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    Filmmaker says here’s why everyone should visit this West Virginia ghost town

    Travel / Transportation Will Reedy -
    THURMOND, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the town of Thurmond is arresting in its remote mountain authenticity in a national park....

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    Hiking

    Naturalists share their favorite lesser-known New River Gorge hiking trails

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    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — On a soft summer morning in...
    State Parks, Forests

    Scenic tram at Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia reopens

    0
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — After two years of construction, a...
    Landmarks / Museums

    The story behind the breathtaking Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park

    2
    CLIFFTOP, W.Va. — At first glance, the Glade Creek...
    History / Prehistory

    Wolves and panthers roamed the forgotten wilderness east of the West Virginia capital

    9
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Glance at a road map of...
    History / Prehistory

    The Battle of Stanaford: A massacre in W.Va. vanished from the pages of labor history

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    STANAFORD, W.Va. — A quiet residential community outside the...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development123History / Prehistory117Hunting112Lore and Legend110State Parks, Forests107Arts103Higher Education95Agriculture89Wildlife / Conservancy79National Parks73Landmarks / Museums70Fishing70Recreation64Festivals / Events61Botany and Forestry61Travel / Transportation55

    Headlines

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

    Natural Wonders David Sibray -
    ZENITH, W.Va. — Those who have heard the haunting "Peters Mountain Roar" say it will forever stay with them....

    Formerly inaccessible rock formation in West Virginia rediscovered

    Recreation David Sibray -
    BURNING SPRINGS, W.Va. — Practically inaccessible for years, one of the state’s legendary rock formations is attracting the attention...

    How the Pruntytown reformatory became a bogeyman in West Virginia

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    PRUNTYTOWN, W.Va. — If you were an unruly boy growing up in West Virginia before the 1980s, there's a...

    Weird W.Va. wonder "Ice Mountain" open to tours by arrangement

    Natural Wonders Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    NORTH RIVER MILLS, W.Va.— One of West Virginia's most fascinating natural wonders, Ice Mountain, where winter ice lingers in...

    Tales of the Sliding Hill Ghosts are not forgotten by an older generation

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    HARTFORD CITY, W.Va. — Old-timers still tell of the ghosts that are said to haunt Sliding Hill in Mason...

    Two historical Black buildings in Bluefield added to National Register

    History / Prehistory Cody Straley -
    BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — At the corner of Logan and Wayne streets on the north side of town sit two...

    Naturalists share their favorite lesser-known New River Gorge hiking trails

    Hiking David Sibray -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — On a soft summer morning in the New River Gorge, the forest comes to life with...

    Ancient stone walls on Armstrong Mountain no old-timer's tale

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    If you grew up listening to the lore of old-timers in southern West Virginia, chances are you've heard of...

    Attractions

    Beloved Camp Kootaga scouting landmark in W.Va. saved for generations to come

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    PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — For more than a century, Camp...

    Breathtaking Dolly Sods wilderness attracts throngs to West Virginia’s high country

    16
    LANEVILLE, W.Va. — At more than 4,000 feet above...

    Improved access opens legendary "Devil Anse" Hatfield cemetery to more visitors

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    SARAH ANN, W.Va. — A new entrance to a...

    Work visibly begins on historic Tyree Tavern restoration near New River Gorge

    4
    ANSTED, W.Va. — The restoration of the Tyree Tavern,...

    Communities

    West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer...

    Elk management tours announced for 2026 season in Logan County, West Virginia

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    LOGAN, W.Va. — Now that the majestic elk has...

    WVU supply chain expert explains why Halloween is hitting shelves in August

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    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Have you noticed Halloween merchandise appearing...

    Almost Heaven in focus: Here are the most photographed places in West Virginia

    4
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Many of the most photographed places...

    Culture

    Praise the Lord, and pass the rattlesnakes! West Virginia’s fading snake handling tradition

    5
    JOLO, W.Va. — On a warm Sunday in late...

    McKinley Rock: The eerie stone face watching over Thurmond, West Virginia

    1
    THURMOND, W.Va. — High above the abandoned rail town...

    The Bustle Flag: How Martinsburg’s Unionist women defied the Confederacy

    7
    MARTINSBURG, W.Va — The prosperous manufacturing town of Martinsburg...

    National Hunting and Fishing Day returns to Stonewall resort Sept. 6

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — National Hunting and Fishing Day 2025,...

