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. — 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
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Old-time river rafters know that nothing compares to a sunset whitewater journey through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The long shadows and warm evening breezes make for a transcendent romantic experience. Thanks to increased travel to the new national park, the Adventures on the Gorge resort and rafting outfitter is … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice announced today that Free Fishing Weekend in West Virginia will return June 10-11, 2023, and encouraged anglers and their families to plan a trip. The Free Fishing Weekend is part of a nationwide effort to make fishing more accessible to the public. During these two days, residents and nonresidents … Read more
LEWISBURG, W.Va. — A two-mile section of the Greenbrier River Trail near Lewisburg, West Virginia, is scheduled to reopen nine months ahead of schedule, allowing locals and tourists to fully access the popular trail for the Memorial Day weekend. The trail had been closed from milepost 3.75 to milepost 5.53 to allow the City of … Read more
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
TAMS, W.Va. — Some of southern West Virginia’s historic ghost towns are attracting the attention of trout anglers nationwide as the region recovers from the coal mining boom of the early 20th century. Descending from mountains once known chiefly for their coal, select streams in the upper watersheds of the Tug Fork and Guyandotte rivers … Read more
LOUDONDALE, W.Va. — A stream restoration project designed to improve fishing and recreation at Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, West Virginia, has been completed, according to West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. Started in 2020, the project was a significant undertaking and included the removal of the Davis Creek Dam, which was built in the 1930s. … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice today announced the winners of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources second annual Big Buck Photo Contest. The 20 youth and five adult winners were announced at a press conference at the State Capitol on Wednesday. Justice, an avid hunter, thanked state officials and all who had submitted … Read more
West Virginia Explorer Magazine publishes an updated list of waters stocked by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources as the division publishes announcements. Trout Stocking in West Virginia, March 6-10, 2023. The following West Virginia waters were stocked with trout from March 6-10, 2023. Anthony Creek Big Clear Creek Little Clear Creek Big Sandy Creek … Read more
