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Saturday, November 29, 2025
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    Quiet West Virginia village of Clayton named for 1835 hot-air balloon crash

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    CLAYTON, W.Va. — Few West Virginia place names come with a tale as improbable or as theatrical as that of Clayton, a quiet Summers...
    National Parks

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

    18
    HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where...
    History / Prehistory

    Farmington Mine Disaster still echoes across West Virginia coal country

    4
    FARMINGTON, W.Va. — Before dawn on November 20, 1968,...
    Landmarks / Museums

    Community revives one of West Virginia's long-neglected Black cemeteries

    3
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Every year around Veterans Day, Professor...
    Lore and Legend

    Why paranormal tourism is booming in almost heaven West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Paranormal tourism is booming across West...
    Food

    West Virginia family communications expert shares Thanksgiving conflict tips

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With Thanksgiving approaching, a West Virginia...
    Arts

    West Virginia announces 2026 veterans art show for America250 celebration

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    National Parks

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

    18
    HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    White Grass cross country skiing: The heart of winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    1
    CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a...
    Landmarks / Museums

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

    0
    HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge,...
    Landmarks / Museums

    Historical society seeks contributions to restore legendary "Chessie 29" railcar

    6
    WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio...
    Arts

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

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

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development128History / Prehistory121Hunting120Lore and Legend116State Parks, Forests113Arts109Higher Education100Agriculture91Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums78National Parks75Fishing73Travel / Transportation66Festivals / Events65Recreation64Botany and Forestry62

    Headlines

    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....

    How the Pruntytown reformatory became a bogeyman in West Virginia

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    PRUNTYTOWN, W.Va. — If you were an unruly boy growing up in West Virginia before the 1980s, there's a...

    Tales of the Sliding Hill Ghosts are not forgotten by an older generation

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    HARTFORD CITY, W.Va. — Old-timers still tell of the ghosts that are said to haunt Sliding Hill in Mason...

    Weird W.Va. wonder "Ice Mountain" open to tours by arrangement

    Natural Wonders Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    NORTH RIVER MILLS, W.Va.— One of West Virginia's most fascinating natural wonders, Ice Mountain, where winter ice lingers in...

    Formerly inaccessible rock formation in West Virginia rediscovered

    Recreation David Sibray -
    BURNING SPRINGS, W.Va. — Practically inaccessible for years, one of the state’s legendary rock formations is attracting the attention...

    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...

    Extraordinary rock "castle" being rediscovered in West Virginia town

    Natural Wonders David Sibray -
    PINEVILLE, W.Va. — Looming above the county seat of Wyoming County amid the mountains of southern West Virginia, a...

    Ancient stone walls on Armstrong Mountain no old-timer's tale

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    If you grew up listening to the lore of old-timers in southern West Virginia, chances are you've heard of...

    Attractions

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

    1
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation...

    Woodside Fire in West Virginia national forest reaches 75% containment

    0
    CIRCLEVILLE, W.Va. — Firefighters in West Virginia continue to...

    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...

    Communities

    West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications...

    The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore

    1
    FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn,...

    Here are 20 things that make wild, wonderful West Virginia famous

    19
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From the peaks of the Allegheny...

    West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

    1
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming...

    Culture

    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...

    Horror film shot in West Virginia, ‘Self Help’ to hit theaters nationwide on Halloween

    3
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A horror-thriller filmed in Huntington in...

    Recreation

    West Virginia governor declares November wild game meat donation month

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey has...

    Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

    0
    BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground...

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

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have announced the...

    Eight ghost towns in southern West Virginia worth visiting

    5
    THURMOND, W.Va. — One of the richest aspects of...

    History and Prehistory

    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...

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

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

    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

    Exclusive dinner series at Pipestem Resort State Park showcases new menu

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

    Stargazing cabins open at Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown

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

    Chief Logan State Park in West Virginia debuts a fully accessible playground

    0
    LOGAN, W.Va. — Chief Logan State Park has unveiled...

    Scenic tram at Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia reopens

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

    Hunting

    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...

    West Virginia creates special access roads for hunters with disabilities

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

    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

    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

    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...

    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...

    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

    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

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

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    CLAYTON, W.Va. — Few West Virginia place names come with a tale as improbable or as theatrical as that...

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

    Landmarks / Museums Clyde Craig -
    HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the tiny town of Thurmond is drawing global attention. With...

    White Grass cross country skiing: The heart of 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...

    Historical society seeks contributions to restore legendary "Chessie 29" railcar

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society has embarked on the restoration of "Chessie 29,"...

    WVU revives Woodburn Hall lighting, illuminating legacy of higher ed in West Virginia

    Higher Education David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As dusk settles over the Monongahela River valley on December 2, a crowd of students, faculty,...

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

    National Parks David Sibray -
    HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where the Bluestone River winds, the lost village of "Lilly" was...

    Farmington Mine Disaster still echoes across West Virginia coal country

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    FARMINGTON, W.Va. — Before dawn on November 20, 1968, a thunderous explosion ripped through Consolidation Coal Company’s No. 9...

    Community revives one of West Virginia's long-neglected Black cemeteries

    Landmarks / Museums Cody Straley -
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Every year around Veterans Day, Professor Josh Keck leads his Mountwest Community and Technical College students...

    Why paranormal tourism is booming in almost heaven West Virginia

    Lore and Legend Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Paranormal tourism is booming across West Virginia, but the increase in ghost tours, haunted history walks,...

    West Virginia family communications expert shares Thanksgiving conflict tips

    Food Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With Thanksgiving approaching, a West Virginia family communications expert says the stress that builds long before...

    West Virginia announces 2026 veterans art show for America250 celebration

    Arts David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has announced plans for a 2026 Veterans Art Show, inviting West...

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

    Higher Education David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As ChatGPT turns three, a West Virginia University professor says the artificial intelligence platform has evolved...
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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

    Peters Mountain Roar continues to mystify West Virginia residents

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

    How the Pruntytown reformatory became a bogeyman in West Virginia

    1
    PRUNTYTOWN, W.Va. — If you were an unruly boy...

    Tales of the Sliding Hill Ghosts are not forgotten by an older generation

    2
    HARTFORD CITY, W.Va. — Old-timers still tell of the...

    Weird W.Va. wonder "Ice Mountain" open to tours by arrangement

    3
    NORTH RIVER MILLS, W.Va.— One of West Virginia's most...

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