Beartown State Park Closes Early For Repairs

Hillsboro, WV – Beartown State Park will close a little earlier this year for some much needed repairs and upgrades according to Park Superintendent Mike Smith. It will close on Tuesday, September 6th. The park located near the Pocahontas-Greenbrier County line normally stays open until the end of October, but will close early this year so the work can be done before winter weather arrrives.

Smith, says their goal is to have the work list for the park completed in time for the traditional opening in April. The biggest portion of the work involves replacing some of the boardwalk in the park known for its combination of towering hemlocks, stone pillars, and rugged terrain. About 350 of the 800 feet of boardwalk in the park has deteriorated since its construction 25 years ago.

Due to the rough terrain at the park, and to protect the natural appearance of the area, all materials necessary for the project will have to be moved manually by a very limited work force, hence the long repair schedule. In addition, about a dozen trees killed by the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid insect must be removed due to their proximity to the boardwalk. The main path into the park will also require some work and aging interpretive signs will be replaced.

Beartown is a natural day-use area with no facilities but with a dedicated following of 25,000 to 35,000 visitors annually. For more information about Beartown, please visit www.beartownstatepark.com.