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Friday, December 19, 2025
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    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome...
    Hunting

    Bumper nut, acorn crop and disease reduced West Virginia buck harvest in 2025

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and...
    State Parks, Forests

    Longtime West Virginia state parks leader details the park system’s real impact

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After more than five decades working...
    State Parks, Forests

    Benedum foundation awards $50,000 to West Virginia State Parks Foundation

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

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

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

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    4
    CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856,...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Economic Development

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

    7
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has spent the past...
    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome...
    Higher Education

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

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

    Tale of "Frosty the Snowman" is rooted in mountains of West Virginia

    0
    KEYSER, W.Va. — Few West Virginians may know that...
    State Parks, Forests

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

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development129History / Prehistory122Hunting121State Parks, Forests117Lore and Legend116Arts109Higher Education103Agriculture92Wildlife / 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...

    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...

    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...

    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....

    Bigfoot sightings near Sutton, West Virginia, have historic precedent

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    SUTTON, W.Va. — Sightings of a bigfoot alleged in the wilderness surrounding Sutton Lake in central West Virginia may...

    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...

    Attractions

    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...

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

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

    Communities

    WVU Professor: After three years, ChatGPT has become a coworker—not a boss

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As ChatGPT turns three, a West...

    Big win for historic preservation in battle at quaint Middleway, West Virginia

    1
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In what has been called...

    West Virginia tourism office launches "Almost Heaven" brand licensing program

    3
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has...

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

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

    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

    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

    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

    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...

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

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

    Hunting

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

    0
    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

    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...

    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.

    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

    Whitewater Rafting

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

    Higher Education David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is seeing its most substantial application numbers in a decade, alongside steady gains...

    Beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley, a vast underground world draws adventurers

    Caving Hinaa Noor -
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Beneath the bluegrass pastures of eastern West Virginia lies one of the most extensive cave networks...

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

    Higher Education David Sibray -
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — A small medical school located in the mountains of southern West Virginia is quietly becoming one...

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

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has spent the past decade successfully selling itself as a place where people can...

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates 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...

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    Hiking David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome the New Year by inviting residents and visitors to step...

    Bumper nut, acorn crop and disease reduced West Virginia buck harvest in 2025

    Hunting Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and acorns and localized outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease contributed to a...

    Longtime West Virginia state parks leader details the park system’s real impact

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After more than five decades working inside the West Virginia State Park system, former superintendent Scott...

    Benedum foundation awards $50,000 to West Virginia State Parks Foundation

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum...

    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...
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    Popular

    Economic Development

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

    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    Higher Education

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

    Arts

    Tale of "Frosty the Snowman" is rooted in mountains of West Virginia

    State Parks, Forests

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

    Skiing and Snowsports

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    State Parks, Forests

    Longtime West Virginia state parks leader details the park system’s real impact

    National Parks

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

    Landmarks / Museums

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

    Lore and Legend

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

    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...

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

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

    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...

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