Chill Seekers and Chill Chasers Look to West Virginia State Parks for February Fun
South Charleston, WV (PRWEB) January 31, 2014 -- Winter is a challenge. For many, it’s a matter of deciding how to enjoy snow and colder temperatures; for others, it’s deciding where to bundle up by a fire and relax. State parks in West Virginia can accommodate both the chill seekers and the chill chasers.
From a Cardboard & Duct Tape Sled Race at Blackwater Falls to indoor swimming pools at Chief Logan, Twin Falls, Pipestem, Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley, state parks in West Virginia are cool places to chill out, indoors or out.
Canaan Valley Resort, with its new 160-room lodge, is exceptional.
“Folks who haven’t been to the lodge and park in a few years walk into the new complex and say ‘wow’!” said Sissie Summers, West Virginia State Parks programming coordinator. “The resort’s new lodge is complimented further with a 1,200-foot long, 8-lane snow tubing run. The new beginner’s ski area is also in full winter mode at the downhill ski area. With 43 ski trails and two Magic Carpet conveyors creating easier access to slopes, Canaan Valley is the winter area for outdoor recreation.”
Other outdoor aspects for friends, families or couples to know about include horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing. The park’s cabins and cottages provide residential-style setup and are open in the winter. The website for more information is canaanresort.com.
Blackwater Falls State Park is less than 15 miles from Canaan Valley. Both parks are in Tucker County near Davis, W.Va. Blackwater’s lodge and cabins are more traditional and popular for retreats and family reunions. The sled run at Blackwater Falls is natural snow and a conveyor system transports sledders to the top of the mountain for a cool, downhill ride. Sleds are available for rent. A Cardboard & Duct Tape Sled Race is planned for Feb. 22. Blackwater Falls offers midweek lodge and cabin discounts and has March Madness offers already posted at blackwaterfalls.com.
Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14, and many state parks are offering Sweetheart Weekend specials, offering dinner and dance or entertainment for the special Friday evening. Pipestem and Twin Falls resorts feature a weekend package that includes accommodations, dinner and dance Saturday and other activities. North Bend, Hawks Nest, Cacapon Resort, and Stonewall Resort each include dinner and live music as part of a Valentine’s Day accommodation package.
The West Virginia state parks system encourages overnight stays at park lodges in February. A two-consecutive-night stay earns a Polar Night Reward – one additional free night for use in warmer times of the year. This offer and other seasonal rate packages are posted at http://www.wvstateparks.com.
**DNR**
Photo courtesy of West Virginia Department of Commerce: The sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park is all natural snow.
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
http://www.wvdnr.gov
Earl Ray Tomblin, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director
News Release: Jan. 31, 2014
Facebook: WV Commerce - State Parks
Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer 304-957-9365 hoy.r.murphy(at)wv(dot)gov
Contact: Sissie Summers, Parks and Recreation Section
304-558-2764 Sissie.A.Summers(at)wv(dot)gov
Hoy Murphy, West Virginia Department of Commerce, http://www.wvcommerce.org, +1 304-957-9365, [email protected]
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