Hundreds attend May wildflower weekend at Blackwater Falls

Wildflower enthusiasts explore the woodlands at Blackwater Falls. Photo courtesy West Virginia Dept. of Commerce

Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis, West Virginia, will welcome hundreds of wildflower enthusiasts to the area May 10-13 for a weekend of springtime outdoor adventure and nature exploration during its 57th annual West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage.

The Wildflower Pilgrimage is one of the longest-running special events sponsored by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Guests can enjoy sightseeing tours where they learn about spring wildflowers, birding, and other nature studies during this annual celebration of the arrival of wildflowers to the state’s higher elevations.

The tours start at Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge, but participants will spread out and explore surrounding areas, including Germany Valley, Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Cranesville Swamp, Rainshadow and Shale Barrens, Fernow Forest, Canaan Loop to Table Rock, Gaudineer Knob, Bear Haven and other trails and landmarks.

Participants may participate in one tour per day and those who arrive early on May 10 may enjoy additional birding and wildflowers workshops.

Specialists from the division, West Virginia University, the West Virginia Garden Club, and Brooks Bird Club will lead walks and answer questions during the weekend.

With the event regularly attended by more than 300 people from at least 16 states each year, the Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge is already full for this event, but park cabins and campgrounds are still available for guest lodging. Reservations are required, and cabins and campsites book up fast.

For registration information, please call Emily Fleming or Wendy Greene at 304-558-2754. A registration form may be downloaded from the Blackwater Falls State Park page.

Attending this event? Find hotels through West Virginia Explorer: Davis (WV) Hotels