This Party’s Just Getting Started!

Having attained international recognition, what’s on the celestial horizon for West Virginia’s newest stars on the dark sky park tourism circuit this fall? Well, this party’s just getting started! It’s time to get ready to celebrate unlike anywhere else in the world or the universe for that matter! Receiving national and international attention are Watoga …

7th Annual Mountain Trail Challenge Returns

The Mountain Trail Challenge half-marathon and 5K race returns to West Virginia’s largest state park on August 13, 2022. Race, walk, or stroll along beautiful but challenging trails. All ages and levels of athletes are encouraged to participate in this race. Proceeds benefit the park through the Watoga State Park Foundation Inc. Registration on race …

MTC Race Details Released

Logistical details for Watoga State Park’s 7th Annual Mountain Trail Challenge Races were released today. The 5K and half-marathon MTC races are slated for Saturday, August 13 at Beaver Creek Campground, according to Maureen Conley, Race Chairperson. “We’re excited to once again host his one-of-a-kind race,” said Conley. “Each race attracts running enthusiasts who enjoy …

Summertime Sights at Watoga State Park

Ah, those summertime sights, sounds, and smells entice many people to visit Watoga each year. This summer was no different. From the children splashing about in the pool’s crystal-clear water to a family of deer meandering alongside a mountain stream, there’s always something to fill your senses in this 10,000-acre park. Wildlife, Back to Nature, …

Watoga State Park Prepares To Go Dark

Reprinted with permission from Highland Outdoors magazine (www.highland-outdoors.com), Fall 2021 edition, p. 9. Stargazers, rejoice! Watoga State Park is on its way to becoming an officially recognized Dark Sky Park. Watoga has long been known as one of the darkest and most light-pollution-free areas in Central Appalachia, providing spectacular views of clear night skies. At …

Watoga Art in the Park Features Artisans, Workshops, and More!

Thousands of people visit Watoga State Park to escape urbanity. Others come to hike or run on wooded mountain trails or to experience scenic vistas along with nature’s sights and sounds. But, there’s a unique group of individuals who immerse themselves in the utter calm at Watoga. Throughout the year, they visualize, dream, and create …

Official Results from Watoga’s Mountain Trail Challenge Races

The 5K and Half-Marathon Race Results Are In! APTiming.com has released official timing results for Watoga State Park’s Mountain Trail Challenge Races. The overall finishers, top male finishers, and top female finishers follow: Final Results HALF-MARATHON Overall winners 1. Aaron Walker, Spring Dale, WV, with a time of 1:55:12.12. Daniel McDowell, Princeton, WV, with a …

5K and Half Marathon Stage Almost Set to Welcome Runners to Watoga

The stage is almost set for the Sixth Annual Watoga State Park Mountain Challenge Races. Saturday’s races will feature runners from Virginia to California and across the United States. Because of Watoga’s unique racecourses, 5K and Half Marathon enthusiasts come from across the U.S. Race Day morning temperature will be a comfortable 63 degrees. Talk …