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.
While for some folks April and May might seem too cool for a whitewater-rafting trip, college students don’t mind at all and account for a large part of spring rafting enthusiasts, according to the owner of an outdoor-adventure resort on the New River in West Virginia. Students blowing off steam before finals make up a … Read more
The West Virginia governor signed Senate Bill 451 Thursday to permit Sunday hunting on public lands following its overwhelming passage during the recent legislative session. Last year, the governor also signed a bill permitting Sunday hunting on private land with written permission of the landowner. The new bill will open more than 1.5 million acres … Read more
Your chances of striking gold during the special West Virginia Gold Rush trout stockings April 2-6 have increased. Due to growing interest and excitement, the Division of Natural Resources will stock golden rainbow trout at 20 new locations around the state, bringing the total number of stocked lakes and streams to 50, according to Jim … Read more
Fifty-one elk completed their journey from Arizona and were released into a holding facility in Logan County earlier this month, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced today. The elk, which are part of West Virginia’s elk restoration project, were captured in late January and held near Flagstaff, Arizona for disease testing. The elk arrived … Read more
The National Park Service will host a meeting on rules and regulations for climbing activities at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Gauley River National Recreation Area on March 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville, West Virginia. The meeting follows a successful climbing listening session and community … Read more
Hikers, bikers, and runners in growing numbers are venturing onto woodland trails in the new Piney Creek Trail System near Beckley, West Virginia, according to developers. The system’s Grey Flats trails area, adjacent to Beckey’s YMCA soccer complex, is being used by as many as 100 people daily, weather permitting, according to Gary Morefield, project … Read more
Navigating a whitewater rapid on the New River is best accomplished when paddlers work as a team, which is why 10 years ago the owners of three competing rafting outfitters in West Virginia (and, later, a fourth) merged into a single resort. It’s how Adventures on the Gorge was created, says Dave Arnold, marketing director … Read more
Though spring is on its way, it’s still winter in the high Alleghenies of northern West Virginia, and skiing and tubing at Canaan Valley Resort are in full swing. A drive of less than three hours from downtown Washington, D.C., the on-slope and après-ski fun hasn’t ended in the highlands, and resort officials are encouraging … Read more
Expecting an increased demand for campsites in 2018, staff at West Virginia state parks and forests will begin processing site reservations on Feb. 15, in advance of camping season this spring. State park campgrounds begin opening between mid-March and April, depending upon the park and weather, according to parks district administrator Matt Yeager. “We’ve been … Read more
A new whitewater run that opens to commercial rafting in 2019 may not be a game changer, but it will certainly enhance the game in one of the most popular rafting destinations in the eastern U.S., says a West Virginia tourism industry official. The 5.3-mile run through a spectacular section of the New River Gorge … Read more
