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Friday, December 12, 2025
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    WVU experts say layering, not bulky clothing, keeps you warmer in winter

    Higher Education Clyde Craig -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As temperatures drop across West Virginia, many people are pulling wool long johns from storage or shopping for high-tech thermal gear...
    Hiking

    Three powerful reasons to hike West Virginia when the temperature drops

    2
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginians know winter differently. When...
    State Parks, Forests

    Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia closed for repairs

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The renowned main overlook at Coopers...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    Three of four West Virginia alpine ski areas to open this week

    0
    GHENT, W.Va. – West Virginia is officially kicking off...
    Landmarks / Museums

    New historical society to help conserve New River Gorge region in West Virginia

    1
    THURMOND, W.Va. — Historians, history buffs, and preservationists have...
    Lore and Legend

    Quiet West Virginia village of Clayton named for 1835 hot-air balloon crash

    2
    CLAYTON, W.Va. — Few West Virginia place names come...
    Landmarks / Museums

    Ghost town fundraiser to highlight film, uncertain future of Thurmond, West Virginia

    3
    HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge,...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Agriculture

    West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

    0
    RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    White Grass cross country skiing: The heart of winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    1
    CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a...
    Lore and Legend

    Quiet West Virginia village of Clayton named for 1835 hot-air balloon crash

    2
    CLAYTON, W.Va. — Few West Virginia place names come...
    National Parks

    Lost village of "Lilly" hides in national park lands in West Virginia

    20
    HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets

    0
    SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development128History / Prehistory122Hunting120Lore and Legend116State Parks, Forests115Arts109Higher Education101Agriculture92Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums79National Parks75Fishing73Travel / Transportation66Festivals / Events65Recreation64Botany and Forestry62

    Headlines

    Remote monument recalls origins of Farley family in New River valley

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Many of the thousands of people named "Farley" in the New River valley region in southern...

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American West begins at West Virginia— specifically at the tip of...

    Islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are a Noah's Ark for wildlife

    Wildlife Refuges, Management Areas Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — Hidden in plain sight, the islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are a Noah's...

    Kanawha Valley in W.Va. had highest concentration of burial mounds

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha Valley in western West Virginia once had the highest concentration of burial mounds...

    LOVE-HATE tattoos have terrifying origin in West Virginia nightmare

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — The iconic LOVE-HATE tattoos that adorn many thuggish fists in the U.S. are tied to one...

    Peculiar rock face is attracting more visitors, thanks to social media

    Arts David Sibray -
    FAIRPLAIN, W.Va. — Carved on a hillside by an eccentric sculptor in the 1950s, a curious rock face near...

    Lost West Virginia saltworks are known to only a few adventurers

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    MERCER SALT WORKS, W.Va. — The legend of the lost Mercer Saltworks near the New River in West Virginia...

    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...

    Attractions

    Historical society seeks contributions to restore legendary "Chessie 29" railcar

    6
    WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio...

    Lost village of "Lilly" hides in national park lands in West Virginia

    20
    HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where...

    Community revives one of West Virginia's long-neglected Black cemeteries

    3
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Every year around Veterans Day, Professor...

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

    1
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation...

    Communities

    How long does the autumn leaf change last in West Virginia?

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Although October is quickly coming to...

    Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and...

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    1
    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Culture

    West Virginia-made comedy "Ambrosia!" nominated at Delaware film festival

    3
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West...

    First Lady invites community for gingerbread contest, mansion tree decorating

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey...

    Biggest of the year, Beaver Moon will light November sky, recall early West Virginia history

    2
    BEAVER, W.Va. — For those who step outside on...

    Prehistoric burial mound in West Virginia contains remarkable secret

    19
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rising above the end of...

    Recreation

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

    0
    FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its...

    Fall study to provide insight into trout harvest rates, movement in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be...

    Canaan Valley resort announces $6 million upgrade ahead of winter season

    1
    DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials at Canaan Valley Resort State...

    West Virginia governor declares November wild game meat donation month

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey has...

    History and Prehistory

    Charles Town grave marks the last resting place of restless John Yeats Beall

    0
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In the Zion Episcopal churchyard...

    The Confederacy’s last major offensive in West Virginia: the Battle of Bulltown

    1
    BULLTOWN, W.Va. — On a quiet October morning in...

    Forgotten grave of priest sheds light on West Virginia’s religious past

    6
    GLEN DALE, W.Va. — Lone graves aren't rare in...

    How a violent West Virginia textbook battle helped redefine U.S. education

    2
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In the spring of 1974, an...

