Outdoors calendar

Boating

Kentucky

• Boater Education Classes, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Aug. 16. A six-hour boating safety course will cover general information concerning boats and maintenance. Questions, call 606-638-4497 or visit http://fw.ky.gov. Lawrence County Public Library, 102 W. Main St., Louisa.
• Canoe Trip on Smokey Lake, now through summer. A leisurely-paced trip on the park's 45-acre lake. Canoes, paddles and life vest provided. Please bring bottled water, sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat. Participants 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must weigh at least 50 pounds to go on the trip. A one mile drive to the lake may be required. Limited space available so you must sign up at the Welcome Center or call 606-286-4411, ext. 2547. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill. $10; $5 children 12 & under.

Rafting

• Boatload Wednesdays. Wednesdays now through October. Get a boatload of people (up to nine) in for some whitewater rafting. Questions, call 800-356-RAFT or visit www.songerwhitewater.com. Songer Whitewater, 3069 Miller Ridge Road, Hico. $510.
• Cheat Canyon, now through summer. Thrilling whitewater rides through 13 miles of untamed river through Cheat Canyon. In this section of cheat River, visitors will find more than 30 rapids of Class III or higher. For those who prefer more mild than wild can enjoy Class II-III rapids and swimming holes in Cheat Narrows. For more information on the Cheat and a list of rafting companies, visit www.wvriversports.com and search for "Cheat River."
• Full Moon Trip, Wednesday, June 18; Friday, July 18, and Aug. 15; Monday, Sept. 15. An afternoon rafting trip in the New River Gorge including two meals. Questions, call 800-252-7784 or visit www.class-vi.com. Class VI River Runners, Lansing. Starts at $107.

Camping and Cabins

• Camp Cherokee High Adventure, three week-long sessions beginning Sundays, July 6, 13 and 20. For all Boy Scouts at least 14-years-old through 17, spend the week on Yatesville Lake near Louisa, Ky., canoeing, fishing, fly fishing, cooking, camping and waterskiing. The event will involve canoeing to remote primitive campsites. For applications, contact Jim Rastetter, 304-523-3408; visit www.tsacbsa.org; or e-mail to r.franks@tsacbsa.org. Camp Cherokee, Route 3 West, just before Louisa, follow signs to Yatesville Lake, Louisa. Fee $180.
• Summer Camping. All Kentucky State Park campgrounds are now open. Go online at www.parksky.gov for more information about campground upgrades in the off-season.

West Virginia

• Cabin Rentals. Cabins for rent, sleeps four people. Questions, call the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District, 304-696-5954. Camp Mad Anthony Wayne, 2125 Spring Valley Dr. , Huntington. $40; damage deposit $100.
• Lodge Rental. Lodge overnight visits. Sleeps 28 people, no linens provided. Questions, call the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District, 304-696-5954. Camp Mad Anthony Wayne, 2125 Spring Valley Dr. , Huntington. Reservation fee, $230 with $300 damage deposit.
• Resident Boy Scout Camp, Sundays, July 6, 13 and 20. Activities include repelling, canoeing, rowing, fishing, rifle, archery, shotgun, camp craft, handicraft, swimming, nature and more. Boy Scouts stay in wall tents with floors and eat in the dining hall. Three week-long sessions. For application, contact Jim Rastetter, 304-523-3408; visit www.tsacbsa.org; or e-mail to r.franks@tsacbsa.org. Camp Arrowhead, Blue Sulphur Road and Scout Camp Road , Ona. $180.
• Voyage, through Friday, Oct. 31. Blennerhassett Island Historical and North Bend state parks have teamed to offer The Voyage Package in 2008. Package includes a night lodging at North Bend, and two tickets for sternwheeler ride to the island, the wagon ride tour, the mansion tour and the history museum. Reservations required; call 304-420-4800. North Bend State Park, Route 1, Cairo. $99 per package, double occupancy.

