We have great places to stay and great places to play! Welcome to Watoga! Hope you can be here a few minutes. Get to know us a little. We have the most return visitors of any West Virginia State Park. Come see us soon! Stay at Watoga Check out what people say about our cabins …
My lifelong dream fulfilled The Dream Foundation, NFL and Others Send West Virginia Writer to the Super Bowl By John C. Dean Tuesday afternoon, January 23, 2024 It had been a while since I last smiled or laughed. I couldn’t recall the last time. I had been struggling with my cancer symptoms. It’s been rough …
By John C. Dean Contributing Writer In the heart of the lush, expansive landscape enveloping Watoga State Park, nestled within the sturdy embrace of a small log cabin, the Dean family carved out a life steeped in simplicity and resilience. Vernon and Vada, the pillars of the family, faced the challenges of modest means with …
Having attained international recognition, what’s on the celestial horizon for West Virginia’s newest stars on the dark sky park tourism circuit this fall? Well, this party’s just getting started! It’s time to get ready to celebrate unlike anywhere else in the world or the universe for that matter! Receiving national and international attention are Watoga …
The Mountain Trail Challenge half-marathon and 5K race returns to West Virginia’s largest state park on August 13, 2022. Race, walk, or stroll along beautiful but challenging trails. All ages and levels of athletes are encouraged to participate in this race. Proceeds benefit the park through the Watoga State Park Foundation Inc. Registration on race …
Logistical details for Watoga State Park’s 7th Annual Mountain Trail Challenge Races were released today. The 5K and half-marathon MTC races are slated for Saturday, August 13 at Beaver Creek Campground, according to Maureen Conley, Race Chairperson. “We’re excited to once again host his one-of-a-kind race,” said Conley. “Each race attracts running enthusiasts who enjoy …
The recent designation of New River Gorge as a national park brings to mind other possibly worthy parks in the Southern Appalachians. With some 339 state parks in the states of the Blue Ridge coverage area, there are at least a few in the mountains with enough size and superlatives to attract “national” attention. Let’s …
It started as a typical summer at Watoga State Park. But it began and ended as the summer with Tog. There were seven of us hired for the summer jobs. Several of us had been there the earlier summer or two, and we knew each other. The others were new. We were all about the …
Ah, those summertime sights, sounds, and smells entice many people to visit Watoga each year. This summer was no different. From the children splashing about in the pool’s crystal-clear water to a family of deer meandering alongside a mountain stream, there’s always something to fill your senses in this 10,000-acre park. Wildlife, Back to Nature, …
INSIDER TIPS ON GREAT FALL DRIVES Roads less traveled, where to find them and why they’re worth it. Reprinted with permission from Blue Ridge Country magazine’s September/October 2021 issue. For subscription and other information on the magazine, please go to blueridgecountry.com. By ANGELA MINOR One of my favorite pastimes when I was at college in …
Reprinted with permission from Highland Outdoors magazine (www.highland-outdoors.com), Fall 2021 edition, p. 9. Stargazers, rejoice! Watoga State Park is on its way to becoming an officially recognized Dark Sky Park. Watoga has long been known as one of the darkest and most light-pollution-free areas in Central Appalachia, providing spectacular views of clear night skies. At …