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    Higher Education

    WVU reports 10-year high in applications as graduation, retention rates climb

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    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is seeing its...
    Caving

    Beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley, a vast underground world draws adventurers

    2
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Beneath the bluegrass pastures of eastern...
    Higher Education

    W.Va. medical school leads in training doctors who serve rural communities

    0
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — A small medical school located in...
    Economic Development

    Data centers collide with West Virginia's new profitable remote-work, recreation brand

    9
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has spent the past...
    Skiing and Snowsports

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    1
    CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a...
    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome...

    Most Popular Stories

    Hot this week

    Caving

    Beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley, a vast underground world draws adventurers

    2
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Beneath the bluegrass pastures of eastern...
    Economic Development

    Data centers collide with West Virginia's new profitable remote-work, recreation brand

    9
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has spent the past...
    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome...
    Higher Education

    W.Va. medical school leads in training doctors who serve rural communities

    0
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — A small medical school located in...
    Lore and Legend

    Colonel Ludington's legendary giant ox was real, and it weighed 4,450 pounds

    1
    FRANKFORD, W.Va. — Long before viral videos and roadside...

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development129History / Prehistory122Hunting121State Parks, Forests118Lore and Legend117Arts109Higher Education104Agriculture92Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums79National Parks75Fishing73Travel / Transportation67Festivals / 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...

    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...

    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...

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

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    BIRCH RIVER, W.Va. — Each day, more than 10,000 motorists speed past the turn-offs onto Polemic Run Road in...

    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...

    The 10 best swimming holes in West Virginia for ideal summer escapes

    Natural Wonders Bianca Bosworth -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Whether you're chasing cool, crystal-clear waters or hidden natural pools tucked into lush forest valleys, these...

    The writer who captured Appalachian tragedy—and couldn't escape it

    Arts Cody Straley -
    MILTON, W.Va. — Breece D’J Pancake soared like a meteor through the American literary universe in the late 1970s...

    Attractions

    Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia closed for repairs

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The renowned main overlook at Coopers...

    New historical society to help conserve New River Gorge region in West Virginia

    1
    THURMOND, W.Va. — Historians, history buffs, and preservationists have...

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

    4
    HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge,...

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

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

    Communities

    West Virginia confirms new avian influenza in backyard flock in Jackson County

    1
    RIPLEY, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the presence...

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

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As dusk settles over the Monongahela...

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

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

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

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

    Culture

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

    1
    MIDDLEWAY, W.Va. — The Wizard Clip haunting, the first...

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

    3
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind "Ambrosia!"—an award-winning West...

    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...

    Recreation

    Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets

    0
    SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort...

    Three powerful reasons to hike West Virginia when the temperature drops

    2
    BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginians know winter differently. When...

    Three of four West Virginia alpine ski areas to open this week

    0
    GHENT, W.Va. – West Virginia is officially kicking off...

    West Virginia reinstates fishing agreement on Kentucky border waters

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

    History and Prehistory

    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...

    How a violent West Virginia textbook battle helped redefine U.S. education

    2
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In the spring of 1974, an...

    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...

    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...

    State Parks

    Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia closed for repairs

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The renowned main overlook at Coopers...

    West Virginia state park playgrounds targeted in new fundraising drive

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

    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...

    Hunting

    2025 archery and crossbow hunting seasons open September 27 in West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of...

    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...

    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

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

    0
    BUFFALO, W.Va. — Among the fields and wetlands of...

    Strange single-leafed orchid sprouts in winter woodlands in West Virginia

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Only the most sharp-eyed outdoor enthusiasts...

    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...

    Skiing

    Five reasons why your family should visit West Virginia this winter 

    0
    CANAAN VALLEY, W.Va. – During a time of year...

    Snowshoe Mountain replacing iconic Shavers Center with modern lodge

    0
    SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Construction is nearing completion on top...

    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...

    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

    Whitewater Rafting

    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 parks, Smooth Ambler expand branded bourbon partnership statewide

    State Parks, Forests Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A partnership blending West Virginia’s outdoor heritage with its growing reputation for craft spirits is expanding...

    West Virginia Tourism wins gold Adrian award for ‘Screen-Free Summer’ campaign

    Travel / Transportation David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Tourism has earned international recognition for its consumer branding efforts, receiving...

    Colonel Ludington's legendary giant ox was real, and it weighed 4,450 pounds

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    FRANKFORD, W.Va. — Long before viral videos and roadside attractions, West Virginia produced a creature so outsized that stories...

    WVU to host 4-H code camp for middle and high school at Jackson’s Mill

    Higher Education Clyde Craig -
    WESTON, W.Va. — Middle and high school students from across West Virginia will get a hands-on look at the...

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    History / Prehistory William Kerrigan -
    CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856, attorney James Jackson awoke to learn that one of the...

    WVU reports 10-year high in applications as graduation, retention rates climb

    Higher Education David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is seeing its most substantial application numbers in a decade, alongside steady gains...

    Beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley, a vast underground world draws adventurers

    Caving Hinaa Noor -
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Beneath the bluegrass pastures of eastern West Virginia lies one of the most extensive cave networks...

    W.Va. medical school leads in training doctors who serve rural communities

    Higher Education David Sibray -
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — A small medical school located in the mountains of southern West Virginia is quietly becoming one...

    Data centers collide with West Virginia's new profitable remote-work, recreation brand

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has spent the past decade successfully selling itself as a place where people can...

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates 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...

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    Hiking David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome the New Year by inviting residents and visitors to step...

    Bumper nut, acorn crop and disease reduced West Virginia buck harvest in 2025

    Hunting Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and acorns and localized outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease contributed to a...
    Load more

    Popular

    Caving

    Beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley, a vast underground world draws adventurers

    Economic Development

    Data centers collide with West Virginia's new profitable remote-work, recreation brand

    Hiking

    West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state

    Higher Education

    W.Va. medical school leads in training doctors who serve rural communities

    Lore and Legend

    Colonel Ludington's legendary giant ox was real, and it weighed 4,450 pounds

    Skiing and Snowsports

    White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

    Higher Education

    WVU to host 4-H code camp for middle and high school at Jackson’s Mill

    State Parks, Forests

    Longtime West Virginia state parks leader details the park system’s real impact

    Arts

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

    State Parks, Forests

    Why West Virginia's state parks matter now more than ever

    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...

    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...

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