Spring Events Preview! Thaw Out and Enjoy Spring in Nature’s Mountain Playground
Mike Moore
I’m certainly not a meteorologist, but I think it’s safe to say spring has made its way back to the mountains of Pocahontas County. And while fall is my go-to answer if asked for my favorite time of year, I must admit, spring runs an immediate, second place in my mind. For me spring marks a renewal – an awakening of sorts. The winter months bring with them gray skies and barren mountain sides. Winter feels as if everything lies dormant; in a time-honored state of patiently waiting for warmer weather. But with the coming of spring, things begin to change. The gray skies begin to brighten. The dull brown of the mountains slowly changes to a lush green. It’s almost as if a shroud is being pulled back and everything from the weather to the woods is reborn, fresh and new. Here in Nature’s Mountain Playground, spring marks that time of year to start getting back outdoors. To feel the warm sun on your face, to see flowers blooming and hear birds singing. It’s time to dig out the old fly rod and make your first return to that secret fishing hole; less concerned with catching anything and more concerned with just getting back out there.
Spring also marks the beginning of a bounty of annual events, festivals, and just about anything else we can come up with to use as an excuse to get back outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. So, if you’re wondering where to go this spring, grab your calendar as we hit the ground running with a list of spring events in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
Folk Arts and Culture Workshop Series
Join the good folks of High Rocks this spring from April 13th through May 13th for their “seed to skillet” series of workshops titled Folk Arts and Culture Workshop Series. These workshops, which are scheduled for six different dates over a period of four weeks, will highlight some of the traditional foods common to Appalachia. For dates and further information click here.
Wildflower Festival
Looking for a great way to enjoy spring break with the kids? Check out The Yew Mountain Center April 22, 2023, as they host their wildflower festival from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come out for a day of family fun centered around arts and nature activities for all ages. The Yew Mountain Center will also feature their native plant sale and guided tours, including a wildflower walk and a ramp and forest farming walk, as well as their Ramp 5K Challenge. For further details and information on Yew Mountain Center’s other events click here.
Great Greenbrier River Race
Come join us on April 29, 2023, for what has become one of spring’s most anticipated upcoming events in West Virginia – the Great Greenbrier River Race. This family-friendly event/triathlon begins with a three-mile run, followed by four miles of paddling the Greenbrier River in either kayak or canoe, and then finishes with a ten-mile bike ride. Come to compete or cheer for your favorite racer. This event brings competitors and spectators from all around the state and is a great way to kick-off spring in Nature’s Mountain Playground. You can find more race information by clicking here.
First Friday at Discovery Junction
Join us May 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Discovery Junction in Marlinton as we kick-off our First Friday events for 2023. Running from May to September, on the first Friday of each month, Discovery Junction in Marlinton will host an array of events celebrating our West Virginia mountain culture. Come out and enjoy artists, musicians, naturalists, and others as we share our heritage in an educational and entertaining way. Check out the Discovery Junction Facebook page for details as each Friday brings something new and exciting.
Full Moon Hike
Lace up those hiking books and head over to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for their Full Flower Moon hike, May 6, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This guided hike will take place along the Greenbrier River Trail, a former rail line that maintains no more than a one percent grade – in other words, a level and easy hike. Check out the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Facebook page for more details.
2023 Greenbrier River Trail Bike Trek
Have you ever considered the fact that something as simple as bike riding could benefit others? If not, here’s your chance to do just that. The American Lung Association will be sponsoring the 34th annual Greenbrier River Trail Bike Trek, May 18th through May 21, 2023, to raise funds for and bring awareness to lung health in West Virginia. Come out and enjoy the Greenbrier River Trail while helping a good cause – for more details and registration information click here.
Huntersville Education Day
Step back in time with the good folks in Huntersville on May 6, 2023, for their Education Day event. Tour the old Huntersville school, Huntersville jail, and the Civil War cemetery and learn a little bit about life in Pocahontas County during the 17th century. Period demonstrations of quilt making, basket weaving, broom making, muzzleloading, and much more will be held as well as old time country music and a barbeque dinner. Click here for contact information and further details.
Space Race Rumpus
If your list of things to do during spring break in West Virginia doesn’t include the Space Race Rumpus in Green Bank, well then, you’ve definitely got to add this one. This weekend – long cycling festival takes place from June 2 through June 4, 2023, at the Green Bank Observatory. Bring the whole family and enjoy a weekend of riding for all ages and skill levels. Meet vendors, attend bike clinics, camp out, and enjoy live music. For further details and registration information click here.
First Friday at Discovery Junction
Come join us on June 2, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Marlinton at the Discovery Junction pavilion as we kick off a summer-long schedule of First Friday events. Scheduled of the first Friday of each month from June through September, this community event brings together artists, musicians, and naturalists, each sharing their love and knowledge of our mountain culture and natural heritage. Each event promises something new so be sure to check them all out. For more details click here.
National Trail Days Hike
Cinch up those hiking boots and meet us at the Cass Company Store at 1:00 p.m. on June 3, 2023, to celebrate National Trail Days at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. This guided hike is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is a great way to get and celebrate National Trail Days while seeing some of the rugged beauty Nature’s Mountain Playground has to offer. For more information click here.
Plenty More to Do…
Well, hopefully by now, you’re beginning to get an idea of the variety of springtime events and activities Pocahontas County has to offer. Whether it’s more Full Moon hikes at Cass, educational events at the Yew Mountain Center, the 5K Stump Run out of Cass, or the Parade of Steam and Cass Days Celebration, there’s aways an opportunity to celebrate, entertain, and educate our visitors that choose to spend time with us here in this scenic and picturesque county. There’s no doubt, spring is a special time of the year for us here and we can’t wait to share this wonderful place with you. So, grab that calendar, get those vacation days requested, and come join us as we welcome spring back to the rugged and beautiful mountains of Nature’s Mountain Playground.