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.
Preliminary data collected from the electronic game checking system indicates hunters in West Virginia harvested 36,796 antlered deer during the two-week buck firearms season, which ran from Nov. 25 through Dec. 7, 2019. The 2019 harvest was 17 percent below that of the 2018 harvest, according to Gary Foster, assistant chief of game management for … Read more
West Virginia hunting and fishing license applications now include the option to register as an organ donor. The Mountain State is one of the first states to offer the option. Senate Bill 613, passed during the 2019 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Jim Justice, permitted the state Division of Natural Resources to … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is offering gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts, including wildlife calendars, state park gift cards, and lifetime and 2020 hunting and fishing licenses. “If you know someone that loves the wonderful things West Virginia has to offer, we have gifts they will enjoy,” says Stephen McDaniel, division director. “Hunters, anglers, … Read more
Turkey hunters in West Virginia harvested 1,113 birds in autumn 2019, according to preliminary figures provided by the state Division of Natural Resources. Mike Peters, a game-bird biologist for the division said the harvest was slightly low as a result of more available food, which allowed birds to disperse more. “As reported in the 2019 … Read more
Officials at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia will open its ski area’s slopes under record conditions on December 13, 2019—a day earlier than announced, thanks to upgrades in snowmaking systems. Ski slopes at the four-seasons resort are now blanketed by more snow than has been seen in more than 40 years, according to resort … Read more
West Virginians may now purchase their 2020 hunting and fishing licenses earlier than ever before and will also be entered to win a drawing for prizes, Governor Jim Justice announced this morning. Beginning Sunday, anyone who purchases a Sportsman or Junior Sportsman license will automatically be entered to win a free lifetime license or a … Read more
Ski season in West Virginia launched Friday morning at Snowshoe Mountain, where more than 12 slopes have opened to skiers and far more snow than usually lies on the ground. Despite a brief drizzle, more than 100 skiers attended the opening day festivities, and thousands are expected to arrive as autumn gives way to winter, … Read more
Deer hunters in West Virginia are being reminded that a concurrent bear season (without dogs) will run from Nov. 25 through Dec. 7, 2019, in 51 counties, according to Colin Carpenter, the Black Bear Project Leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. All 51 counties that are open to buck firearms hunting will … Read more
Opening on December 14, 2019, Canaan Valley Resort has invested in upgrades that will see more trails open earlier in the season and help crowds move faster. The resort located high in the Canaan Valley in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia has invested in nine fan guns, four tower guns, and five moveable … Read more
The first section of a walkable nature trail at Glenville State College has been completed, though there’s more to come, according to the interim president of the school. “Projects like this one are wonderful opportunities to celebrate partnerships and collaborations that make the heart of West Virginia so special,” Dr. Kathleen Nelson said of the … Read more
