WHAT COULD BE BETTER ON ACALM, SUNNY DAY
THAN AROMANTIC PICNIC WITH THAT SPECIAL
SO EONE OR AFAMILY PICNIC WITH THE KIDS?
The area has many wonderful picnicking spots awaiting you. Singing Waters Picnic Area is located in a county reforestation area, accommodating up to 103 picnickers. The first county picnic was held here in 1957. Fish Creek runs through the picnic area and there is a play area for children.
Whetstone Gulf is abeautiful park built in and around a three-mile-long gorge cut in the eastern edge ofthe Tug hill Plateau. This chasm is bordered by banks that in some areas are 200 to 300 feet high. The gorge was formed by a crack in the layers of shale rock, while erosion has played only a small part in its formation. The shale deposits contain fossils of great scientific value. The park comprises over 2,100 acres, most of which are undeveloped. The park got its name because the flat stones could be used for sharpening cutting tools.
The Whetstone area has been a scenic recreation site since the early 1800's. The park was initially opened to the public in May of 1931. After the end of World War II, campsites, the picnic area, and a swimming beach were constructed and abridge was built over Whetstone Creek.
Later, more land was acquired and a dam was made in Whetstone Creek high on the Tug Hill Plateau to control water flow for the swimming area. Whetstone Gulf State Park has 56 spacious campsites, a picnic area and playground, a manmade swimming area, and restroom facilities with contain flush toilets and showers. There are also several trails available for hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling. Whitaker Park, maintained by the Town of Martinsburg, takes advantage of the beautiful natural features of the area, providing a tranquil setting for camping, family picnics and outings, or a quiet place to sit and enjoy the scenery. There is no finer place in Lewis County to view the scenic Black River Valley.
The park was formerly part of the Whitaker farm. The park area, which includes some beautiful gorges, was maintained by the Whitaker family as a public recreation ground, with fireplaces and benches for general enjoyment. The daughter ofthe original owner, Daniel Whitaker, left the land to the Town of Martinsburg.
Many community parks in our villages and hamlets as well as boat launches have pavilions and/or picnic tables for public use.
