Summertime Sights at Watoga State Park

by John C. Deanin Human Interest Story, Natural History, Watoga Photoson Posted on

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, and Dark Skies

Raccoons, bats, and owls highlight the summertime night sights and sounds, but the dark skies alone are worth a visit to Watoga. Here, you can see the Milky Way along with other galaxies, planets, and constellations. You can even “wish upon a star!” And don’t forget to chase or catch a lightning bug or two during your summertime visit!

Recently, the International Dark-Sky Association recognized Watoga, along with Calvin Price State Forest and Droop Mountain State Park, as West Virginia’s first Dark Sky Parks.

Special thanks to photographers Tiffany Beachy, Donna Dilley, Angela Hill and Brian Hirt for sharing their photography with Watoga State Park Foundation.

"A bear! A bear! All black and brown and covered in hair!" - Author: George R R Martin.
“A bear! A bear! All black and brown and covered in hair!” – Author: George R R Martin. © Angela Hill.
Just one of many summertime sights at Watoga. ©Donna Dilley.
One of the many summertime sights at Watoga. © Donna Dilley.

Fishing in the summer on the lake is just a given. ©Angela Hill
Summer isn’t complete without fishing on the lake. © Angela Hill.
Evening sunsets can be quite spectacular in the summertime at Watoga Lake. Just one of many canopies of trees within the park. ©Donna Dilley.
Evening sunsets can be quite spectacular at Watoga Lake. © Donna Dilley.

Summertime Views For You!

A bench with a view, framed by West Virginia's state flower.
A bench with a view, framed by West Virginia’s state flower. © Angela Hill.
A vote by public school students in 1903 selected the rhododendron as West Virginia's state flower. © Angela Hill.
A vote by public school students in 1903 selected the rhododendron as West Virginia’s state flower. © Angela Hill.
This Wrybill pauses to take in the summertime sights at Watoga. The swimming pool is a popular spot in the summertime at Watoga. ©Angela Hill.
This Wrybill pauses to take in the summertime sights at Watoga. © Angela Hill.
Pickerelweed along the banks of Watoga Lake. This Wrybill pauses to take in the summertime sights at Watoga. ©Angela Hill.
Pickerelweed along the banks of Watoga Lake. © Angela Hill.
At Watoga, summer isn't complete without the Mountain Trail Challenge Races, held annually on the second Saturday in August. ©Brian Hirt.
At Watoga, summer isn’t complete without the Mountain Trail Challenge Races, held annually on the second Saturday in August. © Brian Hirt.
Just one of many canopies of trees within the park. ©Donna Dilley.
A canopy of pine trees in the Pine Run Cabin area. © Donna Dilley.
The photographer calls this shot "Rhododendren Heaven on Bear Pen Trail."
The photographer calls this shot “Rhododendron heaven on Bear Pen Trail.” © Angela Hill.
Sights like this one await you at Watoga.
Sights like this one await you at Watoga. © Angela Hill.
Up close and personal with a rhododendron bloom. © Angela Hill.
Up close and personal with a rhododendron bloom. © Angela Hill.
Cabin 34, aka "The Honeymoon Cabin," on a wondrous summer evening.
Cabin 34, aka “The Honeymoon Cabin,” on a wondrous summer evening. © Watoga State Park Foundation.
In a secluded area at Watoga, a synchronous firefly (Photinus carolinus) pauses before liftoff to search for a mate. This insects synchronization is one of many amazing summertime sights at Watoga.Photo by Tiffany Beachy©.
A synchronous firefly (Photinus carolinus) pauses before liftoff to search for a mate. © Tiffany Beachy.

Summertime, summertime . . .

You're almost there! A summer day at the solar-heated pool is priceless.
You’re almost there! A summer day at the solar-heated pool is priceless. © Watoga State Park Foundation.
The swimming pool is a popular spot during the summer. ©Stanley Clark.
The swimming pool is a popular spot during the summer. © Stanley Clark.
One of a number of mushrooms within the forest at Watoga. © Angela Hill.
One of a number of mushrooms within the forest at Watoga. © Angela Hill.
A day of fun-filled activities is almost complete.
A day of fun-filled activities is almost complete. © Angela Hill.
The dark skies at Watoga never cease to amaze. Angela Hill.
The dark skies at Watoga never cease to amaze. © Angela Hill.
Comet Neowise in July 2020 from the Anne Bailey parking lot at Watoga. © Angela Hill.
Comet Neowise in July 2020 from the Anne Bailey parking lot at Watoga. © Angela Hill.