Green Day Hike
Saturday, March 16. Be sure to wear your green for this 2019 Special Event at Watoga State Park. And join us at 10:00am at the parking lot just a half mile above Cabin 2 along Island Lick Road as we venture along Monongaseneka Trail. Along the way, we will discover the different shades of green, whether it is with grasses, mosses, flowers, or any other
plant. Once we reach the top, while we may not see the pot of gold, the view is breathtaking, as it will allow you to see the town of Seebert. We will also have some green goodies awaiting the arrival to the top of this hike. Please dress accordingly for this hike, and make sure to bring water. This hike is an intermediate level, and has some steep inclines. Round trip on this hike is 4 miles.
Gold Rush
Saturday, April 6
Calling all anglers! The waters are set to run gold on April 6 at Watoga State Park Lake. This is a fishy 2019 Watoga Special Event! There will be a very special stocking this date, where golden rainbow trout will be the only fish stocked, but will be the same capacity as a regular stocking. Be sure to come to the park early so that you can catch one of these beauties and make memories!
Quilter’s Retreat with Debbie Walker
Thursday, April 11–Saturday, April 13
Enjoy fellowship with other quilters of all experience levels at this quilter 2019 Watoga Special Event. This three day retreat will give you hands-on experience and advice from one of the best. Space is limited for this retreat. For more information on specific workshops, please contact Debbie Walker at (304) 653-4150. To reserve your spot for this weekend, please contact Christopher Bartley at Watoga at (304) 799-4087.
Stitchin’ Across West Virginia
Friday, April 26 – Sunday 28
Enjoy a weekend of playing with yarn, friends, and the great outdoors with the Kanawha City Yarn Company. Activities for the weekend include campfire cookery, an owl walk, hiking, yoga, and eating and hanging out with others wild about yarn. A class in tapestry weaving has also been scheduled and each person will go home with their own unique wall hanging. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. Registration for the retreat should be done through Kanawha City Yarn Company by April 2 at (304) 926-8589. To make cabin reservations, please contact Watoga State Park at (304) 799-4087.
Wild Edibles Festival
Friday, May 3 – Saturday, May 4
Join us for a taste of the wild! Our event will begin on Friday evening with a hike around the lake at 3:00pm, followed by a presentation by Key Note Speaker, Georganne Derick at 7:00pm. Saturday festivities will occur at the Picnic Shelter area starting at 10:00am with various vendors, demonstrations, live music, opportunities to hike, and much more!
B.A.R.K. in the Park
Saturday, May 11
Bring your dogs, and enjoy the beauty that Watoga has to offer. This day is dedicated to your furry friends as we will embark on a short hike and learn how to become better stewards of the outdoors with our pets. Meet us at 10:00am by the boat dock near the main office to take a beautiful walk around the lake. Total distance is 1.5 miles and perfect for all ages. Please dressing accordingly, and be sure to bring water and snacks for yourself and your dogs.
Kid’s Fishing Derby
Saturday, May 18
Youth under 15 can enjoy this special day and go fishing on the lake during our annual fishing derby. Be sure to meet us between 9:00am and 10:00am to register. The derby itself will last from 10:00am – 12:00pm with prizes and certificates given out shortly afterwards. Join us for what is sure to be a great day of fishing, fellowship, and fun.
National Trails Day
Saturday, June 1
Explore Watoga State Park and see what trails it has to offer! Home to over 40 miles of hiking trail; meet us at 10:00am at the Ann Bailey trailhead parking lot, just beyond the T.M. Cheek Overlook. We will explore the Ann Bailey Watchtower, as well as the Workman Cabin. Total distance is 5 miles, and is great for all ages. Please dress accordingly, bring your water, and wear closed toe shoes.
Casting Call! Learn How to Fish
Saturday, June 8
For those who have wanted to learn how to fish, but never knew where to start, look no further. Bret Preston will be leading this workshop, and is open to all ages who have never been fishing, and will allow you to try it out for free. For more information, or to reserve your spot, call Christopher Bartley at the park office at (304) 799-4087.
History ALIVE with Mark Twain
Saturday, June 22
Join us as history comes to life when the famed author who wrote “The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, Mark Twain makes his way to
Watoga. He was also involved many other aspects of life, and will be at our Activities Building at 7:00pm to share with everyone.
History ALIVE with Theodore Roosevelt
Friday, June 28
Enjoy a history lesson from our 26 th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who served from 1901 – 1909. Roosevelt was an avid conservationist, writer, and was also an American statesperson. Join us in the Activities Building at 7:00pm as we discover what his life was like, and to see living history!
History ALIVE with Benjamin Franklin
Friday, July 5
What better way to celebrate the Independence Day weekend, than with one of our Founding Fathers? Join us as we host Benjamin Franklin in the Activities Building at 7:00pm. A truly remarkable man, Franklin will share some of his life stories with us. This is a program you do not want to miss.
History ALIVE with Ostenaco
Friday, July 19
Join us by the Campfire Ring at Riverside Campground at 7:00pm as we bring history to life with the Native American leader, Ostenaco. Ostenaco was crucial in the settlement of current West Virginia. You do not want to miss some of this living history. In the event of rain, the presentation will take place in the Activities Building.
Mountain Trails Challenge
Saturday, August 10
Trail running – it’s a challenge. Two different races, a 5K run and a Half Marathon both begin at 8:30am from the Beaver Creek Campground. Event is sponsored by the Watoga State Park Foundation. For more information, or to register to race, please visit the website www.watogafoundation.org/race
Watoga Art in the Park
Saturday, August 31 – Sunday, September 1
Held at the Picnic Shelter area, this festival has something for all ages. Join us to participate in various demonstrations, workshops, purchase art, listen to live music, and so much more! Festival will go on from 9:00am – 5:00pm on both days.
Disc Golf Tournament
Saturday, September 7
Enjoy the cooler air and participate in our first ever disc golf tournament. There is no entry fee, and registration will begin at 9:00am, with the tournament beginning at 10:00am and going until all participants have played. You can participate either individually, or in pairs. Door prizes will be given out shortly afterwards.
Halloween in the Campground
Friday, October 25 – Saturday, October 26
Participate and enjoy a spooky good time at Watoga as we celebrate Halloween in Riverside Campground. This event will have several activities throughout the weekend, including movies, night hike, pumpkin decorating contest, Trick-or-Treating in the campground, and much more!
Watoga Winter Bird Count
Saturday, December 7
With the annual Christmas Bird count conducted by the National Audubon Society just around the corner, join us to perform our own bird count within the park for the day. This event is great for all ages and levels of expertise. Learn how to use binoculars and field guides, as well as bird habitat and food preferences each species has in the area. Meet at the Activities Building at 8:00am.