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Sunday, July 27, 2025
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    Splash into Fun: The Six Best Waterparks in West Virginia (2025 Guide)

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s natural beauty is world-famous, but when summer heat hits, the state’s waterparks become top destinations for families and thrill-seekers...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Natural Wonders

    The 10 best swimming holes in West Virginia for ideal summer escapes

    3
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Whether you're chasing cool, crystal-clear waters...
    Agriculture

    The histories of the Grimes Golden and Golden Delicious apples in West Virginia

    4
    CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Around 1790, in a small clearing on...
    History / Prehistory

    How Devil Anse Hatfield became a bold symbol of change in Appalachia

    5
    LOGAN, W.Va. — By the time the world would...
    Arts

    The writer who captured Appalachian tragedy—and couldn't escape it

    4
    MILTON, W.Va. — Breece D’J Pancake soared like a...
    National Parks

    Park Service releases finding on demos of historic structures in New River Gorge

    27
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development120History / Prehistory109Hunting109Lore and Legend108State Parks, Forests106Arts103Higher Education94Agriculture88Wildlife / Conservancy75National Parks72Fishing70Landmarks / Museums66Recreation64Botany and Forestry61Festivals / Events56Travel / Transportation48

    Headlines

    Scenic trout stream lies hidden along I-77 / I-64 West Virginia Turnpike

    Economic Development David Sibray -
    PAX, W.Va. — Few motorists traveling the West Virginia Turnpike between Beckley and Charleston may know that one of...

    Some mysterious W.Va. rock features may have sacred origins

    Landmarks / Museums Charity Moore -
    Editor's Note: If you're familiar with the outdoors in West Virginia, you've likely seen rocks piled in what might...

    Bells at Concord University in W.Va. linked to strange phenomenon

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    ATHENS, W.Va. — Farmers in the countryside near Concord University in West Virginia sometimes speak of a strange winter...

    Three little-known facts about West Virginia's moundbuilders

    History / Prehistory Charity Moore -
    The term “moundbuilder” is often used to describe two ancient cultures that archaeologists now know as the Adena and...

    The 10 best swimming holes in West Virginia for ideal summer escapes

    Natural Wonders Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Whether you're chasing cool, crystal-clear waters or hidden natural pools tucked into lush forest valleys, these...

    The tale of Cale Betts's ghost still haunts the Calhoun County night

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    GRANTSVILLE, W.Va. — Nights in rural Calhoun County are counted among the darkest in West Virginia, so it's little...

    Nightfall’s Value: Light pollution can diminish real estate worth in W.Va.

    Lodging and Real Estate Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An increasing number of new West Virginia residents are being drawn to rolling hills and quiet...

    Park Service releases finding on demos of historic structures in New River Gorge

    National Parks Clyde Craig -
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has announced a decision and the release of a "finding of...

    Attractions

    Sandstone Falls emerges as a must-see destination in the New River Gorge

    1
    SANDSTONE, W.Va. — Sandstone Falls, one of the most...

    West Virginia’s Farm-to-Table dinner series returns with scenic feasts, local flavor

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The highly anticipated Farm-to-Table Dinner Series...

    Fading memories of a wartime powerhouse: South Charleston’s ordnance plant

    3
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rising behind a series of...

    Biggest Yet! Warwood becomes West Virginia’s largest historic district

    3
    WHEELING, W.Va. — In a landmark moment for historic...

    Communities

    West Virginia leads the nation in deer-vehicle collisions

    1
    DEERWALK, W.Va. — Vehicle collisions with deer in West...

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

    4
    BASIN, W.Va. — Nestled deep within the wooded hollows...

    Breeze Airways expands service in West Virginia with new Charleston route

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Breeze Airways is soaring to new...

    Black‑eyed Susan in West Virginia—a golden gift of summer

    0
    EGERIA, W.Va. — As summer unfolds, brilliant yellow blooms...

    Culture

    Freedom in Sight: Monroe County slaves risked all to flee to Union lines

    6
    UNION, W.Va. — While slavery had only a minor...

    Hewn log cabins are West Virginia's ultimate historic architecture

    0
    SAULSVILLE, W.Va. — Perhaps no other form of architecture...

    The 12 oldest towns in West Virginia that still exist

    27
    POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — While parts of the mountainous...

    The house that tobacco built: Mail Pouch campaign launched in West Virginia

    7
    WHEELING, W.VA. — Perhaps the most fantastic Victorian residence...

    Recreation

    Secret bunker in W.Va. built to hide Congress in event of nuclear war

    4
    WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. W.Va. — A vast underground bunker...

    Did a settler survive lost in caverns beneath W.Va.'s Greenbrier Valley?