Caving

Kentucky

• Crawling Tours, Bat Cave: 1:30 p.m. Sunday; 2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Saltpeter Cave: 1:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, through Aug. 10. Regularly scheduled wild caving tours are offered in the summer in the Bat Cave and Saltpeter Cave. Cavers must be 12-years-old to participate. Tours are 2 1/2 hours in length. Helmet and kneepads provided for these tours. Questions, call 606-286-4411. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill. $20.
• Summer Walking Cave Tour: Bat Cave, 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Aug. 10. A wild cave tour (must have dependable light). Not recommended for children under six. Questions, call 606-286-4411. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill. $7 per person.
• Summer Walking Cave Tour: Cascade Cave, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Sunday, through Aug. 10. Questions, call 606-286-4411. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill. $8; $4 children.
• Summer Walking Cave Tour: Saltpeter Cave, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. 11 a.m. noon, 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Aug. 10. The coldest cave stays about 47-49 degrees. Questions, call 606-286-4411. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill. $6; $3 for ages 3-12.
• Summer Walking Cave Tour: X-Cave, 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; also 5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through Aug. 10. Questions, call 606-286-4411. Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill. $6; $3 children.

West Virginia

• Lost World Caverns, daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open year-round. Closed on holidays. Wild caving tours also offered. Advanced registration needed for those trips. Call 866-228-3778. Go online at www.lostworldcaverns.com. Lost World Caverns, Exit 169, off I-64, Lewisburg. $10; $5 for children 6-12; free children younger than 6.
• Seneca Caverns, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, April 16-Nov. 2. Also, offers gemstone mining (for children) and on-site restaurant. Questions, call 800-239-7647 or visit www.senecacaverns.com. Seneca Caverns, three miles east of Riverton, near Canaan Valley, Riverton.
• Smoke Hole Caverns, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Monday-Sunday. Open year-round with guided tours every half-hour. Motel, Wildlife museum, restaurant and log cabins, on site. Questions, call 800-828-8478 or visit www.smokehole.com. Smoke Hole Caverns, on Route 55 near Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks. $10; $5.50 per child ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and under.

Climbing

Kentucky

• Rock Climbing, open daily from 9 a.m.-dusk. Torrent Falls is one of the first European style via ferrata or iron path, rock climbing centers in the United States. Questions, call 606-668-6613 or visit www.torrentfalls.com. Torrent Falls Family Climbing Adventure, in the Red River Gorge, Campton. $29; $26 for ages 10-18.

Ohio

• Guided Rock Climbing, Offering guided rock climbing, rappelling and backpacking expeditions for visitors. Reservations required; call 800-HOCKING. For more information, visit www.1800HOCKING.COM. Earth-Water-Rock Outdoor Adventures at Hocking Hills State Park, 13178 Ohio 664 S., Logan.

West Virginia

• Repelling and Climbing Tower, offered year-round. Open to in-council troops, out-of council troops and non-scouting groups. There must be a minimum of eight climbing participants and no more than 24. Reservations required; call the Tri-State Area Council Climbing Program, 304-523-3408. Camp Arrowhead, Blue Sulphur Road and Scout Camp Road, Ona. $35; $25; $17.
• Rock Climbing, open year-round. Featuring guided rock climbing in the New River Gorge. Questions, call 888-223-7238 or go online at www.climbwv.com. ACE Adventure Center, Oak Hill.

Disc Golf

Kentucky

• Disc Golf Course, dawn to dusk daily. An 18-hole disc golf course. Guests may play after sunset with a glow-in-the-dark disc. Call 800-325-0142. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, 75 Theatre Court, Prestonburg. Free and open to the public.

West Virginia

• Disc Golf, open year-round. One of the area's most unique disc golf courses. Come and throw this unique 18-hole whitewater-themed course. Call 800-356-RAFT. Songer Whitewater , 3069 Miller Ridge Road, Hico. No cost.
• New Disc Golf Course. New 18-hole course. Park now has 36 holes of disc golf. Course designed by former world champion Johnny Sias and the Huntington Disc Golf Club. Go online at www.ghprd.org for more info. Rotary Park, off U.S. 60 East , Huntington.

