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.
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
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
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
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
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A hunting tradition that has introduced generations of West Virginians to the woods returns Saturday when the state’s regular squirrel season opens for nearly six months. The statewide season opens Sept. 12 and runs through Feb. 28, 2027, according to Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The daily … Read more
RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. — When Tyler Harmon decided on the spur of the moment to take his son fishing on the Ohio River, he called his father on the way to the boat ramp and invited him along. Within about 20 minutes of setting up to fish, three generations of the Harmon family were sharing a … Read more
RAINELLE, W.Va. — Several weeks after the Meadow River Rail Trail completed its 18-mile route through southern West Virginia, bicycles are appearing outside businesses, cars carrying bikes are arriving from other states, and visitors to the nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are finding their way to a valley that many West Virginians have … Read more
SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — For six weekends beginning in September, controlled releases from Summersville Dam will turn the Gauley River in West Virginia into one of the world’s premier whitewater destinations. Veteran river guides say this year’s unusually wet conditions could add another variable to the celebrated fall season. The 2026 Gauley Season begins Sept. 11 … Read more
PIPESTEM, W.Va. — West Virginia communities seeking ways to attract residents, expand outdoor recreation, and turn existing natural and industrial resources into economic assets will be the focus of a statewide trails conference planned for November. The West Virginia Trails Conference is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, through Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Pipestem Resort State … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia fishing record that didn’t exist until this summer has now been broken three times in less than a month. Robert Glover, of Morgantown, landed a 9.76-inch, 0.75-pound pumpkinseed sunfish on Aug. 6 at Cheat Lake in Monongalia County, establishing the latest state record for one of West Virginia’s most … Read more
