Event Schedule:
Ongoing Art Events
Glass art demonstrations and classes. See or work with the nature of glass.
- WHERE: Tamarack Marketplace’s Studio C near the glass art in Beckley, WV.
- DEMONSTRATIONS: See how resident glass blowing expert John DesMeules makes glass art often inspired by nature. Artist’s demonstration schedule may vary.
- GLASSMAKING SESSIONS: You can even try your hand at this art form by appointment; see cost details at www/.tamarackwv.com/hands-on/glass. Appointments recommended but walk-in sessions available: 304-586-0067 or johnd1227@aol.com
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (9:00 am – 4:30 pm) Classes by appointment
Les Fleurs Flower Exhibition Art Contest
Submit art entry for EXHIBIT: Create art inspired by flowers and submit your entry to Beckley Art Center online. A variety of mediums and sizes will be excepted. See contest details and link to online submission form at www.beckleyartcenter.com. This exhibit will open May 13.
- Enter contest online art exhibit through April 24
EXHIBIT: WV Wild Things
Celebrate the beautiful and wild things of nature in this exhibit, all things to be seen in the region’s national and state parks. This art is a beautiful reminder of how life thrives silently in West Virginia’s lush ecosystems where we are blessed with sightings of brightly colored cardinals, great rhododendron, reclusive black bear, and more.
- WHERE: Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery
- March 18 – April 26 (March: open 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed Tuesdays); starting April 1: open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm)
EXHIBIT: Youth Arts in the Park 2023 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest Exhibit
See wildflower and wildlife art exhibit created by K – 12 grade students of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers Counties in the theater lobby of the Hulett C. Smith Theater.
- WHERE: Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, lobby of the Hulett C. Smith Theater, Raleigh County
- April 2 – May 7, Open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
EXHIBIT online: Youth Arts in the Park 2023 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest Exhibit.
See wildflower and wildlife art exhibit online created by K – 12 grade students of Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Summers Counties at www.nps.gov/neri/youth-arts-in-the-parks.htm
- All past Youth Arts in the Parks exhibit art is also available for viewing at this site
- Online exhibit opens April 3
ART CLASS: Love Hope Bird Glass Class.
Join Love Hope Gallery’s resident-stained glass artist Carl Thompson to see how nature inspires art. Learn the basics of stained glass techniques and create bird art.
- WHERE: Love Hope Gallery, 100 Rotan St. in Fayetteville, classroom area on the lower floor of the gallery
- Tools and materials will be provided. $.
- Advanced sign up required at www.lovehopearts.org; spaces limited.
- April 25 and 27 (FULL); May 9 and 11 (FULL); May 22 and 24, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
EXHIBIT: Invitational Exhibit: Winner’s Circle
See the latest amazing art created by previous years’ West Virginia Annual Juried Exhibition winners, original 2D and 3D artwork. This art exhibition includes the five Best in Show artists’ pieces from the Youth Arts in the Parks 2023 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest Exhibit.
- WHERE: Tamarack Marketplace - David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery in Beckley
- May 6 – June 14, Open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
EXHIBIT: Les Fleurs Flower Exhibitition
See this exhibit inspired by nature, an explosion of flowers. The gallery walls will be filled with flower art of many mediums, sizes, interpretations, and colors. www.beckleyartcenter.com
- WHERE:Beckley Art Center in Beckley
- May 13 – June 10
Saturday April 1:
Bluebell Bloomers and Early Spring Beauties
Discover some of spring’s earliest wildflowers around Glade Creek including one of the largest bluebell patches in the New River Gorge. Be prepared for some moderate off-trail walking.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Glade Creek Trailhead at the end of Glade Creek Road near Glade Creek Campground
- 1 mile easy to moderate walk.
- 9:00 – 11:30 am
WV Master Naturalist certification class: Terrestrial Habitats.
Learn about the major types of terrestrial habitats in West Virginia with an emphasis on forests in this WV MN core certification course. Classroom plus field session.
- WHERE: Oak Hill City Hall, Oak Hill + field session nearby
- 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Sunday April 2:
New River Old-growth Hike
Bring water and lunch. Discover nature of the forest along New River, including a rare stand of old-growth trees.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Stone Cliff Trailhead near the river access, 1.5 miles from Thurmond.
- 6 mile easy to moderate, round trip hike.
- 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Explore Summers County Big Branch Blooms Hike
Enjoy blooming wildflowers and cascading waterfalls that create a picture-perfect experience. Lace up your hiking shoes, grab the walking stick, and enjoy this somewhat strenuous trail! Be prepared for creek crossings depending on water levels, so your feet may get wet. Explore Summers County will bring the gorp snacks for this trail adventure. www.exploresummerscounty.com
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Brooks Falls/Big Branch Trailhead on River Road, five miles south of Hinton
- 2 miles strenuous loop hike
- 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Thursday, April 6:
Active Southern West Virginia Full Moon Hike
Walk a bit of the Grandview Rim Trail into the night with a stop at the North Overlook to see the rise of the full moon. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center.
