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Recreation

See our Recreation Travel Guide

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.

A hunter addresses his dogs during an autumn hunt. (Photo courtesy Seth Schulte)
Recreation

W.Va. asks hunters to review new 2023-’24 hunting, trapping laws

by David Sibray

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

Anterless Deer In West Virginia
Recreation

Applications available for limited-permit area antlerless deer hunts

by Will Reedy

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

Kayaking On Guyandotte River in West Virginia
Recreation

Guyandotte River float, regatta scheduled for June 24

by David Sibray

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

Gobbler In A West Virginia Pasture
Recreation

W.Va. records largest spring turkey harvest in five years

by Will Reedy

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

Mourning Dove By Joshua J. Cotten
Recreation

Mourning dove hunt applications available for South Branch

by Will Reedy

OLD FIELDS, W.Va. — Applications for a controlled mourning dove hunt at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy County in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia are now available, according to officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The annual controlled hunt is scheduled for Sept. 1-2. Mourning dove hunters who … Read more