Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 27, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Sissie Summers , Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

State Parks October Mid-week Getaway Packages Offer Big Savings

  The mid-week traveler doesn't have to search far for a great getaway at a West Virginia State Park. Cabin and lodges statewide are offering substantial savings to those with some time during the week to peek at fall color in the mountain state.

   “Those that have an opportunity to travel mid-week in October are fortunate,”says Sissie Summers, Lodging Sales Representative for West Virginia State Parks. “Fall colors are always an attraction in our state and, generally, overnight rentals are sparser from Sunday through Thursday. When you combine these two facts, travelers also discover better lodging rates to promote seasonal vacations.”

   “This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the very best of autumn before it ends,” Jeff Layfield, Superintendent at Greenbrier State Forest says. “Weekend use is generally very good at the forest in October, but mid-week offers the same brilliant colors, hiking opportunities, and area attractions here in Greenbrier County .” Visitors to the State Park Web site can download (www.greenbriersf.com ) WV State Parks Dollars at Greenbrier State Forest to encourage mid-week reservations through October.  

  “Happy Trails” is a new package offered this October at Lost River State Park in Hardy County . Besides several cabin packages already available, “Happy Trails” also offers a mid-week vacation in fall colors with two, three and four night options, all of which include horseback riding. “There is a magical sense of wonder at Lost River in October on a trail ride,” says Dorinda Taylor, Park Superintendent. “The leaves are falling, there is crispness in the air and our guests enjoy the solitude of just being ‘away.'” Taylor 's best mid-week October option is a program called “Cranny's Crow.” Named for the park's breathtaking vista, it is a “stay two and the third night's free” plan. Lost River year-round package opportunities can be viewed at www.lostriversp.com .

   Tygart Lake State Park is the ultimate in fall travel. “ Tygart is definitely not the biggest state park nor the most well-known, but we offer everyone an affordable vacation through our fall packages that include lodging and meals,” says Brennon O'Sullivan, Tygart 's assistant superintendent. “Autumn Nights” and “Good Mornin' Glory” are two such packages. ‘Because Tygart is tucked away, our lake park is overlooked by much of the traveling population, so we try a little harder to get attention. Our Web site, www.tygartlake.com surprises everyone.” Tygart 's packages include mid-week or weekends and offers two October weekend special events: Ride the Rails Weekend and Pioneer Heritage Weekend.

  People will continue to read or talk to a friend to find places to visit, says Summers. ‘It's just the newspaper or an online friend. And parks, just like everyone, are adapting to electronic sources. Parks and forests are still the same great places for people to visit. But making a decision of where to visit is easier because new packages and recreation options are posted in a matter of days.”

  To discover fall events, color map, outdoor packages (and indoor packages) available at West Virginia 's state parks, go online at www.wvstateparks.com for additional information and downloadable coupons. Or take advantage of West Virginia 's toll-free reservation number and information, 1-800 CALL WVA.

**DNR**