Hikers up for a challenge are invited to join in a free 9.5-mile trek at Pipestem Resort State Park on May 27, part of the state park system's 100-mile hiking challenge.
Led by the volunteer team of Mark and Donna Barton of Princeton, West Virginia, the hike will be steady-paced and not an interpretive walk, according to park naturalist Julie McQuade.
The adventure starts at 10 a.m. at McKeever Lodge. Participants should be in good health and ready to enjoy hiking several park trails. There are jump-off points for those who want to finish their walk before reaching the trail’s end, McQuaid said.
The Bartons are well-known park volunteers who have acquired first-hand knowledge of the park's many trails, she said.
“When their schedules find an off-duty day together, you’ll generally find them a Pipestem hiking. Volunteers are vital the programming we provide at all of our state parks, and the Bartons are eager to share their love of hiking with our guests,” McQuaid said.
Miles hiked will count toward the state park system's 2017 Chief’s Challenge, which encourages participants to hike 100 miles of state park trails during the calendar year, including 17 or more miles led by park naturalists, activities coordinators, or designated leaders.
A second 9.5-mile hike at Pipestem is scheduled to be led by the Bartons on October 14.
Visit Pipestem Resort specials or call 304-466-1800 to learn about the hikes, activities and events, amphitheater shows, and schedules.
