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.
GRANDVIEW, W.Va. — For years, two trails near Fayetteville have dominated conversations about hiking in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The Endless Wall Trail, a nationally recognized route that follows the rim of the gorge above the New River, and the Long Point Trail, which leads to one of the park’s most photographed … Read more
FRANKLIN, W.Va. — Nearly 30 volunteers braved rain, fog, and mud last week to begin construction of the new Peters Mountain Trail System, a project designed to improve public access to the Monongahela National Forest and strengthen connections between local communities and the region’s growing outdoor recreation economy. The trail-building training event, held on Peters … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched a nationwide review of rock-climbing management practices and wilderness stewardship policies that could ultimately affect rock climbing in some of America’s most celebrated climbing destinations, including the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. Federal officials announced this week that a … Read more
BOWDEN, W.Va. — Young anglers will have the chance to reel in trout and compete for prizes when the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources hosts its annual Bowden Fishing Derby on June 13 at the Bowden Fish Hatchery in Randolph County near Elkins. The free event, part of West Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Days celebration, … Read more
PETERSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia anglers are breaking fishing records with unusual frequency, a trend fisheries experts say reflects years of better fish stocking, improved water quality, and the maturation of trophy-sized fish populations. So far in the spring of 2026, six reports of record catches have been confirmed by biologists with the W.Va. Division … Read more
ROMNEY, W.Va. — Mourning dove hunters no longer need to apply for a limited permit to hunt at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy and Hampshire counties. They will now be able to hunt doves in two fields in the Stonewall Jackson Wildlife Management Area in Lewis County. Both two-day hunting seasons are … Read more
MARLINTON, W.Va. — John Terry, of Gallagher, in Kanawha County, set a new state record for tiger trout on March 19 by catching a 29.13-inch, 11.04-pound tiger trout from Seneca Lake in Pocahontas County. The trophy catch surpasses the previous state length record of 28.7 inches recorded by Mike Connelly in 2011 at Krodel Lake … Read more
MARLINTON, W.Va. — A new gravel and bikepacking network connecting 12 towns across the Monongahela National Forest region, colloquially called “the Mon,” has launched, offering more than 60 curated cycling routes across eight West Virginia counties. The network, launched by the A lone motorist travels US-250 through the Monongahela National Forest. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Including changes that expand boating access on several small state lakes, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced updated boating regulations for 2026. Approved during the 2026 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature and effective immediately, the new regulations remove horsepower restrictions on several lakes while maintaining no-wake requirements. … Read more
SMOKE HOLE, W.Va. — Hunter Rohr, 15, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has caught a golden rainbow trout that set state records for length and weight, according to biologists with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Rohr caught the 28-inch, 11.84-pound trout in the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County … Read more