- WHERE:New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Meet at Grandview Visitor Center.
- Walk. 2 miles
- 7:45 – 9:30 pm
Friday, April 7:
Seek Hike
Learn the basic of plant identification using the Seek by iNaturalist app. Pre-load this free app on your favorite smart device prior to this program. Be prepared for an easy to moderate hike. Meet at the Fern Creek trailhead for the Endless Wall Trail.
- WHERE:New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Endless Wall Trail; Meet at Fern Creek Trailhead, Lansing
- 2 miles
- 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 8:
Red Ash Bloomers
Explore early spring wildflowers along the New River on this leisurely hike with naturalists from the New River Gorge Chapter of WV Master Naturalist.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Meet at the Southside Trailhead next to the Brooklyn primitive campground, one mile upstream from the Cunard River Access.
- 3 miles
- 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Monday April 10-Wednesday April 12:
Nature Ranger Day Camp: Twin Falls.
Twelve youth ages 9 – 12 will become Nature Rangers by attending this camp. Discover more about the great outdoors through fun activities including wildlife identification, survival skills, nature crafting, and appreciation.
Wednesday, April 12:
Wildflower 101 ID Hike
Learn and practice wildflower ID skills next New River on the Stone Cliff Trail, exploring the area’s diverse ecology along the way. Bring your favorite field guild or smart device loaded with your favorite nature ID apps. Some field guides will be available.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Stone Cliff Trail, 1.5 miles from Thurmond
- 2 miles
- 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Thursday April 13:
ART CLASS: Kids Craft Series – Crafty Clay Bird Nests.
Let nature inspire you in making mixed media clay bird nests.
Friday, April 14:
Active Southern West Virginia Rend Trail Hike
Hike through spring on this easy trail, an old railroad line. Bring water. See signs of spring all along the trail
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Stone Cliff Trail near Thurmond
- 4 miles
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Active Southern West Virginia Operation Underdog Bark Ranger Hike
Enjoy a leisurely forest hike with family and friends - including your dogs on the Grandview’s Big Buck and Woodland Loop Trails. Leashes, collars, and poop bags will be available. www.activeswv.org
Friday, April 14-Sunday April 16:
Girls Weekend Getaway: Twin Falls
Enjoy a weekend at Twin Falls Resort State Park, an adventure for the ladies. Explore the natural splendor of hikes to see the twin falls and much more, from painting, movies, yoga, and more.
Saturday, April 15:
WV Master Naturalist certification class: Wildflowers
Learn about wildflowers in this WV MN core certification course. Program will start in the Glen Jean Bank Building then participants car caravan to the Stone Cliff Trail for an easy walk searching for wildflowers. Classroom plus field session.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National River – Glen Jean Bank Building for classroom portion followed by field study at Stone Cliff Trail 1.5 miles from Thurmond
- 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday, April 16:
Leave No Trace Pop-up with NPCA
Stop by any time to learn the principles of Leave No Trace with the National Parks Conservation Association. See how you can be a responsible hiker and camper while enjoying the great outdoors. Play a quick round of trivia, test their wildlife knowledge, and other fun activities to practice these outdoor ethics principles. Prizes available for participating!
- New River Gorge National River – Canyon Rim Visitor Center (outside)
- 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Family Nature Adventure at Burnwood. 1 mile.
Bring your family to Burnwood for a fun afternoon of kid-friendly, hands-on nature activities. Learn more about the great outdoors through nature games and a short discovery hike on the Burnwood Trail.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Burnwood, across Route 19 from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing (meet at the shelter on the right next to the Burnwood Trail)
- 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Tuesday, April 18:
Moths of the New River Gorge
Learn about and see moths of the New River Gorge. Start with an indoor presentation in the Hawks Nest SP conference room then move outside to see moths attracted by artificial lights. Bring a flashlight/headlamp, magnifying glass, and camera with flash if desired. Field observation session end time will be determined by the moths.
- WHERE: Hawks Nest State Park – lodge conference room then field
- 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Wednesday, April 19:
Frogs Callin’ & Critters Wander. Stroll to a small pond at Grandview in search of the sights and sounds of amphibians and other creatures of the night. Be prepared for moderate terrain on this 1.5-mile walk. Bring a flashlight.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – Meet at Grandview Visitor Center
- 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Saturday, April 22:
Beginner Birding
Learn the basics of birdwatching on this easy stroll at Grandview in search of spring birds. Bring binoculars or some will be available. There will be enough time to get to the 9:30 Hike Into Spring! activity at Grandview after this program is over
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – Grandview Visitor Center
- 0.5 miles
- 8:00 – 9:00 am
Earth Day’s Hike Into Spring!
