October at North Bend

(c) 2012 High Virginia Images

North Bend State Park fills October weekends with fun events

CAIRO, West Virginia – October weekends at North Bend State Park in Ritchie County are a cornucopia of activities. "There is no better time to enjoy the outdoors with color changes, pleasant temperatures and seasonal activities," said Ken Zebo, North Bend's activities coordinator. He is well known by North Bend visitors for his interpretative programs about snakes, birds and the environment. A variety of weekend activities are available to the public at North Bend in October.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 - Hughes River Watershed Celebration
The Friends of the Hughes Watershed Association is celebrating all things water Oct. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free, family friendly event is open to anyone who has an interest in learning about preserving water quality and the natural world. Interpretative hikes, educational presentations, aquatic sampling and testing, and wildlife exhibits are all part of this exciting day. Lunch will be provided with several door prize drawings. The festival will take place at the Jug Handle day-use area of the park, just below the dam.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 - 10 Mile Hike
Celebrate autumn by taking a hike on the North Bend Rail Trail. Bring plenty of water, a lunch and snacks, and dress for the weather. Hikers will meet at Shelter #3 at 8 a.m. in North Bend State Park and take shuttles into Pennsboro, hiking the rail trail back to the park. There will be opportunities to see the historic Pennsboro Railroad Depot, the small town charm of Pennsboro and Ellenboro, natural springs, and several tunnels and bridges.
Hikers must register for van space by Oct. 9 by calling 304-643-2931 or email Kenneth.T.Zebo@wv.gov. Shuttles will leave the park at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 - Ritchie County Car Club Fall Classic Car Show
There is no better setting for a day of fun, food and classic cars than North Bend State Park. The Fall Classic Car Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the "Old Playground Area" of the park (on the way to River Run campground from North Bend Lodge). Registration starts at 9 a.m. and closes at noon. Trophies for the top 10 vehicles and the best of show will be awarded at 3 p.m. T-shirts will be given to the first 50 entries, and there will be a 50/50 drawing and door prizes. For more information about the event, contact car club members Dave at 304-869-3969, Larry at 304-659-3797 or Bill at 304-873-2676.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014 - Nature Programs
An Autumn Tree Hike starts at the Nature Center at 11:30 a.m. with Naturalist Ken Zebo. Enjoy the fall foliage during peak leaf peeping season and learn to identify native West Virginia trees. The trail is flat and easy to walk with a portion paved.
The Nature Center is open from 1 to 3 p.m.
"Creek Critters" at 3:30 p.m. and an opportunity to put on your water shoes and get wet! Zebo introduces attendees to the smaller world of critters that inhabit local creeks and streams. Using nets to collect these tiny animals and view them up close is part of the learning experience. This activity meets at the Nature Center.
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 – Nature Programs
The Nature Center is open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
A Euell Gibbons Trail Hike starts at noon from the River Run Campground. Euell Gibbons was a pioneer in the wild foods movement and a frequent visitor to North Bend. Learn about some wild foods growing in the forests of North Bend and the teachings and history of Euell Gibbons.
"Venom and Poison" is a Ken Zebo program about what not to touch in the woods. Beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Nature Center, learn how to identify dangerous plants and animals with discussion about venomous animals and poisonous plants.
Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Oct. 26 – Quilters Getaway
Enjoy the peaceful setting of North Bend State Park in the fall while spending time with friends and sharing ideas. Spend a relaxing weekend working on projects and taking classes from master quilters. Expert instruction and quilting classes will be featured in "Celebrations," a holiday table runner class and "Big Stitch Quilting," a class done with #8 pearl cotton threads to give your project an old fashioned look. Registration is required for this popular event and lodge rooms are recommended. Contact North Bend State Park for pricing and registration information.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014 – Halloween Party
Celebrate Halloween at North Bend State Park with a family friendly Halloween movie and party in Shelter #3 near the Amphitheatre. A costume contest begins at 6 p.m. with the movie and refreshments starting at 6:30 p.m. The party is free and open to the public. All ages welcome!
To learn more about North Bend State Park, visit www.northbendsp.com. North Bend State Park is located in Ritchie County near Cairo and Harrisville. The park features a lodge, vacation cabins, campgrounds, lake for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking trails and the North Bend Rail Trail.

**DNR