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.
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced that new hunting regulations for migratory game birds will go into effect on Sept. 1 in accord with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual guidelines. The new regulations include an increase in the mallard duck daily bag limit. Hunters may harvest four mallards … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Comprising one of the most famous rock climbing destinations in the U.S., the cliffs that outcrop along the gorges of the New, Gauley, and Meadow rivers in southern West Virginia attract thousands of rock climbers annually. However, the popularity of the newly established New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Summersville … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — An outdoor-adventure resort based in the New River Gorge region in West Virginia has added guided driving tours to its line-up of travel adventures. Adjacent to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Adventures on the Gorge has developed a half-day scenic driving tour showcasing the park’s cultural and natural history, according … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — According to state officials, an 11-year record for the longest longnose gar caught in West Virginia has been broken. The record-breaking fish, which measured 53.62 inches, was caught by Rich Chapman of Ashton, West Virginia, on July 3, 2023, in the Ohio River in Mason County. The fish exceeded the previous longnose … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are reminding hunters to review several essential changes to hunting seasons for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear before their seasons open this autumn. Included in the 2023-24 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, now available online at WVDNR.gov/hunting-regulations, hunters … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Applications to hunt in 12 limited-permit areas in West Virginia during the 2023 antlerless deer season are now available, according to officials with the W.Va Division of Natural Resources. The limited-permit areas provide antlerless deer hunting opportunities in areas where wildlife biologists have determined that issuing a limited number of antlerless … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Thanks to its investment in hatcheries, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocked nearly 130,000 more trout in 2023 than in 2022, according to officials. Between January and May, division staff stocked 802,481 trout in lakes and streams around the state, which is a 19% increase over the 673,148 trout stocked … Read more
GILBERT, W.Va. — Officials with the Guyandotte Water Trail Alliance are inviting paddlers and residents of the Guyandotte Valley in West Virginia to float the scenic river during the third annual Guyandotte River Regatta & Float. Being celebrated June 24 at four river-access points in southern and southwestern West Virginia, the event will begin at … Read more
FARMINGTON, W.VA. — According to preliminary data released by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources on Wednesday, hunters in the Mountain State harvested 12,217 bearded turkeys during the spring gobbler season. According to Brett McMillion, director of the division, the harvest is 30.4 percent above the 2022 harvest of 9,366 birds, 12.6 percent above … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has stocked 28 waters around the Mountain State with catfish, the agency announced on Wednesday. Between May 31 and June 2, the following waters were stocked: Anawalt Lake Anderson Lake Babcock State Park Lake Barboursville Lake Berwind Lake Cedar Creek State Park Lake Charles Fork Lake Chief Logan … Read more
