On May 15, Bear Creek Lake State Park will celebrate its 70th Anniversary along with the grand opening of the newly renovated trail system. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. in Bear Creek Hall where folks may enjoy a number of exhibitors including DCR, Americas State Parks, Friends of Bear Creek Lake, Department of Forestry, Virginia Society of Ornithology and the Central Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists. At 11:00 a.m. there will be a brief ceremony and ribbon cutting at the CMT Trail head , just a short walk from Bear Creek Hall. Secretary Doug Domenech, Delegate Watkins Abbit, Director Elton, and Chairman Kennell are several of the state and local officials attending.
Several guided nature hikes will commence immediately following the ribbon cutting. The hikes are planned so family and friends may pick-n-choose a favorite hike. The hikes will conclude at 1:00 p.m. at Bear Creek Hall. Also after the ribbon cutting Stan Warner, Retired State Silviculturalist will be stationed in Bear Creek Hall for discussion about Virginia’s forests and trees.
The Hall will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for light refreshments hosted by the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park. Cabin #3 will be open for touring. The concession stand will have reduced prices for the day and free canoe tours will take place at 1:00, 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. Additional interpretive programs will take place until sunset. A special appearance by Smokey the Bear will take place during the day.
Parking has been reduced to 10 cents for the weekend – a 1936 grand opening of the Virginia state park system price.
Pink Lady Slipper and Trout Lily are just two of the many wildflowers currently in bloom at the park.
For our official press release on the event, please click here. For more information about the Friends of Bear Creek Lake State Park, please email them at [email protected].