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    West Virginia uniquely prepared to dominate 21st-century outdoor economy

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is uniquely prepared to dominate in the 21st-century outdoor economy of the U.S., thanks to its unmatched potential for...
    State Parks, Forests

    West Virginia State Parks Foundation launches online merchandise store

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

    West Virginia Travel Safety: What it means for residents and visitors in 2026

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Travel safety in West Virginia is...
    History / Prehistory

    Did Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis secretly meet in West Virginia?

    3
    PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Did Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis...
    Economic Development

    Study finds WVU and its health system account for 17% of West Virginia’s economy

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University and the WVU...
    Hunting

    Black bear harvest remained steady in West Virginia in 2025 as predicted

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia hunters harvested 2,469 black...
    Travel / Transportation

    Spring arrives by sound and bloom in the hills of West Virginia

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — In West Virginia, spring doesn't begin...

    Most Popular Stories

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    Travel / Transportation

    West Virginia uniquely prepared to dominate 21st-century outdoor economy

    2
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is uniquely prepared to...
    Economic Development

    We asked AI how its own data centers could pollute West Virginia. Here’s what it had to say

    1
    (The following article was generated partly by ChatGPT in...
    Lodging and Real Estate

    Inside Appalachian Escapes: Themed rentals, escape rooms, and a love letter to West Virginia

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — What began as a search for...
    History / Prehistory

    Mystery surrounds W.Va. tale of frontier slave who defended fort

    1
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Settlers who pushed westward across the...
    State Parks, Forests

    West Virginia State Parks Foundation launches online merchandise store

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

    Popular Categories

    Economic Development140Hunting125History / Prehistory124State Parks, Forests119Lore and Legend119Arts109Higher Education105Agriculture93Wildlife / Conservancy81Landmarks / Museums81Fishing76Travel / Transportation76National Parks75Festivals / Events66Recreation64Botany 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....

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    Landmarks / Museums David Sibray -
    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American West begins at West Virginia— specifically at the tip of...

    Remote monument recalls origins of Farley family in New River valley

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Many of the thousands of people named "Farley" in the New River valley region in southern...

    LOVE-HATE tattoos have terrifying origin in West Virginia nightmare

    Lore and Legend David Sibray -
    MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — The iconic LOVE-HATE tattoos that adorn many thuggish fists in the U.S. are tied to one...

    West Virginia uniquely prepared to dominate 21st-century outdoor economy

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is uniquely prepared to dominate in the 21st-century outdoor economy of the U.S., thanks...

    Lost West Virginia saltworks are known to only a few adventurers

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    MERCER SALT WORKS, W.Va. — The legend of the lost Mercer Saltworks near the New River in West Virginia...

    Kanawha Valley in W.Va. had highest concentration of burial mounds

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha Valley in western West Virginia once had the highest concentration of burial mounds...

    Archaeologists debunk myth of prehistoric giants in West Virginia

    History / Prehistory Charity Moore -
    MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — After learning about my series of articles on West Virginia prehistory in West Virginia Explorer Magazine, Olivia...

    Attractions

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

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After more than five decades working...

    Benedum foundation awards $50,000 to West Virginia State Parks Foundation

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

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

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West...

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

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

    Communities

    Study finds WVU and its health system account for 17% of West Virginia’s economy

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University and the WVU...

    Spring arrives by sound and bloom in the hills of West Virginia

    0
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — In West Virginia, spring doesn't begin...

    Why weather in the Allegheny Mountains is so different from the rest of West Virginia

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians like to say, “If...

    West Virginia winter cold weather tips: WVU experts share ways to stay active

    0
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As late winter settles in across...

    Culture

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

    4
    FRANKFORD, W.Va. — Long before viral videos and roadside...

    Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio

    7
    CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856,...

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

    2
    CLAYTON, W.Va. — Few West Virginia place names come...

    Farmington Mine Disaster still echoes across West Virginia coal country

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

    Recreation

    West Virginia trout stocking resumes in lakes and streams statewide

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trout stockings have resumed in select...

