Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : February 10, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

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

2006 Spring Cabin and Cottage Rentals at WV State Parks

  From a “spring tonic” to “fishing for a bargain,” West Virginia State Parks and Forests offer a variety of packages and discounts for 2006. 

  Fishing for a Bargain at Kumbrabow State Forest introduces guests to trout fishing opportunities in the area.  “Some of the best fishing streams in West Virginia are in our area,” says Matt Yeager, superintendent of Kumbrabow State Forest. “Our pioneer cabins, which represent part of CCC history, have gas lights and refrigerators and hand water pump.” Kumbrabow offers guided packages as well as reduced rates for those interested in trout fishing.

  “Good Mornin' Glory at Tygart Lake is a three-night getaway with a reasonable price,” says Brennon O'Sullivan, assistant superintendent. Tygart Lake is in Taylor County and a short drive from the Clarksburg , Morgantown and Fairmont area. The package includes breakfast at Tygart Lake 's restaurant and is available mid-week from mid-April through mid-May.

  Lost River State Park continues to attract visitors that enjoy the natural beauty of Hardy County.  “ Reader's Retreat began as a getaway for book club meetings, but it has become our best visitation offer,” Superintendent Dee Taylor says. This special offers a two-night stay with the third night free. This Reader's Retreat is available mid-week, Sunday through Thursday from April 3 through May 18, 2006 .

  Twin Falls Resort State Park 's Early Birdie Cottage Package includes five days of golf and a four-night cottage rental Sunday through Thursday until April 7, 2006 .  “If this spring is mild, there will be excellent golf play in March and April for golfers with a need to get out and hit the ball,” says Nathan Hanshaw, assistant superintendent of Twin Falls . The Mountain Lodge Golf Package starts April 1 through May 25 and the park will customize golf packages in lodge or cabin accommodations for groups. 

  An amazing “spring tonic” is as close as staying overnight in a two-story company house  at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Pocahontas County.  From March 13 through May 18, the rental house rate decreases the longer visitors stay.  Dave Caplinger, superintendent of Cass Scenic Railroad, says that although the train doesn't start to run until Memorial Weekend, there is biking, birding and fishing opportunities in the Cass area.  Nearby attractions include Watoga State Park and Seneca State Forest. “We are pleased to offer a discounted house rate at Cass to encourage exploration in a special part of West Virginia,” Caplinger says.

  “A tradition at state parks is discounts for cabin and cottage rentals from mid-April through mid-May,” says Sissie Summers , lodging sales representative for West Virginia State Parks. It varies a little from year to year and this year's participating areas are  Babcock, Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Greenbrier State Forest, Holly River, Kumbrabow State Forest, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem, Tygart Lake, Twin Falls Resort and Watoga. This jump start into spring is called a mid-week special and it is available for two nights or more on Sunday through Thursday from April 9 through May 18.  Beech Fork and Watoga require a three night minimum for the special spring rate.  “It is a simple 20 percent off incentive to get folks out and about mid-week to enjoy hiking, biking or maybe to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet,” Summers says.

  Special events, packages and lodging deals are posted online at www.wvstateparks.com . To make a reservation or for more information, call 1-800 - CALL WVA and ask for the specific park or forest.

**DNR**