    Recreation

    Nature’s classroom in the Kanawha Valley: A vibrant trail system blossoms in Buffalo

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    BUFFALO, W.Va. — Among the fields and wetlands of...

    Apply now for W.Va. deer hunt lottery during 2025 antlerless season

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources...

    W.Va. adds five new ‘Almost Heaven’ swings for perfect photo moments

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Tourism has...

    Snowshoe Mountain replacing iconic Shavers Center with modern lodge

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    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Construction is nearing completion on top...

    History and Prehistory

    Mysterious ghost-focused cult existed briefly in West Virginia in the 1850s

    2
    MOUNTAIN COVE, W.Va. — In a remote wilderness near...

    Praise the Lord, and pass the rattlesnakes! West Virginia’s fading snake handling tradition

    5
    JOLO, W.Va. — On a warm Sunday in late...

    The Bustle Flag: How Martinsburg’s Unionist women defied the Confederacy

    7
    MARTINSBURG, W.Va — The prosperous manufacturing town of Martinsburg...

    Monument to coal baron in W.Va. hidden deep within New River Gorge

    5
    QUNNIMONT, W.Va. — The New River Gorge National Park...

    Lore and Legend

    Appalachia's haunted highway: legends of West Virginia Turnpike ghosts

    5
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Completed in 1954, the West Virginia...

    Tales of the Sliding Hill Ghosts are not forgotten by an older generation

    2
    HARTFORD CITY, W.Va. — Old-timers still tell of the...

    Does a monster lurk in the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia?

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    CUNARD, W.Va. — Tales of a "monster" said to...

    Three facts about the Mothman legend few monster hunters know

    2
    POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — America's quintessential Atomic Age monster,...

    State Parks

    Pinnacle Rock geologic marvel in West Virginia part of larger formation

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    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Towering above the valley of the...

    Tu-Endie-Wei in W.Va. added to Underground Railroad network

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    POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Tu-Endie-Wei State Park has been...

    New trail connects off-road trail system with Chief Logan park lodge

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    LOGAN, W.Va. — A new 4.6-mile trail connecting Chief...

    Lost River, Cass Scenic Railroad state parks to see major expansions

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Lost River State Park and Cass...

    Hunting

    W.Va. sets final segment of 2024-'25 wild boar archery, firearms seasons

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    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The final segment of West...

    2024 fall turkey harvest up 17 percent in West Virginia, officials say

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    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. —  Hunters in West Virginia harvested...

    Small game hunting, trapping seasons in West Virginia open Nov. 2, 2024

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    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunting and trapping seasons for...

    W.Va. officials urge participation in early antlerless deer season

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials are urging hunters...

    Fishing

    Record West Virginia blue catfish broken fourth year in a row

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    GALLIPOLIS FERRY, W.Va. — For the fourth year in...

    West Virginia to stock upper Elk River in pilot winter trout program

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    WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural...

    West Virginia stocks 43 waters during first week of fall trout stocking

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    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural...

    West Virginia angler catches state record longnose gar

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — According to state officials, an 11-year...

    Hiking

    Expert New River Gorge hiker shares her four favorite national park trails

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    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Which are the best hiking trails...

    Five reasons West Virginia is an ultimate winter hiking destination

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    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — While West Virginia has gained worldwide...

    Endless Wall Trail named Best Hike in West Virginia by magazine

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    LANSING, W.Va. — The Endless Wall Trail has again...

    Six tips for hiking through the West Virginia forest in winter weather

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    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Hiking in West Virginia in winter...

    Skiing

    Snowshoe Mountain in W.Va. ranks among most affordable ski resorts

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    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain in the Allegheny Mountains...

    Snowshoe Mountain to open skiing, snowboarding by Thanksgiving

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    SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — In advance of a strong El...

    Canaan Valley rated one of top U.S. ski, winter destinations

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    DAVIS, W.Va. — More than a few magazines in...

    Record conditions: Canaan to open slopes Dec. 13

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    Officials at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia will...

    National Parks

    Organizations join forces to apprehend New River Gorge vandals

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    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Two organizations in West Virginia...

    Grandview panoramas showcase New River Gorge at its widest, deepest

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    SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — Perched more than 1,400 feet...

    Park ranger lists the four must-see attractions in the New River Gorge

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    THURMOND, W.Va.—Visiting America's newest national park? There are countless...

