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Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched a statewide campaign to replace and modernize aging West Virginia state park playgrounds,...
    Lore and Legend

    First documented poltergeist in U.S. haunted this historic W.Va. town

    0
    MIDDLEWAY, W.Va. — The Wizard Clip haunting, the first...
    Arts

    West Virginia-made comedy "Ambrosia!" nominated at Delaware film festival

    0
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West...
    Fishing

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

    0
    FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its...
    Fishing

    Fall study to provide insight into trout harvest rates, movement in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    Canaan Valley resort announces $6 million upgrade ahead of winter season

    1
    DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials at Canaan Valley Resort State...
    Festivals / Events

    First Lady invites community for gingerbread contest, mansion tree decorating

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Skiing and Snowsports

    Canaan Valley resort announces $6 million upgrade ahead of winter season

    1
    DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials at Canaan Valley Resort State...
    State Parks, Forests

    West Virginia launches pet-friendly "West FURginia" state park ranger program

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have launched the...
    Arts

    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...
    Economic Development

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

    0
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In what has been called...
    Lore and Legend

    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...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development128History / Prehistory120Hunting120Lore and Legend114State Parks, Forests113Arts108Higher Education98Agriculture91Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums75National Parks74Fishing73Travel / Transportation66Festivals / Events65Recreation64Botany and Forestry62

    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...

    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 host first-ever Spartan Trifecta World Championship in the U.S.

    Festivals / Events David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will make history in 2025 when it becomes the first U.S. location to host...

    Betrayed in life, buried in silence: Forgetting the victims of the Hawks Nest disaster

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — In a ravine beside the U.S. 19 expressway near Summersville Lake, 48 graves lie beneath the...

    West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

    Wildlife / Conservancy Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer have been confirmed in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Wood counties...

    Nature’s classroom in the Kanawha Valley: A vibrant trail system blossoms in Buffalo

    Hiking David Sibray -
    BUFFALO, W.Va. — Among the fields and wetlands of the lower Kanawha Valley in West Virginia, a green haven...

    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

    At 50 years, West Virginia University celebrates its ground-breaking PRT system

    1
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The familiar hum of the gold...

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

    2
    ELKINS, W.Va. — Historic movie theaters in West Virginia...

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

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

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

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Six landmarks across West Virginia have...

    Communities

    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...

    West Virginia University expert shares tips to keep fall mums blooming longer

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The brilliant colors of chrysanthemums, or...

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

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

    Culture

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

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — This winter, the small mountain town...

    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...

    Recreation

    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...

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

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Wild turkey hunting will return to...

    History and Prehistory

    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,...

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

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

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

    4
    HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — It’s fair to say that...

    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...

    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

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    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

    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...

    Canaan Valley rated one of top U.S. ski, winter destinations

    0
    DAVIS, W.Va. — More than a few magazines in...

    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

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched a statewide campaign to replace and modernize aging...

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

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In what has been called a win for historic preservation in West Virginia, a Jefferson...

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

    Travel / Transportation David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has launched an Almost Heaven brand licensing program—an initiative officials say...

    Traditional West Virginia holiday remedies: Appalachian cures for overindulgence

    Food Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Holiday overindulgence has a long association with West Virginia, where homecomings are celebrated in a big...

    Woodside Fire in West Virginia national forest reaches 75% containment

    National Forests Clyde Craig -
    CIRCLEVILLE, W.Va. — Firefighters in West Virginia continue to make progress in ending the Woodside Fire in the Monongahela...

    First documented poltergeist in U.S. haunted this historic W.Va. town

    Lore and Legend Amanda Larch Hinchman -
    MIDDLEWAY, W.Va. — The Wizard Clip haunting, the first documented poltergeist in America, occurred in the late 1700s in...

    West Virginia-made comedy "Ambrosia!" nominated at Delaware film festival

    Arts Clyde Craig -
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West Virginia–made screwball comedy—continues to build as filmmakers announced that the...

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

    Fishing Will Reedy -
    FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its reciprocal fishing agreement with Kentucky, allowing Mountain State anglers to...

    Fall study to provide insight into trout harvest rates, movement in West Virginia

    Fishing Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be studying trout harvest rates during the state's fall trout-stocking season...

    Canaan Valley resort announces $6 million upgrade ahead of winter season

    Skiing and Snowsports David Sibray -
    DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials at Canaan Valley Resort State Park in northern West Virginia say they're gearing up for...

    First Lady invites community for gingerbread contest, mansion tree decorating

    Festivals / Events Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey is inviting students, educators, and artisans from across the state...

    West Virginia launches pet-friendly "West FURginia" state park ranger program

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have launched the West "FURginia" State Park Ranger program, a pet-friendly initiative designed...
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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...

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

    4
    SARAH ANN, W.Va. — A new entrance to a...

    West Virginia to host first-ever Spartan Trifecta World Championship in the U.S.

    2
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will make history in...

    Betrayed in life, buried in silence: Forgetting the victims of the Hawks Nest disaster

    20
    SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — In a ravine beside the U.S....

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