A good place to visit with children and a "cave" they can explore. Lots of interesting exhibits. Well worth the trip.
We went here one Saturday on a whim. I was impressed by the center, there was a lot of stuff for my daughter to do. They had a couple of short trails for us to do right there by the center. They had a guided interactive guided hike starting soon but we decided against that and instead went hiking on our own at one of the historic trail areas . If you are looking for something to do on a warm day in the spring or fall, this might be just what you are looking for.
This was a wonderful state park and an absolutely beautiful drive. The roads can be a bit difficult to maneuver at times, and it is possible to get yourself lost. But the good news is there are plenty of places to rest, take a hike, lake areas, park rangers, business, etc to stop and get directions or turn getting lost into a wonderful adventure.
The visitor center is very impressive. It has several exhibits and lots for kids to see. The staff are the friendliest people we have encountered at a State Park. We hiked the 4.1 mile loop on the Pigeon Roost trail and the 3 mile Bashore loop on the Hidden Diversity trail. Both trails were in great condition and well marked. You got to see the beautiful Beaver Lake on both trails. This is the clearest lake we have seen. The trails have very moderate inclines so you could add additional loops if you are up to it. The Van Winkle trail is interesting if you have time to kill. The Sinking Stream trail is not worth the effort even though it is only 0.5 miles.
Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The visitor center is a must see. The short trail near the visitor center was level, hardened path and interesting.
The visitor center is really neat, with lots to see. We went on a trail, and it is a beautiful area. Be careful if you look for the geocache near the entrance-- tick city!! I wish we had researched this park, or arrived early because they had a snorkeling class and several other neat activities earlier in the day.
The visitors center was fantastic, a lot to see and some inter-active attractions. Several short trials, one was paved the whole way with benches to sit and listen to nature, rest or just enjoy.
Visitors center appeared closed. Only sign was at the road. Large metal building with no landscaping - strange for a state park area. Inside the visitor center was very informative with several interactive stations for the kids. Nice clean restroom and a small gift shop. It was raining the day we visited so we did not get to enjoy the walking trails.
Horse trails are well marked and maintained. Some are more difficult than other but that is part of the fun.
we have taken classes on batts, butterflies, indians, owls, and did the snorkeling adventure. These are so fun the get people who are energetic and a lot of it is hands-on. Biggest bonus almost all of the classes are free