Educational

Kentucky

• Family Adventure Quest, continues through Monday, Dec. 1. Participants are asked to complete 25 quests at a variety of state parks, including canoeing, archery, fishing, photography, pottery making and more for prizes. Entry fee includes a backpack, disposable camera and a $10 parks gift certificate. Entry forms available online at www.parks.ky.gov. Call 800-255-PARK. $15.
• Moonbow Viewing, June 16-20; July 16-20; Aug. 14-18; Sept. 13-17; Oct. 12-16; Nov. 11-15; and Dec. 10-14 in 2008. Any clear nights right before, during and following the full moon best dates to try and view the moonbow, a night-time rainbow. This is the only known moonbow in the Western Hemisphere. Call 800-325-0063. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 Highway 90, Corbin.
• River Expedition, on permanent display from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Travel the Ohio River and explore the natural history with a close-up look at boats and bridges, fish, frogs and camping tents. Become a caver and investigate Discovery Cavern to learn about caves and coal. Designed especially for ages 5-11. Call 606-329-8888 for more info. Highlands Museum and Discovery Center, 1620 Winchester Ave., Ashland. $5.50; $4.50 seniors, students and children; free for children under 2.

Ohio

• Reptile Experience, 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5; 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, and Aug. 23. Call 740-532-4600. OUS Nature Center, Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, Ironton.

West Virginia

• Geology! Rocks, Tuesday-Wednesday, July 15-16. An evening program to teach, explain and explore the mysteries of "rock." The next morning we "roll" out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are presenting the program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. Great for scout and 4-H groups, families and future geologists. Lost River State Park, 321 Park Dr., Mathias.
• Geology! Rocks, Wednesday-Thursday, July 16-17. An evening program to teach, explain and explore the mysteries of "rock." The next morning we "roll" out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are presenting the program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. Great for scout and 4-H groups, families and future geologists. Cacapon Resort State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr., Berkeley Springs.
• Geology! Rocks, Friday-Saturday, July 18-19. An evening program to teach, explain and explore the mysteries of "rock." The next morning we "roll" out for a hike to learn about geology, topography and more. The West Virginia Geological Survey folks are presenting the program series. You can attend evening or morning activities or both. Great for scout and 4-H groups, families and future geologists. Beech Fork State Park, 5601 Long Branch Road , Barboursville.
• Gun Show, 4-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 18-20 and Sept. 26-28. There are more than 150 tables of guns (new, military, antique), knives, shooting accessories, ammunition and more. Call 276-238-1343. Take Exit 99 (I-77/64) to Route 114 to Coonskin Drive (on left before Coonskin Park). Go online at www.olddominionshows.com. National Guard Armory of Charleston, Coonskin Drive, Charleston. $4.

Fishing

Kentucky

• Commercial Fishing, The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has resumed the sale of commercial fishing licenses for caviar from shovelnose sturgeon and paddlefish. Commercial fishing license applications are available by calling 800-858-1549 or visit www.fw.ky.gov and search under keywords, "commercial fishing license." State of Kentucky. Resident license, $150 annually; non-resident, $600.

For Fun

• Festival of Nations, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19. The 40th annual Festival of Nations presented by the International Folklanders performing "Die Fledermaus," a comic operetta composed by Johann Strauss Jr. and adapted by Carole Prietzel. Located in the amphitheatre. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Call 606-473-7324. Greenbo Lake State Park, 965 Lodge Road, Greenup. $5; children 12 and under free.
• Seafood Buffet, 5-9 p.m. every third Saturday. The once-a-month seafood buffet with hand-breaded gulf oysters, snow crab legs, crab cakes, farm-raised catfish, frog legs and more. Questions, call 606-473-7324. Greenbo Lake State Park, 965 Lodge Road, Greenup. $19.95; $8.95 children, tax, tip and drink not included.