    2
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — One of the strangest tales to...

    Family-friendly Free Fishing Days in West Virginia to return June 7-8

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Free Fishing Days will return June...

    W.Va. officials expect more record-breaking fish amid growing trend

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Record-breaking fish seem to have become...

    History and Prehistory

    The 12 oldest towns in West Virginia that still exist

    27
    POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — While parts of the mountainous...

    Dreamland murder-suicide house in Kenova, West Virginia, demolished

    3
    KENOVA, W.Va. — Every summer for nearly a century,...

    Forgotten sister of Stonewall Jackson defied her family and paid the price

    6
    BEVERLY, W.Va. — Most Civil War enthusiasts are familiar...

    The story behind "Chevaux de Frise" in rural Washburn, West Virginia

    13
    WASHBURN, W.Va. — From Otter Slide Creek to Hell-for-Certain...

    Lore and Legend

    Tale of Kanawha County monster may have first been documented in 1950s

    3
    PINCH, W.Va. — The legend of a now well-publicized...

    Bigfoot sightings near Sutton, West Virginia, have historic precedent

    1
    SUTTON, W.Va. — Sightings of a bigfoot alleged in...

    The secret origins of Twistabout Creek’s twisting W.Va. name

    1
    PROCIOUS, W.Va. — The strange name of Twistabout Creek...

    Was mysterious "lunatic" first to discover what would become W.Va.?

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One enduring West Virginia legend posits...

    State Parks

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

    0
    POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Tu-Endie-Wei State Park has been...

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

    0
    LOGAN, W.Va. — A new 4.6-mile trail connecting Chief...

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

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Lost River State Park and Cass...

    Extraordinary Beartown State Park a classroom for West Virginia geology

    0
    DROOP, W.Va. — Among the smallest state parks in...

    Hunting

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

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials are urging hunters...

    December deer, bear hunting seasons underway in West Virginia

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — December hunting season for deer...

    W.Va. reminds hunters about furbearer seasons, river otter project

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the raccoon hunting season...

    W.Va. sets important 2023-'24 migratory game bird season dates

    0
    FARMINGTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural...

    Fishing

    Record West Virginia blue catfish broken fourth year in a row

    0
    GALLIPOLIS FERRY, W.Va. — For the fourth year in...

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

    0
    WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural...

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

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural...

    West Virginia angler catches state record longnose gar

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — According to state officials, an 11-year...

    Hiking

    Endless Wall Trail named Best Hike in West Virginia by magazine

    0
    LANSING, W.Va. — The Endless Wall Trail has again...

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

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Hiking in West Virginia in winter...

    W.Va. records largest spring turkey harvest in five years

    0
    FARMINGTON, W.VA. — According to preliminary data released by...

    West Virginia hiking blogger says New River Gorge tops inquiries

    0
    GRANDVIEW, W.Va. — Though travel to West Virginia is...

    Skiing

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

    0
    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain in the Allegheny Mountains...

    Snowshoe Mountain to open skiing, snowboarding by Thanksgiving

    0
    SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — In advance of a strong El...

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

    0
    DAVIS, W.Va. — More than a few magazines in...

    Record conditions: Canaan to open slopes Dec. 13

    0
    Officials at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia will...

    National Parks

    Grandview panoramas showcase New River Gorge at its widest, deepest

    0
    SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — Perched more than 1,400 feet...

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

    0
    THURMOND, W.Va.—Visiting America's newest national park? There are countless...

    Economic impacts nearly double at Harpers Ferry park over a decade

    0
    HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Economic impacts have nearly doubled...

    Spending near national parks in southern W.Va. jumps by 9 percent

    0
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. – The National Park Service reports...

