Gilmer Free Press

Visitors Check on Conditions before Heading to a State Park for July 4th

If you are planning to spend July 4th at a state park, check a West Virginia website first.

Ken Caplinger, head of the state parks system, says some are open, some are partially open and some are shut down.

For example, Cass Scenic Railroad, North Bend in Ritchie County, Cacapon Resort, Cathedral, Prickett’s Fort and Tomlinson Run are all open.

Parks that are closed include Hawks Nest, Babcock, Cedar Creek in Gilmer County, Kanawha State Forest, and Watoga.

Caplinger says the June 29th and July 1st storms caused extensive damage in some parks, while others were unscathed.

The website, wvstateparks.com, is not a real-time update. But Caplinger says it helps people understand what facilities and services are available.

Visitors can also get updates by calling 1.800.CALLWVA from 9:00 Am to 5:00 PM.

Online: West Virginia Parks: www.wvstateparks.com/update/