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Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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    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 state’s premier resorts named to...
    Hunting

    2025 wild turkey hunting season in West Virginia to launch October 11

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Wild turkey hunting will return to...
    Agriculture

    Five West Virginia organizations receive $302,000 in specialty crop block grants

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Five West Virginia agri-businesses, organizations, and...
    Landmarks / Museums

    Six West Virginia landmarks added to the National Register of Historic Places

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Six landmarks across West Virginia have...
    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...
    Landmarks / Museums

    Historic stone walls in Morgantown, West Virginia, added to the national register

    4
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has accepted...
    Landmarks / Museums

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

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

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Landmarks / Museums

    Six West Virginia landmarks added to the National Register of Historic Places

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Six landmarks across West Virginia have...
    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...
    History / Prehistory

    Prehistoric West Virginia was never a so-called "uninhabited" hunting ground

    7
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — When I moved to West Virginia...
    Landmarks / Museums

    Historic stone walls in Morgantown, West Virginia, added to the national register

    4
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has accepted...
    Lore and Legend

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

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

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development126History / Prehistory120Hunting119Lore and Legend112State Parks, Forests110Arts104Higher Education98Agriculture90Wildlife / Conservancy80Landmarks / Museums74National Parks74Fishing70Recreation64Festivals / Events64Botany and Forestry62Travel / Transportation62

    Headlines

    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...

    Charleston, West Virginia, joins program attracting remote workers with $20K incentives

    Economic Development David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Remote workers looking for a new home with equal parts city energy and mountain calm will...

    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 captivating West Virginia legend of Kanawha Falls and her daughters

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    GAULEY BRIDGE, W.Va. — Though beautiful, the following tale of Kanawha Falls in West Virginia may not have originated...

    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...

    Attractions

    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...

    Stargazing cabins open at Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown

    2
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia officials today announced the...

    Communities

    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,...

    Chairlifts open for rides through one of West Virginia's iconic fall destinations

    0
    DAVIS, W.Va. — Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia...

    Culture

    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...

    The tale of West Virginia's Shades-of-Death Creek may have biblical origin

    3
    MAPLEWOOD, W.Va. — How did "Shades-of-Death Creek" in southern...

    Recreation

    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...

    West Virginia trail advocacy organization to hold statewide meetings this fall

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trail advocates and trail-building organizations from...

    West Virginia shifts future meeting time for natural resources to boost public access

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division...

    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

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

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

    Which are the five most haunted towns in West Virginia, wild and wonderful?

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

    The tale of West Virginia's Shades-of-Death Creek may have biblical origin

    3
    MAPLEWOOD, W.Va. — How did "Shades-of-Death Creek" in southern...

    A West Virginia hike with a haunting: Twin Falls trail honors Polk Hollow legend

    1
    SAULSVILLE, W.Va. — While reports of the Polk Hollow...

    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

    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

    W.Va. Gov. celebrates expanded access to Endless Wall hiking trail

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    Imagine peddling less and riding faster. The new electric-assist...

    New trail to historic mill ruin to open Saturday in Beckley

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    Officials in Beckley, West Virginia, on Saturday will open...

    Recent Posts

    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...

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

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $17,500 grant from the "Hearts of STIHL"...

    Arts gathering will spotlight creative revitalization Oct. 24-26 in Princeton

    Festivals / Events Bianca Bosworth -
    PRINCETON, W.Va. — Artists, educators, and community leaders from across West Virginia will converge in Princeton’s Grassroots District from...

    2025 wild turkey hunting season in West Virginia to launch October 11

    Hunting Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Wild turkey hunting will return to West Virginia when the fall season’s first segment opens in...

    Five West Virginia organizations receive $302,000 in specialty crop block grants

    Agriculture Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Five West Virginia agri-businesses, organizations, and agencies will share more than $300,000 in specialty crop block...

    Six West Virginia landmarks added to the National Register of Historic Places

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Six landmarks across West Virginia have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting...

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

    Lore and Legend Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    RIFFLE, W.Va.— The blockbuster Men in Black film franchise might seem a world away from the hills of West...

    Historic stone walls in Morgantown, West Virginia, added to the national register

    Landmarks / Museums Clyde Craig -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The National Park Service has accepted the nomination of historic stone walls in Morgantown, West Virginia,...

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

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Department of Tourism are celebrating autumn with three new Almost Heaven Swings...

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

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    LITTLETON, W.Va. — In the summer of 1918, a procession of billions of ravenous "worms" passed through the hills...
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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

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

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

    Charleston, West Virginia, joins program attracting remote workers with $20K incentives

    29
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Remote workers looking for a new...

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

    2
    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...

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