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.
The return of autumn could result in an end-of-season boom for whitewater rafting on the Gauley River, the legendary West Virginia destination for paddling in fall. “I expect that after temperatures cool off, we could see a more traditional Gauley season,” says Heather Johnson, co-owner of River Expeditions. “It’s been a beautiful fall, but I … Read more
West Virginia’s fall wild turkey season opens Oct. 12. All 55 counties will have at least a one-week fall season, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. It’s also the second fall turkey season during which Sunday hunting is permitted on both private and public lands. “Fall wild turkey season dates are based … Read more
Big-game hunting season is on the approach in West Virginia, and officials are reminding hunters that they must field-tag and electronically check their harvest. Field tags must be completed before moving the carcass and remain with the carcass until it’s electronically checked. Hunters are no longer required to transport their harvest to a check station, … Read more
Long a mecca for hiking, biking, climbing, and paddling vacations, A busker performs outside a Fayetteville shop.[/caption] Adjacent to the national parklands of the New River Gorge, an ideal combination of factors have helped establish Fayetteville as a yoga destination, which residents have happily embraced. Evans says instructors at the Hikers at Beauty Mountain (Photo: … Read more
A bounty of apples, black cherries, and red and black oak acorns will affect hunting in West Virginia this year, according to a report released today, while white and chestnut oak acorns are fewer and well below their long-term average. The fluctuation in food sources will greatly affect hunting, according to officials at the W.Va. … Read more
Due to dry weather conditions, Gov. Jim Justice last week restricted outdoor burning in West Virginia, but today amended his proclamation to allow for campfires in state and federal recreation areas under specific conditions, according to Andy Malinoski, a spokesman for the W.Va. Dept. of Commerce. At the request of officials with the West Virginia … Read more
More than 5,000 ATV enthusiasts are expected to visit Gilbert, West Virginia, this October during National Trailfest, now one of the nation’s largest all-terrain vehicle festivals. “It’s amazing to watch a town of 500 people grow into a town of 5,500,” says Victoria Surber, director of the Gilbert Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Yet, I think … Read more
Dear Levi: We’d like to take our grandchildren on an autumn leaf hike. What are some points we can make about the fall leaf change in West Virginia? There are so many things I could say about the autumn leaf change, and it’s difficult to focus on specific ones for fear of leaving others out, … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will hold six public meetings with anglers and the general public in late September and October to discuss its draft trout management plan. “We are looking for comments on our plan, which is designed to help develop future management and stocking protocols,” division director Stephen S. McDaniel said … Read more
An early black bear gun season, with or without hunting dogs, will run from Aug. 31 through Sept. 15 in all of Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties in southern West Virginia, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. All or parts of 16 counties will open to bear gun hunting Sept.21-27, with or … Read more