    Economic impacts nearly double at Harpers Ferry park over a decade

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    HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Economic impacts have nearly doubled...

    Kayaking

    W.Va. flatwater trail commission set to build connections

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    Established a year ago, West Virginia’s flatwater trail commission...

    Flatwater paddling expanding quickly across West Virginia

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    West Virginia is growing rapidly as a destination for...

    Kayaks opening Guyandotte valley to new exploration

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    The valley of the Guyandotte might be counted among...

    June 1 float supports West Fork, now prime kayak-fishing destination

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    The West Fork River is fast becoming one of...

    Whitewater Rafting

    Cool autumn weather could super-charge Gauley River rafting

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    The return of autumn could result in an end-of-season...

    Gauley River whitewater rafting season begins Sept. 6

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    One of the most scenic rivers in the U.S....

    Help build guide to booming West Virginia paddling events

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    Paddling sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are...

    Eventful and colorful, October ideal for rafting in West Virginia

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    October may be the biggest month yet when it...

    Biking

    New Parkersburg-area trail designed for intermediate level bikers

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    Already among the most popular destinations for mountain biking...

    Piney Creek trails attracting dozens daily; trail map unveiled

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    Hikers, bikers, and runners in growing numbers are venturing...

    Gorge resort introduces electric-assist mountain bike adventures

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    Imagine peddling less and riding faster. The new electric-assist...

    New trail to historic mill ruin to open Saturday in Beckley

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    Officials in Beckley, West Virginia, on Saturday will open...

    Recent Posts

    Filmmaker says here’s why everyone should visit this West Virginia ghost town

    Travel / Transportation Will Reedy -
    THURMOND, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the town of Thurmond is arresting in its remote mountain...

    The U.S state that almost was: How West Virginia nearly became “Kanawha”

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When you think of West Virginia, the name might conjure up images of mountains, forests, and...

    Charleston, West Virginia, joins program attracting remote workers with $20K incentives

    Economic Development David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Remote workers looking for a new home with equal parts city energy and mountain calm will...

    The forgotten grave of the Pickens leper: isolation in the West Virginia mountains

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    PICKENS, W.Va. — In a remote section of the Allegheny Mountains of northern West Virginia lies a solitary grave,...

    Scenic tram at Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia reopens

    State Parks, Forests Clyde Craig -
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — After two years of construction, a new aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park has reopened. At...

    Oral history recordings now available on New River Gorge national park website

    National Parks Clyde Craig -
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Officials at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia have announced...

    West Virginia on track for brilliant fall foliage; new autumn map published

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn has arrived in West Virginia, and state officials say the Mountain State is gearing up...

    Mysterious Horse Creek ghost in West Virginia said to foretell the demise of presidents

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    PAX, W.Va. — Of the many spirits said to haunt the hills of West Virginia, few stir as much...

    Wolves and panthers roamed the forgotten wilderness east of the West Virginia capital

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Glance at a road map of West Virginia, and you’ll spot a striking blank space just...

    The magic of September in West Virginia, when summer fades and autumn awakens

    Festivals / Events Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Meteorologists mark September 1 as the first day of fall, even though the astronomical equinox doesn’t...

    West Virginia haunted by the ghosts of the Teays River and other ancient streams

    Natural Wonders Brian Bowling -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is haunted by the ghosts of rivers that no longer exist. They writhe like...

    West Virginia woodland for sale on Barker’s Creek offers mountain serenity

    Lodging and Real Estate Clyde Craig -
    MULLENS, W.Va. — Nestled deep within the wooded hollows of West Virginia, where trout streams meander through rhododendron and...
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    West Virginia Explorer Webzine is an online publication that celebrates the Mountain State's rich culture and natural beauty. Readers enjoy travel tips, hidden gems, outdoor adventures, local lore, and community news. For more than a quarter century, we've been the No. 1 trusted guide for exploring West Virginia.

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    Headlines

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

    4
    ZENITH, W.Va. — Those who have heard the haunting...

    Formerly inaccessible rock formation in West Virginia rediscovered

    5
    BURNING SPRINGS, W.Va. — Practically inaccessible for years, one...

    How the Pruntytown reformatory became a bogeyman in West Virginia

    1
    PRUNTYTOWN, W.Va. — If you were an unruly boy...

    Weird W.Va. wonder "Ice Mountain" open to tours by arrangement

    3
    NORTH RIVER MILLS, W.Va.— One of West Virginia's most...

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