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FROM LEFT: COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMEERCE; COURTESY CEDAR VALLEY RESORT
T R A I L S I D E
24 RAILS TO TRAILS WINTER 2017
Minnesota
ROOT RIVER TRAIL,
CANDLELIGHT SKI
The tiny town of Whalan, Min-
nesota, is home to less than 70
individuals, but roughly 100 people
join in each February for the popu-
lar annual Candlelight Ski, now in
its 24th year. State park employ-
ees and volunteers groom and set
up luminaries alongside the Root
River Trail for participants to enjoy,
and skiers (or walkers if there’s no
snow) travel together for three-
quarters of a mile to the end of the
lighted portion of the path before
returning to a warm bonfire near
the trailhead in downtown Whalan.
Community volunteers also sell
chili, soup and sandwiches so
participants can warm up before
and after their trip.
If you’re interested, this year’s
event takes place on Feb. 4, 2017.
Attendees don’t need to register
in advance, but to ski on the trail,
participants must have a Great
Minnesota Ski Pass for the day
($6) or the season ($20), which
can be purchased online
r
at the event. Cedar Valley Resort
in Whalen offers skis for rental
)
•
West Virginia
GREENBRIER RIVER TRAIL, FULL MOON HIKE
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park hosts its popular Full Moon Hike monthly, but the event takes on
a special feel during the crisp chill of winter. Hikers meet at the park’s visitors center after dark
and set out on the Greenbrier River Trail with park naturalist Monica Fleming, who shares infor-
mation about the trail, provides guidance on outdoor winter adventures and helps identify some
of the wild flora and fauna hikers may see or hear on their 3-mile journey. The hikes usually last
between two or three hours, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join.
“In this day and age, people generally don’t go more than 500 yards from where their car is
parked,” says Sissie Summers, program administrator for West Virginia State Parks. “It’s an op-
portunity to venture out. It’s dark [during the full moon hikes], and the shadows can be deep and
the sounds might be creepy until Monica explains what you’re seeing and hearing.”
Those who wish to attend a Full Moon Hike this winter have three options: Jan. 12 and Feb. 11
at 6:30 p.m., and March 12 at 7:30 p.m. The event is free, but participants must preregister online
) or call Monica Fleming at 304.456.4300, ext. 111.
To ensure an enjoyable hike, participants should wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers appropri-
ate to current weather conditions and dress in layers with sufficient outerwear to stay warm.
Hikers should also bring water bottles and snacks to stay hydrated and energized for the journey.
Although flashlights can be brought in case of an emergency, the hike leader strongly encour-
ages all participants to keep lights (including phones) off to sustain their night vision and fully
experience their natural surroundings along the rail-trail during the hike.•
Illuminated Winter Trail Excursions
BY DANIELLE TAYLOR