Saturday, August 9, 2025
76.4 F
Beckley
More

    North Bend offers outdoor skills programs July 21

    Adventurers participating in the Quest program gather at North Bend. Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce.

    Rangers at North Bend State Park on July 21 will helps guests learn new outdoors skills, offering introductory courses in backpacking, geocaching, and backcountry camping. The courses last anywhere from two hours to overnight, according to Steve Jones, superintendent of North Bend.

    Advertisement

    “Sometimes you need a little help learning a new outdoor skill,” Jones said of the park's Quest program, which has been helping guests integrate with nature. “That help is available here at North Bend State Park through our Quest program.”

    The Backpacking with Backcountry Camping course starts at 10 a.m. This overnight experience is in a remote section of the park and includes an introduction on packs, gear and packing for an backcountry trip. Participants also will be able to practice carrying different loaded packs for size and comfort. Backpackers will learn about safety and preparation related to the weather and environment and prepare and eat a typical backpacking dinner and breakfast. Equipment is provided. The cost is $70 per person.

    The Introduction to GPS and Geocaching course starts at 2 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of using a handheld GPS unit built for trail use and will have opportunities to use them through the “hide-and-seek” game of Geocaching. Equipment is provided. The cost is $10 per person.

    Advertisement

    The Introduction to Backpacking course starts at 4 p.m. This two-hour course focuses on packs, gear and packing for an outing. Participants will get to try different loaded packs for size and comfort. Participants will hike, enjoy nature along the trails and discuss safety and preparation. This isn’t an overnight adventure, but an excellent opportunity to decide if backpacking is something of interest for future adventures. Equipment is provided. The cost is $10 per person.

    North Bend State Park is located minutes off US Route 50 near Cairo, West Virginia, and Harrisville, West Virginia. The park features a lodge, cabins, campground, lake and fishing, kayak and canoe rentals, a full-service restaurant, hiking trails, and meeting spaces.

    Registration for the courses is required and available until July 20. To register, call the park at 304-643-2931 or sign up at the front desk.

    For additional information about facilities and activities, visit .

    Advertisement

    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    David Sibray
    David Sibray
    Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Forgotten Drawdy Falls in West Virginia inspiring new generation to care

    PEYTONA, W.Va. — Drawdy Falls, one of the most...

    The Pickens Leper: a tragic journey into isolation in the W.Va. mountains

    PICKENS, W.Va. — In the remote Allegheny Mountains of...

    West Virginia Waterfall Trail surpasses an unexpected 125,000 check-ins

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Waterfall Trail has...

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American...

    Top 10 largest West Virginia cities by population (2025)

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia cities and towns vary...

    Topics

    The Pickens Leper: a tragic journey into isolation in the W.Va. mountains

    PICKENS, W.Va. — In the remote Allegheny Mountains of...

    West Virginia Waterfall Trail surpasses an unexpected 125,000 check-ins

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Waterfall Trail has...

    Top 10 largest West Virginia cities by population (2025)

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia cities and towns vary...

    Jackson’s Mill Jubilee set to crown best homemade pie in West Virginia

    WESTON, W.Va. — Nothing speaks to West Virginia tradition...

    Thirty-three West Virginia companies receive award for global exports

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thirty-three West Virginia companies that export...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories