Ahhhh….. Fall, one of my favorite times of the year. I will preface this blog by saying that autumn used to be last on my list of favorite seasons. But that all changed a few years ago when I started working at Wilderness Road State Park.
Signs of Fall suorround the Robinson Cabin at Wilderness Road State Park
The annual Heritage Festival kicks off a busy month for the us as we decorate the park in the finest fall offerings such as pumpkins, fodder, mums in a variety of colors and of course straw and hay. As the decorations transform the park, you quickly notice that all the employees and even our customers have an extra bounce in their step.
This year’s festival is Saturday, October 13, 2012 and features an outstanding lineup of bluegrass musicians, old fashion food, handmade Appalachian crafts and entertaining children’s activities, led by Beumm the Clown.
Following the festival, the staff takes a brief moment to catch our collective breath before preparing for yet another well attended special event, Pumpkins in the Park. This year’s Halloween extravaganza takes place on October 26-27, just two weeks following the Heritage Festival.
The park then transforms into a haunted yet fun atmosphere with jack-o-lanterns replacing the pumpkins, ghosts and goblins replacing the mums and giant holiday inflatable characters taking the place of the fodder.
Pumpkins features children’s activities such as pumpkin painting face painting, costume contests, scary music, storytelling and more. It is highlighted by the Haunted Trail Hayride, a 30-minute journey along a wooded trail with haunted scenes that are sure to generate a scream!
All of these activities are framed by the absolutely stunning fall colors that paint the Cumberland mountainside, with the morning fogs adding another artistic touch to the canvas. Although it’s a busy month, it’s a fun time of the season, and a perfect time for you to visit Southwest Virginia and of course, Wilderness Road State Park!
For more information about Wilderness Road State Park, or for directions, please click here.
