Children under 12 participate for free. For more information, contact 800-225-5982, 304-269-7902, e-mail nlc01@naturallifeways.com or visit http://www.naturallifeways.com. Upcoming events include:

Spring Events in West Virginia Regions

Eastern Panhandle
 May 31: ROCK Now! Ride On for CASA Kids, Shepherdstown, Jefferson County. Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle, Inc., (CASA-EP) is sponsoring a multi-route tri-county bicycle ride to benefit abused children. Ride 10, 20, 50 or 100 mile routes of easy or more difficult circuits through beautiful, historic Civil War countryside. The ride begins and ends at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, West Virginia’s oldest town. Riders are encouraged to solicit pledges for sponsorship of their ride. Contact 304-263-5100, vickey@casaep.org or register online by visiting www.casaride.com.

Potomac Highlands
 April 26: Great Greenbrier River Race, Marlinton, Pocahontas County. Triathlon includes run, canoe and bicycle. Classes for teams and solo. Contact the Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1-800-336-7009, 304-799-4636, pccvb@pocahontascountywv.com or visit www.pocahontascountywv.com.

May 8 – 10: 47th Annual West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, Tucker County. The activities-packed weekend includes bird walks, wildflower tours, nature programs and beginner’s wildflower and bird identification workshops. Pre-registration is suggested. Contact Blackwater Falls State Park, 304-259-5216, www.blackwaterfalls.com.

May 15-18: Greenbrier River Trail Bike Trek, Marlinton, Pocahontas County. This is a three-day, 100-miles biking adventure on the Greenbrier River Trail. Ride includes meals, lodging, event sag and support crew. Contact the American Lung Association of West Virginia, 304-342-6600, or visit www.alawv.org.

May-30-June 1: Cass Railroad State Park, Cass, Pocahontas County. The thrill of a train ride, the trill of bird calls and the tranquil beauty of spring flowers are all packed into one delightful Whistles, Wings and Wildflowers Weekend. Contact Cass Scenic Railroad State Park at 304-456-4300, 1-800-CALL WVA or visit www.cassrailroad.com.

New River/Greenbrier Valley
April 25-26: Greenbrier State Forest - Show-Me-Hike, Caldwell, Greenbrier County. The program on Friday evening is followed by a Saturday morning bird walk. Gather at Shelter #1 at 10 a.m. to choose from five different hikes, a van tour or children's program. See and identify common, rare and unique wildflowers along the Greenbrier River. Suitable for all ages. Bring your lunch and camera. No charge. Contact Greenbrier State Forest at 304-536-1944 or greenbrier@wvdnr.gov, or visit www.greenbriersf.com or www.greenbriersf.com/Show%20MeHike%20Flyer%202008.pdf.

May 10: Pipestem Resort State Park - Spring Migration Bird Count, Pipestem, Summers County. Join the search for 100 species of birds in one day. Contact 304-466-1800, pipestem@hotmail.com, or visit www.pipestemresort.com.

Hatfield-McCoy
April 5: Chief Logan Sate Park - Annual Sue Browning Wildflower Hike, Logan, Logan County. Spend a day at Chief Logan State Park viewing the spring wildflowers on the many trails. The event includes continental breakfast, guided hike, lunch and door prizes. Advance registration is $12. Contact 304-855-5863, chieflogan@inetone.net or visit www.chiefloganstatepark.com.

Mid-Ohio Valley
 June 6-8: North Bend State Park, Rail Trail Festival/National Trails Day, Cairo, Ritchie County. This weekend is full of activities for the whole family, including biking and hiking events. Contact DJ Allen 304-628-3100 or 304-628-3777 or visit www.northbendrailtrail.net.

Mountain Lakes
 April 5-6: Webster Wildwater Weekend River Festival, Webster Springs, Webster County. Enjoy whitewater action, excellent recreational activities, restaurants, and lodging all around Webster County. Race registration is at Baker's Island in Webster Springs. Contact 304-847-5449, wcda@websterwv.com or visit www.websterwv.com/whitewater.html.

Mountaineer
April 12, April 27, May 11: Spring Bird Walk, Cathedral State Park, Aurora, Preston County. Starting at 8 a.m., the walk lead by a local bird expert looks at spring migrants. Call 304-735-3771 or visit www.cathedralstatepark.com.

April 25: National Arbor Day Tree Planting, Cathedral State Park, Aurora. Tools will be provided to volunteers. Meet at the park office. Call 304-735-3771 or visit www.cathedralstatepark.com.

April 26: Tour of Cathedral Park, 10 a.m. April 27: Tree identification, 2 p.m. Call 304-735-3771 or visit www.cathedralstatepark.com.

May 10: Forest Wildflowers, Valley Falls State Park, Fairmont, Marion County. $15 fee includes lunch, local transportation and study supplies. Supervised children under 12 come free. Contact Natural Lifeways Inc., 800-225-5982, 304-269-7902 or e-mail nlc01@naturallifeways.com.

Metro
 April 26: Osbra Eye Memorial Walk Kanawha State Forest, Charleston. Discover the buds and birds of spring. Several assisted walks from which to choose. Registration: $5 for adults and $2 for participants under age 16, starts at 9 a.m. Contact 304-925-2771 or 304-558-3500 or visit www.kanawhastateforest.com/events.html.

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