It's time to start planning a visit to West Virginia State Parks to enjoy springtime in the mountains of West Virginia. Take advantage of midweek cabin and cottage getaways in the natural surroundings of your favorite state park or forest.

Enjoy two great days of Bluegrass music and family fun activities at North Bend State Park, near Cairo, WV, on August 8 & 9, 2003.

A total of 143 people participated in West Virginia State Parks events for National Trails Day on June 7. "Although many areas received inclement weather, there was a total of 608 miles hiked in 13 parks, forests, wildlife management areas or rail trails," said Activities Coordinator Michelle Bragg.

Bring the whole family out for the 2003 Summer Outdoor Amphitheater Series at Pipestem Resort State Park, located in Summers County. Various musical performances are featured in August. The Outdoor Amphitheater seats 525 people with approximately 1,000 additional seats on the hillside for blankets or chairs. All performances are from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about Pipestem Resort State Park’s Amphitheater Series, please call 1-800-CALL WVA or 304-466-1800 ext. 379.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, in Pocahontas County, offers a series of dinner train rides on selected Saturday evenings throughout the summer. This popular tourist destination offers a unique experience with historic steam driven locomotives.

Cathedral State Park near Aurora in Preston County was hit with three inches of rain in approximately 30 minutes the evening of July 9,
causing considerable damage and the closing of some portions of the park, according to Ken Caplinger, Deputy Chief for the Parks and Recreation Section of the Division of Natural Resources.

Davis, West Virginia - Straight from the locals’ mouths, Blackwater Falls State Park has been recognized as a top hot spot in the state by residents of West Virginia. Blackwater Falls State Park was chosen among more than 40,000 member enteries as one of the only 10 places in West Virginia to be named one of Travelocity’s "Local Secrets, Big Finds."

Bring the whole family out for the 2003 Summer Outdoor AmphItheater Series at Pipestem Resort State Park, located in Summers County. Various artists are featured all summer. The Outdoor Amphitheater seats 525 people with approximately 1,000 additional seats on the hillside for blankets or chairs. Most performances start at 8:00 p.m., with several exceptions. For more information about Pipestem Resort State Park's Amphitheater Series, please call 1-800-CALL-WVA or visit online at www.wvstateparks.com.

Another public meeting to discuss management issues at Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area will be held Tuesday, June 24, at the War TEAM Center beginning at 6:00 p.m., according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

It's never too early to make plans for the fall, when the breeze is cool and the mountains are begining to change color. West Virginia State Parks are offering Mid-Week Cabin/Cottage Specials September 2nd through September 30, 2003, Sunday through Thursday.