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Recreation

See our Recreation Travel Guide

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.

A white-tailed buck peers out from behind a woodpile.
Recreation

W.Va. releases 2021 mast survey and hunting outlook

by David Sibray

Hunters getting ready for the fall hunting seasons can now review the 2021 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook publication available on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website at WVdnr.gov. “Beech, walnut, hickory and black cherry production was up dramatically above last year and the long-term average,” said Chris Ryan, supervisor of WVDNR’s Game Management Services. … Read more

A hunter addresses his dogs during an autumn hunt. (Photo courtesy Seth Schulte)
Recreation

Seasons set for dove, snipe, sora, woodcock, Virginia rails

by David Sibray

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced 2021-’22 hunting season dates and bag limits for mourning dove, snipe, sora, woodcock, and Virginia rails. The seasons are set within the annual guidelines established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The dove season is split into three segments with this first segment running from Sept. … Read more

2021 National Hunting & Fishing Days celebration to take place at Adventure on! Freedom Festival Sept. 10-12 with free general admission.
Recreation

W.Va. Hunting and Fishing Days moves to New River Gorge

by Clyde Craig

Officials say West Virginia’s annual Hunting and Fishing Days celebration on Sept. 10-12 will look quite different as the outdoor exposition will be part of the inaugural “Adventure On! Freedom Festival” at the Summit Bechtel Reserve on the New River Gorge. Adjacent to the newly established New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, the event … Read more

Biologists have introduced two changes to 2021-'22 waterfowl regulations.
Recreation

W.Va. DNR sets new waterfowl regulations for 2021-2022

by David Sibray

Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources have announced waterfowl regulations for the 2021-’22 season that include two changes over previous seasons. “First, the definition of ‘bait’ now includes any non-edible facsimile of an edible enticement, like plastic ear corn,” says state waterfowl biologist Mike Peters. “Second, a permit is no longer required to … Read more

The state's annual youth fishing derby is set for June 12 at Little Beaver State Park near Beckley.
Recreation

Statewide Free Fishing Weekend being celebrated June 12-13

by David Sibray

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is calling on state residents and guests to grab a fishing pole this Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, during West Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend. During the two-day statewide event, residents and non-residents are able to fish in West Virginia for free, providing novice and returning anglers the opportunity … Read more

The whole family is welcome to pursue at whole host of outdoor adventures at the Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park.
Recreation

Pipestem Resort State Park welcomes new adventure zone

by David Sibray

Adventure enthusiasts are invited to the mountains of southern West Virginia May 26 for the grand opening of the Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park. The park-within-a-park near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will add a second layer of adventure entertainment at a state park travel destination long known for its … Read more

Chase Gibson, of Mount Clare, caught a 54.0625-inch, 39.64-pound musky at Burnsville Lake, breaking the previous record for length.
Recreation

W.Va. record muskellunge caught at Burnsville Lake

by David Sibray

A West Virginia angler caught a state record muskellunge on April 30 in Braxton County, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Chase Gibson, of Mount Clare, in Harrison County, caught a 54.0625-inch, 39.64-pound musky at Burnsville Lake, breaking the previous record for length—53.5 inches held by Joe Wilfong since 2017. Anna … Read more

John Gibson displays the new West Virginia record freshwater drum, taken in the Kanawha River.
Recreation

Putnam County angler catches W.Va. record freshwater drum

by David Sibray

A Putnam County angler caught a state record freshwater drum on April 24 in Mason County, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has confirmed. John Gibson of Poca, West Virginia, caught the 27.88-pound, 35.59-inch freshwater drum on the Kanawha River, breaking the previous record for weight, which was 27 pounds held by Charles Mickel … Read more

A hunter in West Virginia uses a turkey call to attract a spring gobbler.
Recreation

Extended W.Va. spring gobbler season open until May 23

by David Sibray

West Virginia’s spring gobbler season is underway, and turkey hunters have even more opportunities to bag a bird this year. Mike Peters, wild turkey and migratory game bird project leader for the division, says the eight extra days are sure to be of benefit to hunters. “Our spring gobbler season includes eight extra days this … Read more