West Virginia

• "Cinderella", July 15, 18, 23, 26; August 7, 9, 12, 15, 21 and 23. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Call for specific time. Tickets required; call 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142. Visit www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Theatre West Virginia at Cliffside Amphitheatre, 4700 Grandview Road, Beaver. $16; $14 seniors and AAA members; $8 children under 12.
• "Hatfields & McCoys", 8:15 a.m. Monday-Sunday, June 22-Aug. 22. Recounts the bloody feud between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky. Call for specific day. Tickets required; call 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142. Visit www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Theatre West Virginia at Cliffside Amphitheatre, 4700 Grandview Road, Beaver. $16; $14 seniors and AAA members; $8 children under 12.
• "Honey in the Rock", 8:15 a.m. Monday-Sunday, June 10-Aug. 24. The nation's oldest Civil War Drama, retells the story of West Virginia's tumultuous birth during the Civil War. Call for specific show date. Tickets required; call 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142. Visit www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Theatre West Virginia at Cliffside Amphitheatre, 4700 Grandview Road, Beaver. $16; $14 seniors and AAA members; $8 children under 12.
• "Mad" Anne Bailey, Frontier Scout, 1 p.m. Monday, July 14. Come and hear Bailey's story in a History Alive! first person presentation by Patty Sue Cooper of Parkersburg. Located in the Visitor Center. Questions, call 304-363-3030. Pricketts Fort, Route 3 Box 407, Fairmont. Free.
• Appalachian Dance with Lou Maiuri, Friday, July 18. Maiuri, the 2008 Vandalia Gathering award winner, is a dance instructor of traditional Appalachian dance and modern line dancing. No previous dance experience (or rhythm) necessary. Pipestem Resort State Park, P.O. Box 150 , Pipestem.
• H.O.T. presents "Romeo and Juliet", 8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, July 11-13, and 18-20; pre-show at 7 p.m. This production will be set in the Renaissance period and feature `80s love songs throughout. Presented by the Huntington Outdoor Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at Big Sandy Superstore Arena Box Office or Borders Books. Questions, call 304-523-8080 or visit www.hotwv.org. Ritter Park Amphitheater, 1310 8th Ave., Huntington. $16; $14 for 65 and older and children 5-12; under 5 free.
• Ride, Ride, Ride - West Virginia Style, noon Saturday, July 19. Explore the beautiful area of North Central West Virginia by attending the 25th anniversary of HOG at the 2008 West Virginia State Harley Owners Group Rally July 16-20. Hosted by Canaan Valley State Park. Registration required; call 866-438-7259. A Ride in Bike Show under the Big Top on Route 32 in Davis. For more details, visit www.wvstatehogrally.com. Timberline Four Seasons Resort, Route 32, Davis.
• Starlight Cinema, Friday-Saturday, July 18-19. Featured films are "Speed Racer, rated PG, on Friday, and "21," rated PG-13, on Saturday. Bring your blanket or chairs. Concessions available. No outside food, drinks or coolers permitted. Tickets available at Big Sandy Superstore Arena and stores, Heiner's Surplus Store and The Herald-Dispatch. Harris Riverfront Park, Veterans Memorial Blvd., Huntington. Free with ticket.
• Steam Returns to Elkins, Thursday-Sunday, July 10-13. A trip on Cass Scenic Railroad's inaugural steam excursions between Cass and Elkins. Become the first to make the 12-hour, 67-mile excursion on the restored Western Maryland Shay steam locomotive called "Big 6." Trip is limited to 175 passengers. Reservations required; call 877-686-7245. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, just off Highway 66, Cass. $190.

