Wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor lovers who want a chance to see West Virginia’s growing elk herd up close and in a natural setting may now book a seat on a guided elk viewing tour organized by West Virginia State Parks.

W.Va. Division of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel says applicants for the tours should register soon as the popular tours book quickly.

“Our elk viewing tours offer an incredible opportunity to see these majestic animals and learn about the history of elk management in West Virginia,” McDaniel said.

“There aren’t many places where you can get this kind of experience, so folks should book their trip before seats sell out.”

On Thursday, the state parks system announced the return of the popular event and an exclusive 10 percent discount on lodge rooms and cabins at Chief Logan Lodge for people who book a tour.

Elk viewing tours, which are scheduled this September and October, will start and end at Chief Logan Lodge. Each tour is limited to 12 people. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased online at WVStateParks.com.

Morning tours start at 5:30 a.m. and evening tours start at 4 p.m. Tour dates are:

Morning Tours

• Saturday, Sept. 11
• Sunday, Sept. 12
• Saturday, Sept. 25
• Sunday, Sept. 26
• Saturday, Oct. 9
• Sunday, Oct. 10
• Saturday, Oct. 16
• Sunday, Oct. 17
• Saturday, Oct. 23
• Sunday, Oct. 24

Evening Tours

• Sunday, Sept. 19
• Thursday, Sept. 23
• Saturday, Sept. 25
• Sunday, Sept. 26
• Thursday, Sept. 30
• Sunday, Oct. 3
• Saturday, Oct. 9
• Sunday, Oct. 10
• Saturday, Oct. 16
• Sunday, Oct. 17
• Saturday, Oct. 23
• Sunday, Oct. 24

While there are no guarantees guests will see or hear elk, tour guide Lauren Cole has prepared a fun and entertaining program for guests to enjoy. Tours last four hours, depending on wildlife viewing conditions and weather and groups typically walk or hike up to three miles. Tours are limited to guests 12 and older. For more information about the elk tours, contact Cole at lauren.e.cole@wv.gov.

Elk Tour Guests Get 10 Percent Off Lodging at Chief Logan State Park

People who book an elk viewing tour can use an exclusive discount to save 10 percent on lodge rooms and cabins at Chief Logan State Park. To get the discount, enter promo code ELKTOUR10 when booking online at WVStateParks.com. The offer is valid only on lodge and cabin stays booked between now and October 25. The offer expires Oct. 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST.