Gilmer Free Press
Ritchie County: Family Trails Weekend at North Bend State Park - June 01-03, 2012
North Bend State Park is extending National Trails Day, June 02, into a three-day Family Trails Weekend June 01-03, 2012.
Naturalists Ken Zebo and Adam Kirk have coordinated hike and interpretive activities with other events sponsored by the North Bend Rails to Trails Foundation, Lake Trail Foundation, WV Mountain Bike Association, North Bend State Park Foundation and the River Valley Mountain Bike Association, making the weekend an “all-out”-doors schedule for family and friends.
Unless indicated, activities are free and open to the public.
Friday – June 01, 2012
1:30 – 3:30 PM Nature Center
Visit the North Bend Nature Center for a chance to meet some of North Bend’s wildlife friends.
Take a look around and marvel at the mysteries of nature.
3:30 PM Marvelous Mammals Hike
Learn about the mammals of West Virginia and what make them special.
Meet at the North Bend Nature Center for this short hike to view signs of mammals in the park.
5 PM Corn-Hole
Challenge your friends, family, and the park staff to an exciting game of corn-hole.
Meet at the Nature Center.
8 PM Luminary Hike
Join the North Bend Rails to Trails Foundation for a hike from the Nature Center to the first tunnel for ghost stories.
8:30 PM Night Hike
See what comes alive at night!
Join the park naturalist in using all your senses to experience the nocturnal world.
Meet at the nature center.
Saturday – June 02, 2012
9 – 10:30 AM Kayak and Canoe Demonstrations
Join North Bend Adventure Outfitters for a half hour free demo with basic instruction at Cokeley Recreation Area boat ramp.
9:30 AM Bird Hike
Join the North Bend naturalist at the Nature Center in taking a closer look into the world of birds.
Binoculars and field guides are recommended but not required.
The trail is paved, flat, and easy to walk on.
10 AM –Noon WV Mountain Bike High School Racing Symposium
Symposium focusing on bringing Mountain Bicycle Racing to WV High Schools.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend this event in the lodge conference room.
10 AM Lake Trail Fund-Raiser Equestrian Ride
Meet at the trail head in Ellenboro for a ride to benefit the Lake Trail Foundation.
There is a $10 donation which includes the fundraiser dinner.
11 AM – 1 PM Nature Center
Come inside the North Bend Nature Center for a chance to meet some of North Bend’s wildlife friends.
Take a look around and marvel at the mysteries of nature.
Noon – 4 PM Guided Horse Rides
Ride a horse sponsored by Lake Trail Foundation at shelter #3.
Yes, you too can ride! Horses provided. Donations will be accepted.
Noon Pre-Ride The Mountain Bike Race Course
Get a sneak peak at the WV Mountain Bike Association point series race courses for Sunday.
Ride with the River Valley Mountain Bike Association from the Cokeley Recreation area entrance.
1 PM Bicycle Clinic
Join Kim Coram for a bicycle safety inspection, followed by a bike clinic in the lodge parking lot.
1:30 PM Origami
Learn the Japanese art of folding paper and transform a flat sheet into a work of art.
Meet in the Nature Center with a park naturalist to make an animal to decorate and take home.
2 – 4 PM Lake Trail Fund- Raiser Dinner
An $8 donation, all proceeds benefit the Lake Trail Foundation to continue development of the Lake Trail.
Menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, bbq pork, sides, and beverage. Shelter #3.
3 PM Overlook Trail Hike
Take a hike to the overlook of the lake and dam while learning about plants and wildlife along the way.
There is a great variety of terrain with few steep hills.
Meet the North Bend naturalist at the trailhead across from cabin #1.
5:30 – 6:15 PM Group Ride To Cairo
Group Ride to Cairo on the Rail Trail for Live Entertainment
On the Rail Trail for Live Entertainment
Meet at shelter #3 for travel as a group along the rail trail to Cairo.
Hikers will be departing at 5:30 PM, bikers at 6 PM, and equestrians at 6:15 PM.
Return on your own.
A shuttle will be provided by North Bend State Park.
Saturdays on the Square presents Singer/Songwriter Todd Burge performing a benefit concert at 7 PM.
8 PM Sunset Paddle
End the day with a sunset paddle on the North Bend Lake sponsored by North Bend Adventure Outfitters at the Cokeley Recreation area boat ramp.
No charge to take part in this event; boat rentals will be available.
Sunday – June 03, 2012
9 AM Registration for Race Around The Bend
Noon Race Around The Bend
Join in a West Virginia Mountain Bike Association point series race with prizes.
There is an entrance fee.
This event is sponsored by the North Bend State Park Foundation along with the River Valley Mountain Bike Association.
North Bend State Park is located in Ritchie County between the town of Cairo and Harrisville.
The park is open year-round and features a lodge, vacation cabins, campgrounds, outdoor swimming pool, hiking trails, 305 acre North Bend Lake, access to North Bend Rail Trail and full-service restaurant.
For information about North Bend State Park, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304.643.2931.