Published: September 06, 2008 09:53 pm         

Park discounts offered

CHARLESTON — Camping, cabin getaways and special events at West Virginia’s State Parks are even more affordable in September as parks anticipate autumn coloration.

“Fall foliage attracts visitors from all points of the country,” says Ken Caplinger, chief of parks. “Our parks and forests are in demand not only on weekends, but also during mid-week as people are genuinely mesmerized by color change in our deciduous forests. September discounts and events are the gateway to seeing the onset of color and typically appeal to ‘empty nesters’ and groups looking for cost savings and travel options. Parks offer a good value and a great experience year-round, but September, that month between summer vacation and autumn color, presents savings opportunities for park visitors.”

Parks posting a discount rate or package in September include: Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, Cabwaylingo State Forest, Cacapon, Canaan Valley Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad, Greenbrier State Forest, Holly River, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls Resort, Tygart Lake and Watoga.

• Cottages, cabins, bungalows at Cacapon, and company houses at Cass are all part of a mid-week rate reduction at 14 participating areas this September. Generally, the discount is 20 percent off the published mid-week rates and is available Monday through Thursday. Canaan Valley, North Bend and Lost River participate also, but the discount varies.

• Lost River’s guests may stay two consecutive nights with a third night free. This discount runs through December. Lost River is located in Hardy County and features cabins and outstanding hiking and scenic overlooks.

• Canaan Valley Resort lowered September rates earlier in the year, but also participates with a 10 percent reduction mid-week.

• North Bend offers two options.

September camping discounts boost the opportunity for outdoor family activity. Campgrounds at West Virginia State Parks range from deluxe sites with full hookups to remote areas more suited to avid outdoorsman and tent campers. Camping discounts are extended Sept. 3 – 30 at 12 campgrounds.

The discount is 50 percent off the site rental rate for a minimum of two consecutive nights. Mid-week discounts are offered at Beech Fork, Bluestone, Cedar Creek, Kanawha State Forest and Watoga.

Parks offering the half-off option include Audra, Greenbrier State Forest, Holly River, Kumbrabow State Forest, Moncove Lake, Plum Orchard WMA and Twin Falls Resort.

For information about all campgrounds in the state parks system and other camping discounts, including senior, disability, and September specials, detailed information is posted online at www.wvstateparks.com under lodging/campgrounds.

Special events begin again in earnest in September. “Events generally package lodging and a specific event, and are offered for the most part on weekends as a one-time opportunity,” according to Sissie Summers, programming administrator for state parks.

“Parks have great special weekends from photography workshops at Cass Railroad and Twin Falls Resort to two of our longest running weekends: North Bend’s Nature Wonder Weekend, Sept. 12-14, and Senior SeptemberFest at Blackwater Falls, Sept. 23-26. Overnight packages events are very affordable, generally include some meals and absolutely include a great program or learning experience.”

Some of the special weekends in September are:

• Photography workshop at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Sept. 12-14;

• Margaret Denison fall nature walk at Kanawha State Forest, Sept. 13; and

• Basket weaving classes and other artisan workshops at Hawks Nest State Park, Sept. 13 and 14.