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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.

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

Wesley Scarbrough helps his brother-in-law, Justin, fire a gun while squirrel hunting near Rock Creek, West Virginia, in 1995. The photograph by Lyntha Scott Eiler is part of the Library of Congress Coal River Folklife Project.

Recreation

Long a West Virginia rite of passage, squirrel hunting returns Saturday

September 10, 2026 by Will Reedy

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

Tyler Harmon holds the 72.75-pound blue catfish he caught in the Ohio River in Jackson County as a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources official assists with the record certification. The fish set a new state weight record and was released alive. (WVDNR photo)

Recreation

West Virginia brought back a giant native fish that now keeps breaking records

September 4, 2026 by Will Reedy

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

A bicycle rests beside the Meadow River along the Meadow River Rail Trail, an 18-mile route between Rainelle and Nallen in southern West Virginia. (Photo courtesy Meadow River Rail Trail)

Recreation

New 18-mile trail is revealing a hidden West Virginia river valley

September 4, 2026 by David Sibray

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

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

Foundation seeks to expand private funding for West Virginia State Parks projects

Nearly $20 million in upgrades coming to West Virginia state parks

America’s wild turkey hunting tradition returns to West Virginia forests

WVU Mountaineer Reese Allen to get flu shot as officials urge fall vaccinations

GPS trackers in new study reveal W.Va. otters traveling up to 30 miles a night

Recent mountain freezes accelerate peak fall foliage across high-altitude W.Va.

Four ghost stories hidden in the abandoned towns of the New River Gorge

After losing excursion trains, W.Va. rail town Hinton found a way to keep celebrating

Award-winning films from Cannes, Berlin coming to West Virginia film festival

Before he was a big-band comedy icon, Ish Kabibble studied law at WVU

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

Recreation

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

Long a West Virginia rite of passage, squirrel hunting returns Saturday

West Virginia brought back a giant native fish that now keeps breaking records

New 18-mile trail is revealing a hidden West Virginia river valley