The big bloom hike is back! Join rangers and naturalists on a leisurely hike from Grandview top down to the New River, finding wildflowers and other natural wonders along the way. Over 60 blooming wildflower species are usually seen on this hike. Be prepared for some steep terrain as we travel down an old dirt road, the Little Laurel Trail. A free return shuttle will be provided or join an Active Southern West Virginia Community Captain to hike back to the top of the gorge. RESERVATIONS requested for shuttle bus by April 20; call 304-465-2632 to leave a message with name and number in your party.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – Meet at Grandview Shelter # 4
- 2.5 miles (Active Southern West Virginia option: 5 miles total)
- 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
WV Master Naturalist certification class: Insects, Spiders, and Such.
Learn about the diversity of West Virginia’s terrestrial invertebrates in this WV MN core certification course. Classroom plus field session
- WHERE: Oak Hill City Hall, Oak Hill + field session nearby
- 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Sunday, April 23
Old Growth Nature Trek
Trek to an old-growth hemlock-oak forest along Pierson-Hollow and other habitats in the park to discover warblers, other wildlife, and plants on this moderate hike. Binoculars are recommended.
- WHERE: Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, Summersville – Meet at Patterson House Museum
- 2 miles
- 10:00 – 11:30 am
Active Southern West Virginia Long Point Trek – Summersville Lake
Discover nature along the trail on this hike to a scenic view of Summersville Lake on the Long Point Trail. Most of this trail is an easy walk, except for the last, steep section of trail to Long Point. Bring water
- WHERE: Summersville Lake - Meet at the Long Point Trailhead near Mountain Lake Campground (This is NOT the same Long Point as at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve)
- 4 miles
- 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Thursday, April 27
Discover Nature Journaling. T
ake a detailed look at nature and see how to discover more about plant and animals through nature journaling. Bring your favorite blank field notebook and pencil. Some journaling tools will be available.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – Burnwood, across Route 19 from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing (meet at the shelter on the right next to the Burnwood Trail)
- 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Friday, April 28
Dogwood Hike
Explore the woods with the coming of spring on this easy to moderate loop hike, plus explore the nature center grounds and historic structures.
- WHERE: Pipestem Resort State Park. Meet at the Pipestem Resort State Park’s Nature Center.
- 0.6 mile loop hike.
- 1:00-2:00 pm
Saturday, April 29
WV Master Naturalist Certification Course: Salamanders. Learn about salamanders and species that live in the New River Gorge in this WV MN elective certification course. Classroom pus field session.
- WHERE: Hawks Nest SP – lodge conference room then field
- 9:00 – 11:00 am then field session
Spring Photography Workshop at Three Rivers Avian Center
Learn and practice the art of bird photography with instructor Steven Rotsch at Three Rivers Avian Center. $. Sign up for full or half day sessions.
www.stevenrotsch.com or 681-264-1065 for workshop times and prices
- WHERE: Three Rivers Avian Center on Brooks Mountain Road, Brooks
Sunday, April 30:
Babcock Birds & Blooms Walk
Stroll the habitat along Glade Creek to discover the variety of nature found along this forested mountain stream, including rare beauties like painted trillium and hear songsters like black-throated blue warblers. Some nature watching tools will be available or bring your own.
- WHERE: Babcock State Park, Clifftop - Meet at Glade Creek Gristmill
- 2 miles easy hike
- 9:00 – 11:00 am
Ferns and Friends Hike, 3 miles moderate hike.Stroll the habitat along Glade Creek to discover the variety of nature found along this forested mountain stream, including rare beauties like painted trillium and hear songsters like black-throated blue warblers. Some nature watching tools will be available or bring your own.
- WHERE: Babcock State Park, Clifftop - Meet at Mann’s Creek Overlook near the tennis courts
- 3 miles moderate hike
- 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Tuesday, May 2
Hawks News History Revealed.
Join Park Superintendent Joe Baughman at Hawks Nests SP main overlook to hear about how this park came to be and the rich history of the area, from the CCC, the dam, and more.
- WHERE: Hawks Nest State Park, Anstead - Meet at the Main Overlook
- 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Saturday, May 6
Free Public Tour Day at Three Rivers Avian Center
Take a free tour of the TRAC facility, meet live raptor ambassadors including hawks, owls, falcons, and a bald eagle, plus learn more about hawk migration from Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory team. Also tour the nearby gourmet maple syrup making facility and enjoy a free tasting of this delicious treat. Donations are welcome.
