West Virginia offers a diverse array of outdoor recreation opportunities that make it a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From world-class whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers to scenic hiking and rock climbing in the iconic New River Gorge National Park, the Mountain State delivers thrilling experiences year-round. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, camping, mountain biking, and winter sports in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. With its lush forests, winding rivers, and rich heritage, West Virginia offers a perfect setting for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore breathtaking natural landscapes. Be sure to visit our guide for information about indoor and outdoor recreation in West Virginia.
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va.—One of the world’s first and largest outdoor-adventure resorts, Adventures on the Gorge can trace its roots back 50 years to the earliest days of whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge. The story is one of imagination, youthful determination, excellent timing, and a whole lot of luck. Paul Breuer was then a cash-strapped … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reminding hunters and trappers that West Virginia’s 2023 furbearer trapping and small-game hunting seasons will end in February and March. Hunting and trapping seasons for red and gray foxes, bobcats, and raccoons will close on Feb. 28. Trapping seasons for coyote, otter, … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunters harvested 1,727 black bears during the combined archery, crossbow, and firearms seasons in West Virginia in 2022, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The preliminary harvest for the combined 2022 seasons is 37 percent below the 2,756 bears killed in 2021. According to Colin Carpenter, black bear project … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunters and anglers who attend the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show are sure to notice a change when the three-day event returns to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on January 20–22, 2023, for its 35th year. In addition to the famous Whitetail Hall of Fame and free buck trophy … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s four-day Mountaineer Heritage season for hunting deer, bear, and turkey is set to open on Jan. 12, 2023, according to state wildlife officials. Hunters may only use primitive-style weapons, including longbows and recurve bows, muzzleloading black powder rifles, and pistols with a flint-lock or percussion cap action. The specialized … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va.—West Virginia has announced the publication of updated 2023-2024 fishing regulations and the return of trout stockings to lakes and streams around the state. Brett McMillion, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, emphasized that stocking trout helps support state initiatives to protect and build on outdoor recreation. “Trout stocking in … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Trail development has emerged as a driving force in economic revitalization across the United States, but few regions are witnessing its transformative potential more clearly than West Virginia. “With the state’s outdoor recreation industry gaining national attention, advocates and developers are turning to trails as a key to unlocking economic, health, and … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The final segment of West Virginia’s special antlerless deer hunting season for youth and senior hunters and Class Q/QQ permit holders will open Monday, Dec. 26. During the two-day season, hunting is permitted on private and public lands in the 51 counties with a firearms deer hunting season, according to Brett … Read more
The buck firearms season harvest in West Virginia was up 18 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, thanks to the weather and food availability, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The division reports that hunters harvested 49,662 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, from Nov. 21 to Dec 4. During last … Read more
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s 2022 fall turkey harvest increased by almost 46 percent over last year’s harvest, according to preliminary results released by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Fall turkey hunters harvested 1,012 birds this past season compared to 694 birds last year. The fall 2022 harvest was just 0.24 percent below … Read more
