FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that French Creek Freddie, the state’s official weather-predicting groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter during the annual Groundhog Day celebration at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey helping lead the ceremony and share Freddie’s forecast with the public.
During the annual event, which was attended by 150 visitors from across the state, Gov. Morrisey joined WVDNR officials as Freddie emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow under clear skies, signaling that winter will continue.
“Groundhog Day with French Creek Freddie is one of West Virginia’s most beloved traditions and a fun way to bring families and communities together,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Even if winter is sticking around, the Wildlife Center remains a great place to visit year-round and learn about West Virginia’s wildlife and the conservation efforts that protect our natural resources.”
According to folklore, if a groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter can be expected. However, if a groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, spring will come early. Over the past four decades, about 50 percent of Freddie’s predictions have come true, making his forecasts a fun tradition for West Virginians. Freddie predicted an early spring in 2025.
Wildlife Center Trail Becomes a Mountaineer Mile
During the ceremony, Gov. Morrisey and WVDNR officials also announced that the West Virginia State Wildlife Center’s loop trail has been officially designated as a Mountaineer Mile.
The Mountaineer Mile program was launched by Gov. Morrisey in April 2025 at Little Beaver State Park to encourage West Virginians to walk at least one mile each day and lead healthier lifestyles while enjoying the state’s public lands. Since then, the governor has partnered with West Virginia State Parks, which is part of the WVDNR, to designate official Mountaineer Mile trails at 44 state parks and forests across the state.
“This program has been incredibly successful in getting West Virginians outside, moving more and making healthy lifestyle choices,” Gov. Morrisey said. “Designating a Mountaineer Mile at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a great way to encourage people to stay active during the winter months while enjoying our state’s natural beauty and wildlife.”
The designation at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center marks the first time a Mountaineer Mile trail has been established on a WVDNR-operated property outside the state parks system. The accessible loop trail provides visitors with an easy way to stay active while observing native wildlife in a natural setting.
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the end of March, with free admission during this period. Regular hours and admission rates go into effect on April 1. To learn more about the Wildlife Center, visit WVdnr.gov/west-virginia-wildlife-center.