    Mountaineer Heritage Season opens, reviving a West Virginia hunting tradition

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The winter woods in West Virginia...

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

    3
    LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Beneath the bluegrass pastures of eastern...

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

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

    History and Prehistory

    Farmington Mine Disaster still echoes across West Virginia coal country

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

    Prehistoric burial mound in West Virginia contains remarkable secret

    19
    SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rising above the end of...

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

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

    Charles Town grave marks the last resting place of restless John Yeats Beall

    0
    CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — In the Zion Episcopal churchyard...

    Lore and Legend

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

    2
    CLAYTON, W.Va. — Few West Virginia place names come...

    Why paranormal tourism is booming in almost heaven West Virginia

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Paranormal tourism is booming across West...

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

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

    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...

    State Parks

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

    1
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West...

    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...

    Hunting

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

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and...

    West Virginia governor declares November wild game meat donation month

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

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

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

    Duck, goose, waterfowl hunting season in West Virginia open October 4

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will...

    Fishing

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

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    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be...

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

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

    Family-friendly Free Fishing Days in West Virginia to return June 7-8

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Free Fishing Days will return June...

    W.Va. officials expect more record-breaking fish amid growing trend

    0
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Record-breaking fish seem to have become...

    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

    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 uniquely prepared to dominate 21st-century outdoor economy

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is uniquely prepared to dominate in the 21st-century outdoor economy of the U.S., thanks...

    Flood risk outpaces warnings, advocates say, as W.Va. considers changes to resiliency fund

    Health and Medicine Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the W.Va. House of Delegates considers changes to Senate Bill 390, the West Virginia Rivers...

    We asked AI how its own data centers could pollute West Virginia. Here’s what it had to say

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    (The following article was generated partly by ChatGPT in response to a prompt about how data centers pollute. As...

    Inaugural W.Va. Outdoor Economy Summit to unite leaders around $2.1 billion growth

    Economic Development Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s outdoors are more than a scenic backdrop. They're a strategic economic asset. That message...

    Inside Appalachian Escapes: Themed rentals, escape rooms, and a love letter to West Virginia

    Lodging and Real Estate David Sibray -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — What began as a search for an affordable retirement option has turned into one of southern...

    West Virginia State Parks Foundation launches online merchandise store

    State Parks, Forests David Sibray -
    HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched an official online merchandise store, offering supporters a...

    West Virginia Travel Safety: What it means for residents and visitors in 2026

    Travel / Transportation Clyde Craig -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Travel safety in West Virginia is shaped less by headline-grabbing crime and more by geography, weather,...

    Did Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis secretly meet in West Virginia?

    History / Prehistory David Sibray -
    PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Did Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis secretly meet in what is now West Virginia just days...

    Study finds WVU and its health system account for 17% of West Virginia’s economy

    Economic Development David Sibray -
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University and the WVU Health System together generate $14.3 billion in annual economic impact...

    Black bear harvest remained steady in West Virginia in 2025 as predicted

    Hunting Will Reedy -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia hunters harvested 2,469 black bears during the combined 2025 archery, crossbow, and firearms seasons,...

    Spring arrives by sound and bloom in the hills of West Virginia

    Travel / Transportation Bianca Bosworth -
    FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — In West Virginia, spring doesn't begin on a single date. It begins with a sound. On mild...

    Why weather in the Allegheny Mountains is so different from the rest of West Virginia

    Travel / Transportation David Sibray -
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” In the...
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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...

    At tip of W.Va.'s northern panhandle, "Point of Beginning" marks start of the West

    1
    EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — Some say that the American...

    Remote monument recalls origins of Farley family in New River valley

    6
    PIPESTEM, W.Va. — Many of the thousands of people...

    LOVE-HATE tattoos have terrifying origin in West Virginia nightmare

    0
    MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — The iconic LOVE-HATE tattoos that adorn...

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