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Friday, October 24, 2025
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    Monster trout contest returns to West Virginia as fall fishing season heats up

    Fishing Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have announced the return of the state’s fourth annual Monster Trout Contest, giving anglers and their families a...

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    Hot this week

    Recreation

    Eight ghost towns in southern West Virginia worth visiting

    4
    THURMOND, W.Va. — One of the richest aspects of...
    Lore and Legend

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

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

    Historic movie theaters in West Virginia: reviving a cultural legacy in rural areas

    1
    ELKINS, W.Va. — Historic movie theaters in West Virginia...
    Lore and Legend

    How an obscure, mysterious writer in West Virginia invented UFO lore as we know it

    0
    RIFFLE, W.Va.— The blockbuster Men in Black film franchise...
    Travel / Transportation

    Peak fall color in West Virginia: the science and spectacle of Appalachian autumn

    0
    DAVIS, W.Va. — When the first sharp chill settles...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development126History / Prehistory120Hunting119Lore and Legend114State Parks, Forests110Arts106Higher Education98Agriculture90Wildlife / Conservancy80Landmarks / Museums74National Parks74Fishing71Recreation64Festivals / Events64Travel / Transportation63Botany and Forestry62

    Headlines

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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....

    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...

    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...

    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...

    Sarvis Tree blossoms signal the arrival of mountain spring in W.Va.

    Botany and Forestry David Sibray -
    SANDYVILLE, W.Va. — Seasons can come and go in the temperate regions of the world with many false starts,...

    Attractions

    Swing into autumn with West Virginia’s three new Almost Heaven swings

    3
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Department of...

    Exclusive dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park showcases new menu

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

    Once controversial, Mountaineer war memorial hides at the West Virginia capitol

    12
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Motorists driving along Kanawha Boulevard past...

    Tourism surge in southern West Virginia yields more than $108 million for local economy

    4
    GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — A newly released report from...

    Communities

    West Virginia tourism tops record $9 billion in annual economic impact

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The W.Va. Department of Tourism today...

    West Virginia officials to open scenic new elk viewing platform on October 1

    1
    LOGAN, W.Va. — West Virginia officials will host a...

    Forecasted autumn rainfall promises vivid 2025 fall foliage in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State officials say West Virginia is...

    Pumpkin Spice and Beyond: WVU expert explains the power of seasonal scents

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As autumn arrives in West Virginia,...

    Culture

    Mysterious Wetzel County worm invasion wreaked havoc in West Virginia in 1918

    2
    LITTLETON, W.Va. — In the summer of 1918, a...

    Polemic Run, West Virginia: A roadside journey hidden off the expressway

    5
    BIRCH RIVER, W.Va. — Each day, more than 10,000...

    Investigator: West Virginia ground-zero for UFO research, ET encounters

    0
    GREEN BANK, W.Va. — A renowned paranormal investigator says...

    The five most haunted towns in West Virginia, wild and wonderful?

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Which are the five most haunted...

    Recreation

    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...

    Five reasons why your family should visit West Virginia this winter 

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

    History and Prehistory

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

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

    The U.S state that almost was: How West Virginia nearly became “Kanawha”

    3
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When you think of West Virginia,...

    Wolves and panthers roamed the forgotten wilderness east of the West Virginia capital

    10
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Glance at a road map of...

    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...

    Lore and Legend

    How an obscure, mysterious writer in West Virginia invented UFO lore as we know it

    0
    RIFFLE, W.Va.— The blockbuster Men in Black film franchise...

    Mysterious Wetzel County worm invasion wreaked havoc in West Virginia in 1918

    2
    LITTLETON, W.Va. — In the summer of 1918, a...

    Polemic Run, West Virginia: A roadside journey hidden off the expressway

    5
    BIRCH RIVER, W.Va. — Each day, more than 10,000...

    Investigator: West Virginia ground-zero for UFO research, ET encounters

    0
    GREEN BANK, W.Va. — A renowned paranormal investigator says...

    State Parks

    Scenic tram at Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia reopens

    0
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — After two years of construction, a...

    West Virginia’s Farm-to-Table dinner series returns with scenic feasts, local flavor

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The highly anticipated Farm-to-Table Dinner Series...

    Coopers Rock State Forest in W.Va. doubles number of campsites

    0
    BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — Twenty-five new campsites have been...

    West Virginia unveils daily one-mile trail program in 32 state parks

    4
    BEAVER, W.Va. — To encourage West Virginians to walk...

    Hunting

    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...

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

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the first slate of youth...

    Fishing

    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...

    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...

    Hiking

    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...

    Endless Wall Trail named Best Hike in West Virginia by magazine

    0
    LANSING, W.Va. — The Endless Wall Trail has again...

    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

    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...

    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...

    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

    Monster trout contest returns to West Virginia as fall fishing season heats up

    Fishing Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have announced the return of the state’s fourth annual Monster Trout Contest, giving...

    Friday Night frights and delights light up West Virginia this Halloween season

    Arts David Sibray -
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Film fans across West Virginia are in for a frightfully fun weekend as Halloween-themed screenings, premieres,...

    Fayetteville Creates turns town into a living arts studio for the New River Gorge

    Arts Bianca Bosworth -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — This winter, the small mountain town of Fayetteville, perched at the edge of the New River...

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

    Lore and Legend Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A lesser-known encounter with an extraordinary Mountain State cryptid is still capturing the imagination of West...

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

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — From cauldrons to candy corn, favorite Halloween traditions in the U.S. have been brewing for thousands...

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

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — One of the most appealing of all Appalachian legends is that of the tale of the...

    Eight ghost towns in southern West Virginia worth visiting

    Recreation Clyde Craig -
    THURMOND, W.Va. — One of the richest aspects of history in southern West Virginia involves coal mining. Following the...

    Historic movie theaters in West Virginia: reviving a cultural legacy in rural areas

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    ELKINS, W.Va. — Historic movie theaters in West Virginia once played a vital role in isolated sections of the...

    Peak fall color in West Virginia: the science and spectacle of Appalachian autumn

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    DAVIS, W.Va. — When the first sharp chill settles over the Allegheny highlands and the red spruce stands take...

    Three West Virginia resorts ranked among best in U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Top travel destinations in West Virginia are once again receiving national recognition, with three of the...

    WVU president urges university to ‘think big’ in first State of the University address

    Higher Education David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Michael T. Benson, new president of West Virginia University, urged faculty, staff, students, and alumni Monday...

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

    Lore and Legend Joe Farruggia -
    HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — It’s fair to say that almost anyone who has listened to or read the history...
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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

    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...

    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...

    Remote monument recalls origins of Farley family in New River valley

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

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

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

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