Paintball

• Paintball Field, every Saturday-Sunday. Turn left at Beech Fork State Park entrance. Field will be open most weekends. Call Richie Merritt at 304-697-3267 or visit www.geocities.com/xplosivepaintball. Xplosive Paintball, 6676 Beech Fork Road, Barboursville.
• Scary Creek Paintball, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Monday-Friday by appointment only (groups of 10 or more). Open year-round, operating since 1992, with more than 25 acres of paintball fields, including three acres of urban action. Call 800-870-5973 or go online at www.scarycreek.com. Scary Creek Paintball, 4345 Scary Creek Road, Scott Depot. Discount packages range from all-inclusive (all rental equipment and paintballs) from $20 (100 paintballs) to $30 (500 paintballs) per day.

Trail Riding

Ohio

• Hanging Rock Trails, open from April 15-Dec. 15. Enjoy 24 miles of trails in the Wayne National Forest at Hanging Rock. Also 51 ponds at the former strip-mine site. Take U.S. 52 west to exit Ohio 650 at Hanging Rock (in between Ironton and Haverhill exits). Questions, call Jerry and Ellen Gammon, 740-533-1630 or visit www.hratvclub.com. Hanging Rock ATV Club, Ironton.

West Virginia

• ATV Backcountry Tours, open year-round. A guided 2 1/2 hour tour in the mountainous terrain on ACE's backcountry trails. Minimum age is 18 for drives and 16 for riders. Questions, call 800-787-3982 or visit www.aceraft.com. ACE Adventure Center, Oak Hill. $129 Sunday-Friday; $149 for Saturday; tandem ride rates are $49 for Sunday-Friday and $49 Saturday.
• Hatfield-McCoy Trails, open year-round. More than 500 miles of trails open to ATV riders, motorcyclists, off-road cyclists and equestrians. The area is known for its rocky, mountainous terrain and for its ATV-friendly attitude. For more information, visit www.trailsheaven.com or call 800-592-2217. Hatfield-McCoy Trails, Lyburn. Resident permit, $26.50 (W.Va. drivers license required); non-resident permit, $47.

Wildlife Viewing

Ohio

• Wildlife Encounters, now through summer. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Wildlife Encounters package with a canoe and kayak trip to a beaver dam, feeding hummingbirds by hand (at Lake Hope starting June 18), close up visits with birds of prey, snakes and other reptiles, and two nights hotel or cabin. Call 800-Hocking. Hocking Hills Tourism Association, 13178 Ohio 664 S. Hocking Hills. Packages start at $193 per person.
• Wildlife Tours, open seven days a week from June-August; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May and Sept.-Oct. View 25 non-native animal species from around the world in open, natural environments. Guests may depart the transport shuttle at the Lake Trail, The Wetlands, The Outpost or later this season, the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center. Shuttles will run about every 10 minutes between the stops. For more information, call 740-638-5030 or visit www.thewilds.org. The Wilds, 14000 International Road, Cumberland.

West Virginia

• Three Rivers Avian Center "Birds of Prey", Tuesday, July 15. Featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Live raptors, including hawks and owls, are part of this educational program. For more information, visit www.wvstateparks.com. Blackwater Falls State Resort Park, Davis. Free.
• Three Rivers Avian Center "Birds of Prey", Wednesday, July 16. Featuring live birds of prey native to West Virginia. Live raptors, including hawks and owls, are part of this educational program. For more information, visit www.wvstateparks.com. Holly River State Park, W.Va. 20, Hacker Valley. Free.

Focus Zone

College Basketball Preview 2008

Catch up with your favorite regional college basketball teams, including Marshall, WVU, UK and OSU.

The Best in the Tri-State 2008

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Tri-State Visitors' Guide

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Tri-State's Most Wanted

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Tri-State Photo Gift Gallery

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• College Basketball
• Best in Tri-State 2008
• Tri-State Visitors' Guide
• Purchase a photo
• Most Wanted List
• Photo gift gallery
• Election 2008
• Youth sports photos
• Send your pet photos
• Birthdays and Babies