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    W.Va. a top state for inbound moves as Americans seek affordability, outdoor living

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is emerging as one of the nation’s top destinations for inbound moves, according to new data from United Van...

    Most Popular Stories

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    Lore and Legend

    The horrors of Skull Run recounted by late West Virginia historian

    10
    SKULL RUN, W.Va. — A traveler motoring through the...
    Arts

    Beloved story of “Frosty the Snowman” was born in snowy highlands of West Virginia

    13
    KEYSER, W.Va. — One of America’s most enduring holiday...
    Lore and Legend

    Giant skeletons and buried copper plates—a strange Marion County folktale

    5
    FAIRMONT, W.Va. — In the hills and river bottoms...
    History / Prehistory

    Frank James entered a West Virginia bank in 1872 — and left without robbing it

    2
    PRINCETON, W.Va. — In 1872, when the name Frank...
    Lore and Legend

    Colonel Ludington's legendary giant ox was real, and it weighed 4,450 pounds

    4
    FRANKFORD, W.Va. — Long before viral videos and roadside...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development130History / Prehistory123Hunting121State Parks, Forests118Lore and Legend118Arts109Higher Education104Agriculture93Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums79National Parks75Fishing73Travel / Transportation69Festivals / Events65Recreation64Botany and Forestry62

    Headlines

    The horrors of Skull Run recounted by late West Virginia historian

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    SKULL RUN, W.Va. — A traveler motoring through the pastures in this wooded section off the Ohio River might...

    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...

    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...

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

    Wildlife / Conservancy Clyde Craig -
    LOGAN, W.Va. — Now that the majestic elk has been returned to the mountains of West Virginia (the last...

    Legend of ancient warpath along the W.Va. Turnpike is fact

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    Older folks who live in the valley of Paint Creek may recall legends about how the stream was named:...

    Solar flowers capture attention along the Kanawha River at Buffalo

    Economic Development David Sibray -
    BUFFALO, W.Va. — An array of five giant "solar flowers" is capturing the attention of motorists travelling scenic Charleston...

    W.Va. a top state for inbound moves as Americans seek affordability, outdoor living

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is emerging as one of the nation’s top destinations for inbound moves, according to...

    The captivating West Virginia legend of Kanawha Falls and her daughters

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    GAULEY BRIDGE, W.Va. — Though beautiful, the following tale of Kanawha Falls in West Virginia may not have originated...

    Attractions

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

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

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

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

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

    4
    HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge,...

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

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

    Communities

    WVU reports 10-year high in applications as graduation, retention rates climb

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is seeing its...

    W.Va. medical school leads in training doctors who serve rural communities

    0
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — A small medical school located in...

    Data centers collide with West Virginia's new profitable remote-work, recreation brand

    15
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has spent the past...

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

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As temperatures drop across West Virginia,...

    Culture

    Why paranormal tourism is booming in almost heaven West Virginia

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Paranormal tourism is booming across West...

    West Virginia family communications expert shares Thanksgiving conflict tips

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With Thanksgiving approaching, a West Virginia...

    West Virginia announces 2026 veterans art show for America250 celebration

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has...

    Traditional West Virginia holiday remedies: Appalachian cures for overindulgence

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Holiday overindulgence has a long association...

    Recreation

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

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

    Three powerful reasons to hike West Virginia when the temperature drops

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

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

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

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

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

    History and Prehistory

    Prehistoric West Virginia was never a so-called "uninhabited" hunting ground

    7
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When I moved to West Virginia...

    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...

    Lore and Legend

    Why paranormal tourism is booming in almost heaven West Virginia

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Paranormal tourism is booming across West...

    First documented poltergeist in U.S. haunted this historic W.Va. town

    1
    MIDDLEWAY, W.Va. — The Wizard Clip haunting, the first...

    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...

    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...

    State Parks

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

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

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

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

    West Virginia launches pet-friendly "West FURginia" state park ranger program

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have launched the...

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

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

    Hunting

    2025 archery and crossbow hunting seasons open September 27 in West Virginia

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of...

    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

    2
    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...

    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

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

    0
    BUFFALO, W.Va. — Among the fields and wetlands of...

    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...

    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.

    6
    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

    W.Va. a top state for inbound moves as Americans seek affordability, outdoor living

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is emerging as one of the nation’s top destinations for inbound moves, according to...

    Charleston, West Virginia, celebrates record-breaking year in tourism

    Travel / Transportation David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia's reputation as a destination for sports tourism was on full display in Charleston in...

    The horrors of Skull Run recounted by late West Virginia historian

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    SKULL RUN, W.Va. — A traveler motoring through the pastures in this wooded section off the Ohio River might...

    These five sports are rapidly growing in West Virginia communities

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sports in West Virginia will always include Friday-night football, high school basketball, and hunting and fishing,...

    Giant skeletons and buried copper plates—a strange Marion County folktale

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    FAIRMONT, W.Va. — In the hills and river bottoms of Marion County in north-central West Virginia, stories have long...

    Beloved story of “Frosty the Snowman” was born in snowy highlands of West Virginia

    Arts David Sibray -
    KEYSER, W.Va. — One of America’s most enduring holiday songs—and the animated television specials it inspired—has roots that trace...

    How to keep poinsettias healthy through the holidays—and for years to come

    Agriculture Bianca Bosworth -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With their vivid colors and deep holiday roots, poinsettias remain one of the most recognizable plants...

    Frank James entered a West Virginia bank in 1872 — and left without robbing it

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    PRINCETON, W.Va. — In 1872, when the name Frank James still carried the weight of fear and notoriety across...

    West Virginia state parks, Smooth Ambler expand branded bourbon partnership statewide

    State Parks, Forests Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A partnership blending West Virginia’s outdoor heritage with its growing reputation for craft spirits is expanding...

    West Virginia Tourism wins gold Adrian award for ‘Screen-Free Summer’ campaign

    Travel / Transportation David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Tourism has earned international recognition for its consumer branding efforts, receiving...

    Colonel Ludington's legendary giant ox was real, and it weighed 4,450 pounds

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    FRANKFORD, W.Va. — Long before viral videos and roadside attractions, West Virginia produced a creature so outsized that stories...

    WVU to host 4-H code camp for middle and high school at Jackson’s Mill

    Higher Education Clyde Craig -
    WESTON, W.Va. — Middle and high school students from across West Virginia will get a hands-on look at the...
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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

    The horrors of Skull Run recounted by late West Virginia historian

    10
    SKULL RUN, W.Va. — A traveler motoring through the...

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

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — On a soft summer morning in...

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

    29
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Remote workers looking for a new...

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

    2
    LOGAN, W.Va. — Now that the majestic elk has...

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