Subscribe
Thursday, August 21, 2025
72.4 F
Beckley
type here...
More
    Subscribe

    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 mysterious experiment in religion and...
    Wildlife / Conservancy

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

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

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

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

    Work visibly begins on historic Tyree Tavern restoration near New River Gorge

    4
    ANSTED, W.Va. — The restoration of the Tyree Tavern,...
    Travel / Transportation

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

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

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

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

    McKinley Rock: The eerie stone face watching over Thurmond, West Virginia

    1
    THURMOND, W.Va. — High above the abandoned rail town...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Travel / Transportation

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

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

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

    3
    SARAH ANN, W.Va. — A new entrance to a...
    Landmarks / Museums

    Work visibly begins on historic Tyree Tavern restoration near New River Gorge

    4
    ANSTED, W.Va. — The restoration of the Tyree Tavern,...
    History / 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...
    Lore and Legend

    The captivating West Virginia legend of Kanawha Falls and her daughters

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

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development122History / Prehistory115Lore and Legend110Hunting109State Parks, Forests106Arts103Higher Education94Agriculture89Wildlife / Conservancy77National Parks72Fishing70Landmarks / Museums68Recreation64Botany and Forestry61Festivals / Events60Travel / Transportation52

    Headlines

    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...

    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...

    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....

    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...

    Ghostly tale of Burnt House lives through strange W.Va. town name

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    BURNT HOUSE, W.Va. — Motorists traveling WV-47 between Weston and Parkersburg are sure to have noticed the sign for...

    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...

    Northern West Virginia ghost linked to Country music's "Big Bad John"

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    GRANT TOWN, W.Va. — If you've had the opportunity to descend into a West Virginia coal mine, you might...

    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

    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

    West Virginia Waterfall Trail surpasses an unexpected 125,000 check-ins

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Waterfall Trail has...

    Top 10 largest West Virginia cities by population (2025)

    5
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia cities and towns vary...

    Solar flowers capture attention along the Kanawha River at Buffalo

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

    Thirty-three West Virginia companies receive award for global exports

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thirty-three West Virginia companies that export...

    Culture

    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...

    August in West Virginia: When mountain customs come home

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — August in West Virginia is a...

    Recreation

    Parks partner with nonprofit to make golf more affordable for W.Va. youth

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia's state park system is...

    Secret bunker in W.Va. built to hide Congress in event of nuclear war

    4
    WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. W.Va. — A vast underground bunker...

    Did a settler survive lost in caverns beneath W.Va.'s Greenbrier Valley?

    2
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — One of the strangest tales to...

    Family-friendly Free Fishing Days in West Virginia to return June 7-8

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Free Fishing Days will return June...

    History and Prehistory

    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...

    From Jerry West to Best Virginia, basketball in West Virginia is a unifying force

    3
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mountain State is a land...

    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. officials urge participation in early antlerless deer season

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

    December deer, bear hunting seasons underway in West Virginia

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — December hunting season for deer...

    W.Va. reminds hunters about furbearer seasons, river otter project

    0
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the raccoon hunting season...

    W.Va. sets important 2023-'24 migratory game bird season dates

    0
    FARMINGTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural...

    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

    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...

    W.Va. records largest spring turkey harvest in five years

    0
    FARMINGTON, W.VA. — According to preliminary data released by...

    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

    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...

    West Virginia to conduct nighttime deer surveys across the Mountain State

    Wildlife / Conservancy Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State biologists will conduct spotlight surveys across the Mountain State in August and September to monitor...

    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...

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

    Wildlife / Conservancy David Sibray -
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — Devoted fans of scenic Summersville Lake in central West Virginia are being invited to volunteer for...

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

    Health and Medicine Bianca Bosworth -
    MERCER HEALING SPRINGS, W.Va. — International Relaxation Day is observed August 15 across the world, and West Virginia celebrates...

    Work visibly begins on historic Tyree Tavern restoration near New River Gorge

    Landmarks / Museums Bianca Bosworth -
    ANSTED, W.Va. — The restoration of the Tyree Tavern, a historic landmark near the New River Gorge in southern...

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

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn 2025 will soon be here, and West Virginia officials say the Mountain State is gearing...

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

    Travel / Transportation David Sibray -
    SUTTON, W.Va. — One night in 1984, the Reverend Bernard Coffindaffer experienced an epiphany. God called him, he said,...

    McKinley Rock: The eerie stone face watching over Thurmond, West Virginia

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    THURMOND, W.Va. — High above the abandoned rail town of Thurmond, West Virginia, a weathered stone face gazes silently...

    The Bustle Flag: How Martinsburg’s Unionist women defied the Confederacy

    History / Prehistory William Kerrigan -
    MARTINSBURG, W.Va — The prosperous manufacturing town of Martinsburg in Berkeley County, West Virginia, was thrust into turmoil at...
    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

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

    0
    COPLEY, W.Va. — In a quiet meadow along the...

    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...

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

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

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

    0
    WHEELING, W.Va. — To the average motorist hurtling through...

    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.