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Sunday, November 16, 2025
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    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 mine outside this Marion County...
    Higher Education

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

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As ChatGPT turns three, a West...
    State Parks, Forests

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

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

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

    1
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In what has been called...
    Travel / Transportation

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

    3
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has...
    Food

    Traditional West Virginia holiday remedies: Appalachian cures for overindulgence

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Holiday overindulgence has a long association...
    National Forests

    Woodside Fire in West Virginia national forest reaches 75% containment

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

    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...
    Economic Development

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

    1
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In what has been called...
    Food

    Traditional West Virginia holiday remedies: Appalachian cures for overindulgence

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Holiday overindulgence has a long association...
    Recreation

    Governor helps fund 61 outdoor recreation projects in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice has announced the...
    State Parks, Forests

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

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

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development128History / Prehistory121Hunting120Lore and Legend115State Parks, Forests113Arts109Higher Education99Agriculture91Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums76National 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...

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

    Arts Clyde Craig -
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A horror-thriller filmed in Huntington in 2024, "Self Help" is set for a nationwide theatrical release...

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

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Glance at a road map of West Virginia, and you’ll spot a striking blank space just...

    The story behind the breathtaking Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    CLIFFTOP, W.Va. — At first glance, the Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park in West Virginia looks...

    Scenic trout stream lies hidden along I-77 / I-64 West Virginia Turnpike

    Economic Development David Sibray -
    PAX, W.Va. — Few motorists traveling the West Virginia Turnpike between Beckley and Charleston may know that one of...

    Filmmaker says here’s why everyone should visit this West Virginia ghost town

    Travel / Transportation Will Reedy -
    THURMOND, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the town of Thurmond is attracting attention worldwide. With four...

    West Virginia on track for brilliant fall foliage; new autumn map published

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn has arrived in West Virginia, and state officials say the Mountain State is gearing up...

    Wild and Wonderful: A journey through West Virginia’s most beautiful places

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There's a reason West Virginia is called "almost heaven." In the wild heart of Appalachia, its...

    Attractions

    Blackwater Falls State Park begins online ticket sales for sled run

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today...

    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

    0
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation...

    Communities

    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...

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

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

    Culture

    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

    18
    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...

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

    0
    HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Film fans across West Virginia are...

    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

    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

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

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    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...

    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...

    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

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    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

    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...

    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...
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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...

    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...

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

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

    The story behind the breathtaking Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park

    2
    CLIFFTOP, W.Va. — At first glance, the Glade Creek...

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