    Lore and Legend

    The legend of the Vegetable Man: How a bloodsucking alien left its mark on West Virginia

    0
    FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A lesser-known encounter with an extraordinary...

    Professors at WVU trace Halloween through ancient, cross-cultural traditions

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — From cauldrons to candy corn, favorite...

    Account claims lost Swift silver mine delved near Big Sandy River in West Virginia

    4
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — One of the most appealing of...

    Shenandoah folk song: tracing the origins and meaning of a beloved American ballad

    4
    HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — It’s fair to say that...

    State Parks

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    West Virginia State Parks Foundation awarded $17,500 grant for forestry work

    0
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation...

    Exclusive dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park showcases new menu

    1
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Tickets are now available for a...

    Stargazing cabins open at Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown

    2
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia officials today announced the...

    Hunting

    First section of autumn 2025 black bear firearms season opens in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of...

    West Virginia releases its 2025 hunting outlook and mast survey report

    1
    ELKINS, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division...

    West Virginia shifts future meeting time for natural resources to boost public access

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division...

    West Virginia creates special access roads for hunters with disabilities

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

    Fishing

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

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

    West Virginia stocks monstrous trophy-sized trout in 44 lakes, streams

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

    W.Va. announces fall trout stockings and return of Monster Trout Contest

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will begin fall trout...

    Record West Virginia blue catfish broken fourth year in a row

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

    Hiking

    Strange single-leafed orchid sprouts in winter woodlands in West Virginia

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Only the most sharp-eyed outdoor enthusiasts...

    W.Va. Gov. celebrates expanded access to Endless Wall hiking trail

    0
    LANSING, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice and other state...

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

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Which are the best hiking trails...

    Five reasons West Virginia is an ultimate winter hiking destination

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — While West Virginia has gained worldwide...

    Skiing

    Five reasons why your family should visit West Virginia this winter 

    0
    CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. – During a time of year...

    Snowshoe Mountain replacing iconic Shavers Center with modern lodge

    0
    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Construction is nearing completion on top...

    West Virginia officials predict big President's Day skiing weekend

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia ski resorts are experiencing...

    Snowshoe Mountain ski resort to open 50th season Nov. 27, 2024

    0
    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain ski resort in West...

    National Parks

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

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

    A hidden parkway travels beneath the New River Gorge Bridge in W.Va.

    5
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Nearly all who cross the towering...

    Organizations join forces to apprehend New River Gorge vandals

    0
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Two organizations in West Virginia...

    Grandview panoramas showcase New River Gorge at its widest, deepest

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

    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

    WVU experts say layering, not bulky clothing, keeps you warmer in winter

    Higher Education Clyde Craig -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As temperatures drop across West Virginia, many people are pulling wool long johns from storage or...

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    History / Prehistory William Kerrigan -
    CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856, attorney James Jackson awoke to learn that one of the...

    Why West Virginia's state parks matter now more than ever

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West Virginia's state park system approaches, officials say the network of...

    West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

    Agriculture David Sibray -
    RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in...

    Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets

    Skiing and Snowsports David Sibray -
    SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic, opened the 2025–26 winter season Friday with...

    Three powerful reasons to hike West Virginia when the temperature drops

    Hiking Clyde Craig -
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginians know winter differently. When the leaves fall, and the chatter of summer tourism fades,...

    Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia closed for repairs

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The renowned main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in northern West Virginia will be closed...

    Three of four West Virginia alpine ski areas to open this week

    Skiing and Snowsports David Sibray -
    GHENT, W.Va. – West Virginia is officially kicking off ski season as three of the state’s four mountain resorts...

    New historical society to help conserve New River Gorge region in West Virginia

    Landmarks / Museums Clyde Craig -
    THURMOND, W.Va. — Historians, history buffs, and preservationists have organized a new historical society in southern West Virginia encompassing...

    Quiet West Virginia village of Clayton named for 1835 hot-air balloon crash

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    CLAYTON, W.Va. — Few West Virginia place names come with a tale as improbable or as theatrical as that...

    Ghost town fundraiser to highlight film, uncertain future of Thurmond, West Virginia

    Landmarks / Museums Clyde Craig -
    HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the tiny town of Thurmond is drawing global attention. With...

    White Grass cross country skiing: The heart of winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    Skiing and Snowsports Ted Fauster -
    CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a renaissance. As snow-loving retirees, energetic youths, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurous...
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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

    Remote monument recalls origins of Farley family in New River valley

    6
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Many of the thousands of people...

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    1
    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American...

    Islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are a Noah's Ark for wildlife

    0
    WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — Hidden in plain sight, the islands...

    Kanawha Valley in W.Va. had highest concentration of burial mounds

    3
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha Valley in western...

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