- WHERE: Three Rivers Avian Center on Brooks Mountian Road, Brooks
- 1:00 – 5:00 pm
New River Gorge Rim to Rim Race
Enjoy the beauty of the season and breathtaking views on this running road race in the New River Gorge. Run Fayette Station Road from the top of the gorge to the bottom and back up the other side. Racers will enjoy a wonderful post-race brunch provided by host location, Adventures on the Gorge. $. Must preregister for this event by May 2. See race details and register at www.activeswv.org.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve - Fayetteville to Lansing
Turkey Spur Orchid Trek
Hike the Grandview Rim Trail in search of orchids and other wildflowers then continue to the scenic overlooks at Turkey Spur. Be prepared for moderate terrain on this 3-mile walk.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – Meet at Grandview Shelter #1 parking area
- 3 mile hike
- 3:30-6:00 pm
Sunset to Full Flower Moon + Campfire
Enjoy Grandview from sunset to moonrise. Enjoy a moderate hike to see the sunset at the Turkey Spur overlook, then walk back to the North Overlook to see the nearly full moon rise. Hang out around a campfire after the hike optional.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve - Meet at Grandview’s Shelter #1 parking area.
- 2 mile hike
- 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Sunday, May 7
Spring Foraging Hike with Mitchell Dech
Spring is the perfect time to learn skills to forage wild foods like roots, greens, and flowers. Join “Berry Man” Mitchell Dech as he leads these hands-on edible plants hike. Wear comfortable walking shoes for this moderate walk. Reservations requested; call 304-574-1500.
- WHERE: Meet at Wolf Creek Park between Fayetteville and Oak Hill (335 Nick Rahall Greenway, Fayetteville, WV)
- 2 miles
Saturday, May 13
Birds, Neotropical Migrants of the New River Gorge
Hike the Fisherman’s Trail at Hawks Nest Lake in search of spring’s migrating birds. See neotropical migrants that use this rich habitat for breeding and as a stopover in route to breeding grounds farther north. Bring binoculars, water, and sun protection.
- WHERE: Hawks Nest State Park - Meet at the parking lot at the lake
- 1 mile easy to moderate hike
Migration Celebration
Come out and enjoy a free, family friendly festival focusing on West Virginia’s wild birds and the ecosystem they live in. Kids activities, birding and nature walks, and live birds of prey on display. This free event will be at Little Beaver State Park in Beaver. Donations are welcome.
- WHERE:Little Beaver State Park in Beaver
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tuesday, May 16
Salamander Stroll
Search for a glimpse of salamanders and other creatures of the night after dark, species that prefer the rock walls and crevices of the New River Gorge. Bring a flashlight. Be prepared for rocky, steep terrain on the short walk.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve - Meet at the Bridge Buttress parking area below the New River Gorge Bridge on Fayette Station Road.
- 8:00-9:30 pm
Wednesday, May 17
Wings, Wildflowers, and Whatever Hike
Join in on this mini bioblitz easy to moderate hike around Hawks Nest State Park, looking for wildflowers, birds, and other intriguing flora and fauna encountered along the way. Bring binoculars, water/snack, and sun protection. A short car caravan may be necessary as we let nature lead this discovery route. www.wvstateparks.com/parks/hawks-nest-state-park/
- WHERE: Hawks Nest State Park, Anstead - Meet at Main Overlook
- Approximately 2 miles
Thursday, May 18
WV Master Naturalist Certification Course: Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
Learn the seven principles of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics in this WV MN elective certification course and LNT Awareness course. Learn and practice sound outdoor stewardship techniques, plus see how you can lead others by example.
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – Burnwood, across Route 19 from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing (meet at the shelter on the right next to the Burnwood Trail)
- 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Saturday, May 20
New Trail Launch: Eagle Point Trail
Hike the newest trail in Bluestone State Park, Eagle Point Trail. This challenging hike leads to a rewarding scenic view of the convergence of the New and Bluestone Rivers. Hike not recommended for children or pets. Bring water and wear hiking boots.
- WHERE: Meet at the overlook on Bluestone Park Road, halfway between Rt. 20 and the park office.
- 2.5 miles, strenuous
Sunday, May 21
Rhododendron WalksTake a leisurely stroll around the site to see and photograph the beautiful blooms of Catawba Rhododendron. Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center. Find out more about the Rhododendron Festival (May 14 – 28, 2023) in the Beckley area at Beckley WV Rhododendron Festival (2022-05-14 00:00:00) - Visit Southern West Virginia : Visit Southern West Virginia (visitwv.com).
- WHERE: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve - Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center at Grandview
- 3:00-3:30 PM and 4:00- 4:30 PM
