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Recreation

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.

Aerial view of snow-covered ski slopes, chairlift corridors, and wooded mountainsides at Timberline Mountain ski resort in Tucker County, West Virginia.

Recreation

West Virginia ski resort Timberline ranks among 10 most affordable in U.S.

October 30, 2026 by David Sibray

DAVIS, W.Va. — Timberline Mountain in West Virginia has been ranked among the 10 most affordable ski destinations in the United States for the 2026–27 winter season, according to a national study of lodging and lift ticket prices. The Tucker County resort placed ninth among 100 destinations evaluated in HomeToGo’s 2026–27 Ski Season Report, released … Read more

Young angler wearing a blue cap holds a large rainbow trout beside a rocky stream.

Recreation

West Virginia stocking 40,000 pounds of trout in lakes, streams this fall

October 19, 2026 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — About 40,000 pounds of trout will be stocked in nearly 40 West Virginia lakes and streams during the weeks of October 19 and 26, giving anglers opportunities to fish during the state’s fall foliage season. Each designated water body will receive one stocking per week, for a total of two stockings during … Read more

Older man with a gray beard wearing camouflage hunting clothing and a cap, seated in the woods with other hunters in the background.

Recreation

Special West Virginia deer season opens for youth, seniors, disabled hunters

October 17, 2026 by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A special deer-hunting season opens Saturday, Oct. 17, across 51 West Virginia counties, allowing young hunters, senior citizens, and qualifying hunters with disabilities to hunt deer during a two-day period reserved for those groups. The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources says the season will continue through Sunday, Oct. 18, with a second … Read more

Skiers descend Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The resort is targeting Nov. 25 for the opening of its 2026–27 ski season.

Recreation

Snowshoe sets Nov. 25 opening date as West Virginia ski season approaches

October 6, 2026 by Clyde Craig

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain Resort are targeting Nov. 25 to open its 2026–27 ski season, putting West Virginia’s largest ski destination 50 days from the start of winter operations, weather permitting. The four-season resort in the Allegheny Mountains announced the opening date Tuesday as it prepares for a season that will include the debut of … Read more

A gray squirrel feeds on an acorn. Production of acorns and other forest foods known as mast can influence the movements of deer, squirrels, bears and other wildlife in West Virginia.

Recreation

Fewer acorns could mean more deer sightings for West Virginia hunters this fall

October 1, 2026 by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A below-average crop of acorns and other wild foods could keep West Virginia deer moving this fall, increasing the chances that hunters will encounter them, according to the state’s annual wildlife food survey. Biologists with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources say its 2026 mast index is 14 percent below the statewide … Read more

West Virginia’s archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear and wild boar open Sept. 26, 2026.

Recreation

West Virginia archery season opens Sept. 26 for deer, bear, and wild boar

September 25, 2026 by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One of West Virginia’s longest fall hunting seasons opens Saturday, as archery and crossbow hunters head into the woods for white-tailed deer, black bear and wild boar. The statewide seasons open Sept. 26, beginning more than three months of bow hunting for deer and bear. Both seasons continue through Dec. 31, according to … Read more

A child climbs a tree while exploring the woods. Outdoor educator Levi Moore says adults can help children develop a lasting connection with nature by giving them opportunities to explore, play and discover outdoors.

Recreation

Want your children to spend more time outdoors? Start with yourself, educator says

September 16, 2026 by David Sibray

BECKLEY, W.Va. — Parents who want their children to put down their phones and spend more time outdoors may need to start by examining their own habits, according to a West Virginia outdoor educator who has spent years introducing children and families to nature. “If you want your child to be interested in the outdoors, … Read more

Chefs from 10 West Virginia state parks are preparing dishes including rabbit pot pie, venison chili, shredded duck tacos, burgoo and other foods for National Hunting and Fishing Day at Stonewall Resort State Park.

Recreation

Rabbit pot pie, venison chili, duck tacos on menu at West Virginia outdoor celebration

September 16, 2026 by David Sibray

ROANOKE, W.Va. — Rabbit pot pie, venison chili, shredded duck tacos, and burgoo are among the dishes West Virginia state park cooks will bring to Stonewall Resort State Park near Weston Saturday for a celebration of the state’s hunting, fishing, and food traditions. Kitchens from 10 state parks are participating in A Taste of West Virginia State Parks, … Read more

Mountain bikers ride a wooded trail in Beckley, West Virginia, where an expanding trail network is part of an effort to develop the city as an outdoor recreation destination.

Recreation

West Virginia city eyes 40-mile trail network near New River Gorge

September 10, 2026 by David Sibray

BECKLEY, W.Va. — A West Virginia city near the nation’s newest national park is developing a recreational trail system that could grow to more than 40 miles as part of an effort to transform it from a transportation center into an outdoor destination. About 14 miles of trail are now open to the public, and … Read more

A young shooter receives guidance while handling a firearm. West Virginia has eliminated the minimum age for its special youth hunting seasons, although hunters younger than 15 must still be accompanied by a licensed adult. Photo credit: Remy Gieling

Recreation

West Virginia eliminates minimum age for youth hunting seasons

September 10, 2026 by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia no longer requires children to be at least eight years old to participate in the state’s special youth hunting seasons, a change taking on new relevance as the first youth black bear season of the fall opens Saturday. The W.Va. Natural Resources Commission eliminated the minimum age requirement in 2025. … Read more

Two New River Gorge roads to close for winter, limiting river access

West Virginia offers unlimited golf at four state parks with 2027 season passes

Forest service plans controlled burns on 726 acres in Monongahela National Forest

West Virginia resort Stonewall ranks among South’s best in Condé Nast Traveler awards

West Virginia spay-neuter program faces funding shortfall after helping 98,000 animals

West Virginia unveils license plate featuring nine legendary Mountain State monsters

West Virginia fall color peaks, but the most beautiful days may still lie ahead

Barking dogs pose health, workplace concerns for more West Virginians

Before trick-or-treating, Halloween was already causing trouble in West Virginia

When a 35-mile trip to West Virginia meant changing your watch seven times

What is the scariest story ever written about West Virginia? One book makes a compelling case

Why do we love scary movies? WVU expert explains the psychology of fear

West Virginia ski resort Timberline ranks among 10 most affordable in U.S.

West Virginia stocking 40,000 pounds of trout in lakes, streams this fall

Special West Virginia deer season opens for youth, seniors, disabled hunters

Snowshoe sets Nov. 25 opening date as West Virginia ski season approaches

Recreation

West Virginia ski resort Timberline ranks among 10 most affordable in U.S.

West Virginia stocking 40,000 pounds of trout in lakes, streams this fall

Special West Virginia deer season opens for youth, seniors, disabled hunters

Snowshoe sets Nov. 25 opening date as West Virginia ski season approaches

Fewer acorns could mean more deer sightings for West Virginia hunters this fall

West Virginia archery season opens Sept. 26 for deer, bear, and wild boar

Want your children to spend more time outdoors? Start with yourself, educator says

Rabbit pot pie, venison chili, duck tacos on menu at West Virginia outdoor celebration

West Virginia city eyes 40-mile trail network near New River Gorge

West Virginia eliminates minimum age for youth hunting seasons