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Tuesday, August 26, 2025
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    West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

    Wildlife / Conservancy Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer have been confirmed in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Wood counties in West Virginia, officials with...
    Hiking

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

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

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

    16
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — In a ravine beside the U.S....
    Travel / Transportation

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

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

    Early bear firearms season opens August 30 in four southern West Virginia counties

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An early bear firearms season will...
    History / Prehistory

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

    0
    MOUNTAIN COVE, W.Va. — In a remote wilderness near...
    National Forests

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

    13
    LANEVILLE, W.Va. — At more than 4,000 feet above...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    History / Prehistory

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

    16
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — In a ravine beside the U.S....
    Landmarks / Museums

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

    4
    SARAH ANN, W.Va. — A new entrance to a...
    Travel / Transportation

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

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

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

    13
    LANEVILLE, W.Va. — At more than 4,000 feet above...
    Wildlife / Conservancy

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

    1
    LOGAN, W.Va. — Now that the majestic elk has...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development122History / Prehistory116Hunting112Lore and Legend110State Parks, Forests106Arts103Higher Education95Agriculture89Wildlife / Conservancy79National Parks72Fishing70Landmarks / Museums68Recreation64Botany and Forestry61Festivals / Events60Travel / Transportation53

    Headlines

    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:...

    Inferno on the River: Confederate raid on Burning Springs, West Virginia

    History / Prehistory William Kerrigan -
    BURNING SPRINGS, W.Va. — On the night of May 9, 1863, a conflagration lit up the skies along the...

    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...

    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...

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

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — In a ravine beside the U.S. 19 expressway near Summersville Lake, 48 graves lie beneath the...

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

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    JOLO, W.Va. — On a warm Sunday in late May 2012, a locally well-known Pentecostal pastor named Mack Wolford...

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

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Many of the most photographed places in West Virginia are, perhaps not surprisingly, among the most...

    Attractions

    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...

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

    5
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Whether you're chasing cool, crystal-clear waters...

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

    29
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has...

    Natural wonder reopens: legendary Wind Caves may soon welcome tourists

    1
    ELIZABETH, W.Va. — One of the best-kept secrets in...

    Communities

    A Day for Stillness: Spending International Relaxation Day in West Virginia

    1
    MERCER HEALING SPRINGS, W.Va. — International Relaxation Day is...

    West Virginia unveils 2025 fall foliage map, peak dates, live leaf tracker

    2
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn 2025 will soon be here,...

    The story behind Bernard Coffindaffer’s crosses that dot America’s highways

    0
    SUTTON, W.Va. — One night in 1984, the Reverend...

    Embracing the rich bounty of the West Virginia fall harvest

    2
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia fall harvest...

    Culture

    The Pickens Leper: a tragic journey into isolation in the W.Va. mountains

    12
    PICKENS, W.Va. — In the remote Allegheny Mountains of...

    Jackson’s Mill Jubilee set to crown best homemade pie in West Virginia

    0
    WESTON, W.Va. — Nothing speaks to West Virginia tradition...

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

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

    Unique northern panhandle of West Virginia created by historic dispute

    1
    WEIRTON, W.Va — West Virginia's remarkable shape is partly...

    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

    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...

    Unique northern panhandle of West Virginia created by historic dispute

    1
    WEIRTON, W.Va — West Virginia's remarkable shape is partly...

    Historic West Virginia heat waves and how the state can recover its coolness

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While known for its forests and...

    Lore and Legend

    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,...

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

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

    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. 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

    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

    West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

    Wildlife / Conservancy Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer have been confirmed in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Wood counties...

    West Virginia reminds hunters about upcoming youth seasons, changes to regulations

    Hunting Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the first slate of youth hunting seasons set to open in September, the West Virginia...

    West Virginia sets new migratory game bird seasons and 2025-2026 regulations

    Hunting Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has set new season dates and new regulations for the 2025-2026 migratory game bird...

    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...

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

    Higher Education Clyde Craig -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Have you noticed Halloween merchandise appearing earlier on racks and shelves at national retail chains like...

    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...

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

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — In a ravine beside the U.S. 19 expressway near Summersville Lake, 48 graves lie beneath the...

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

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Many of the most photographed places in West Virginia are, perhaps not surprisingly, among the most...

    Early bear firearms season opens August 30 in four southern West Virginia counties

    Hunting David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An early bear firearms season will open August 30, 2025, in Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming...

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

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    MOUNTAIN COVE, W.Va. — In a remote wilderness near the New River Gorge in what's now West Virginia, a...

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

    National Forests Hinaa Noor -
    LANEVILLE, W.Va. — At more than 4,000 feet above sea level, the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia has...

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

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    SARAH ANN, W.Va. — A new entrance to a historic Hatfield Cemetery in southern West Virginia is making it...
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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

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

    1
    LOGAN, W.Va. — Now that the majestic elk has...

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

    0
    Older folks who live in the valley of Paint...

    Inferno on the River: Confederate raid on Burning Springs, West Virginia

    1
    BURNING SPRINGS, W.Va. — On the night of May...

    Solar flowers capture attention along the Kanawha River at Buffalo

    4
    BUFFALO, W.Va. — An array of five giant "solar...

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