    Kayaking

    W.Va. flatwater trail commission set to build connections

    0
    Established a year ago, West Virginia’s flatwater trail commission...

    Flatwater paddling expanding quickly across West Virginia

    0
    West Virginia is growing rapidly as a destination for...

    Kayaks opening Guyandotte valley to new exploration

    0
    The valley of the Guyandotte might be counted among...

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

    0
    The West Fork River is fast becoming one of...

    Whitewater Rafting

    Cool autumn weather could super-charge Gauley River rafting

    0
    The return of autumn could result in an end-of-season...

    Gauley River whitewater rafting season begins Sept. 6

    0
    One of the most scenic rivers in the U.S....

    Help build guide to booming West Virginia paddling events

    0
    Paddling sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are...

    Eventful and colorful, October ideal for rafting in West Virginia

    0
    October may be the biggest month yet when it...

    Biking

    New Parkersburg-area trail designed for intermediate level bikers

    0
    Already among the most popular destinations for mountain biking...

    Piney Creek trails attracting dozens daily; trail map unveiled

    0
    Hikers, bikers, and runners in growing numbers are venturing...

    Gorge resort introduces electric-assist mountain bike adventures

    0
    Imagine peddling less and riding faster. The new electric-assist...

    New trail to historic mill ruin to open Saturday in Beckley

    0
    Officials in Beckley, West Virginia, on Saturday will open...

    Recent Posts

    Splash into Fun: The Six Best Waterparks in West Virginia (2025 Guide)

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s natural beauty is world-famous, but when summer heat hits, the state’s waterparks become top...

    The best East Coast stargazing? Discover West Virginia dark-sky wonders

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    MOUNT ZION, W.Va. — If you’re searching for the best places to stargaze on the East Coast, West Virginia...

    Nightfall’s Value: Light pollution can diminish real estate worth in W.Va.

    Lodging and Real Estate Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An increasing number of new West Virginia residents are being drawn to rolling hills and quiet...

    The 10 best swimming holes in West Virginia for ideal summer escapes

    Natural Wonders Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Whether you're chasing cool, crystal-clear waters or hidden natural pools tucked into lush forest valleys, these...

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

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Completed in 1954, the West Virginia Turnpike, twisting like a ribbon through 88 miles of the...

    From Greenbrier Valley to global fame, the defiant jazz legacy of Ada "Bricktop" Smith

    Arts David Sibray -
    ALDERSON, W.Va. — Perhaps few people could have predicted that one of the most electrifying figures of the Jazz...

    Park Service releases finding on demos of historic structures in New River Gorge

    National Parks Clyde Craig -
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has announced a decision and the release of a "finding of...

    100 Years of Tradition: Celebrating the centennial of the State Fair of West Virginia

    Festivals / Events Clyde Craig -
    FAIRLEA, W.Va. — The State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and proponents say there's never...

    The histories of the Grimes Golden and Golden Delicious apples in West Virginia

    Agriculture William Kerrigan -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Around 1790, in a small clearing on a ridge above Wellsburg, West Virginia, a pioneer settler named...

    Federal downsizing creates real estate opportunity near new national park

    Lodging and Real Estate Clyde Craig -
    MOUNT HOPE, W.Va. — Federal downsizing has created a remarkable commercial real estate opportunity in southern West Virginia near...

    Remarkable encounter: John Brown’s final moments witnessed by Stonewall Jackson

    History / Prehistory William Kerrigan -
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — On December 1, 1859, abolitionist John Brown, having been convicted and sentenced to death for...

    How Devil Anse Hatfield became a bold symbol of change in Appalachia

    History / Prehistory Clyde Craig -
    LOGAN, W.Va. — By the time the world would come to know him as “Devil Anse,” Anderson Hatfield had...
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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

    Scenic trout stream lies hidden along I-77 / I-64 West Virginia Turnpike

    0
    PAX, W.Va. — Few motorists traveling the West Virginia...

    Some mysterious W.Va. rock features may have sacred origins

    0
    Editor's Note: If you're familiar with the outdoors in...

    Bells at Concord University in W.Va. linked to strange phenomenon

    0
    ATHENS, W.Va. — Farmers in the countryside near Concord...

    Three little-known facts about West Virginia's moundbuilders

    0
    The term “moundbuilder” is often used to describe two...

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