Subscribe
Thursday, September 4, 2025
64.1 F
Beckley
type here...
More
    Subscribe

    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 the publication of a collection...
    Festivals / Events

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

    4
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Meteorologists mark September 1 as the...
    Natural Wonders

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

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is haunted by the...
    Lodging and Real Estate

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

    5
    MULLENS, W.Va. — Nestled deep within the wooded hollows...
    History / Prehistory

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

    4
    STANAFORD, W.Va. — A quiet residential community outside the...
    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...
    Landmarks / Museums

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

    1
    PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — For more than a century, Camp...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Hiking

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

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

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

    1
    PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — For more than a century, Camp...
    History / Prehistory

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

    4
    STANAFORD, W.Va. — A quiet residential community outside the...
    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

    Betrayed in life, buried in silence: Forgetting the victims of the Hawks Nest disaster

    20
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — In a ravine beside the U.S....

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development122History / Prehistory116Hunting112Lore and Legend110State Parks, Forests107Arts103Higher Education95Agriculture89Wildlife / Conservancy79National Parks73Landmarks / Museums70Fishing70Recreation64Festivals / Events61Botany and Forestry61Travel / Transportation54

    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....

    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...

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

    National Parks David Sibray -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Nearly all who cross the towering New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia are affected by...

    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...

    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...

    Horrific origin of West Virginia city name Wheeling: "Place of the Skull"

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    WHEELING, W.Va. — To the average motorist hurtling through the City of Wheeling on Interstate 70, nothing about the...

    Oil spilled from W.Va.'s largest well traveled 100 miles to Ohio River

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    COPLEY, W.Va. — In a quiet meadow along the upper reaches of the Sand Fork of the Little Kanawha...

    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

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

    1
    PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — For more than a century, Camp...

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

    14
    LANEVILLE, W.Va. — At more than 4,000 feet above...

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

    4
    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

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

    0
    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...

    West Virginia to conduct nighttime deer surveys across the Mountain State

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State biologists will conduct spotlight surveys...

    Community rallies to keep Summersville Lake sparkling at Aug. 30 clean-up

    0
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — Devoted fans of scenic Summersville Lake...

    Culture

    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

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — National Hunting and Fishing Day 2025,...

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

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

    The captivating West Virginia legend of Kanawha Falls and her daughters

    4
    GAULEY BRIDGE, W.Va. — Though beautiful, the following tale...

    Recreation

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

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

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

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

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

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Tourism has...

    Snowshoe Mountain replacing iconic Shavers Center with modern lodge

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

    History and Prehistory

    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...

    The eastern panhandle of West Virginia: how it came to be

    1
    SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — The eastern panhandle of West Virginia...

    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?

    0
    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

    0
    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Towering above the valley of the...

    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...

    Hunting

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

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The final segment of West...

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

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. —  Hunters in West Virginia harvested...

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

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunting and trapping seasons for...

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

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

    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

    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...

    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...

    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

    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...

    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...

    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

    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...

    Scenic tram at Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia to open September 4

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

    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...

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

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    STANAFORD, W.Va. — A quiet residential community outside the city of Beckley, perhaps best known for its scenic views...

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

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    CLIFFTOP, W.Va. — At first glance, the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park in West Virginia looks...

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

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — For more than a century, Camp Kootaga stood as a summer sanctuary for generations of scouts,...

    West Virginia Explorer celebrates record 3.3 million monthly users amid 25th anniversary

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer, the state’s most comprehensive online guide to travel, history, and culture, is celebrating...
    Load more

    Popular

    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.

    Company

    Headlines

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

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

    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...

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

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

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

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

    Newsletter

    Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

    © Copyright 2000, 2002, 2006, 2012-2014, 2025 West Virginia Explorer. All rights reserved.