West Virginia state park guests offered discount on certain visits

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – It’s starting to feel like fall, and West Virginia Tourism is getting ready for the season. On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced some exciting opportunities coming to the department.

Morrisey began his announcement by first addressing the decision to keep the state’s national parks open during the current government shutdown. He says his decision came down to the small businesses that run in these state parks, saying they rely on tourism to keep running.

October is one of the busiest tourism times of the year, according to Morrisey.

The governor then announced that any visitor who books a three-day visit in West Virginia’s state parks will receive a 20% discount on their visit.

“If ever there’s a time to come to the Mountain State, it certainly would be right now to order to access the discount,” Morrisey said.

Visitors can redeem the offer using code FallmostHeaven, now through December 30, 2025. This offer does not include Thanksgiving Day.

“We want to make sure people in West Virginia avail themselves of this opportunity,” Morrisey said.

During the press conference, Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby also reminded folks that the West Virginia Paranormal Trail is back for the second year with four new haunted sites.

“In two years of this trail, we have had people from 48 states and eight countries,” Ruby said.

Director of the Division of Forestry Jeremy Jones told attendees about when they can expect peak fall foliage.

“We are early on in the season. The season has been delayed just a little bit due to the weather. Everyone knows we’re involved in a terrible drought again, along with a stretch of above-average temperatures. So that’s kind of pushed things back very slightly,” Jones said.

Morrisey also took time during the press conference to mention the need to fill the vacant seat of late Supreme Court Justice Tim Armstead. He said twelve people have already applied, and he will begin the interview process soon.

“We’re obviously going to be looking for someone with an unshakable commitment to the rule of law and someone who’s going to serve the people of West Virginia with integrity, impartiality and a deep respect for the Constitution,” Morrisey said.