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.
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunters and anglers who attend the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show are sure to notice a change when the three-day event returns to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on January 20–22, 2023, for its 35th year. In addition to the famous Whitetail Hall of Fame and free buck trophy … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s four-day Mountaineer Heritage season for hunting deer, bear, and turkey is set to open on Jan. 12, 2023, according to state wildlife officials. Hunters may only use primitive-style weapons, including longbows and recurve bows, muzzleloading black powder rifles, and pistols with a flint-lock or percussion cap action. The specialized … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va.—West Virginia has announced the publication of updated 2023-2024 fishing regulations and the return of trout stockings to lakes and streams around the state. Brett McMillion, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, emphasized that stocking trout helps support state initiatives to protect and build on outdoor recreation. “Trout stocking in … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Trail development has emerged as a driving force in economic revitalization across the United States, but few regions are witnessing its transformative potential more clearly than West Virginia. “With the state’s outdoor recreation industry gaining national attention, advocates and developers are turning to trails as a key to unlocking economic, health, and … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The final segment of West Virginia’s special antlerless deer hunting season for youth and senior hunters and Class Q/QQ permit holders will open Monday, Dec. 26. During the two-day season, hunting is permitted on private and public lands in the 51 counties with a firearms deer hunting season, according to Brett … Read more
The buck firearms season harvest in West Virginia was up 18 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, thanks to the weather and food availability, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The division reports that hunters harvested 49,662 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, from Nov. 21 to Dec 4. During last … Read more
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s 2022 fall turkey harvest increased by almost 46 percent over last year’s harvest, according to preliminary results released by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Fall turkey hunters harvested 1,012 birds this past season compared to 694 birds last year. The fall 2022 harvest was just 0.24 percent below … Read more
West Virginia’s 2022 muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be open Dec. 12-18, and hunters who want to harvest an additional deer are reminded to buy appropriate stamps before the season starts. Holly Morris, an assistant district wildlife biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, lauded the benefits of the muzzleloader season. “The muzzleloader season … Read more
SUTTON, W.Va. — Beginning this week, hunters will have several opportunities to target deer and bear in December 2022. The next segments of West Virginia’s antlerless deer and bear firearms seasons are set to open early in the month. The next segment of West Virginia’s antlerless deer firearms season will be open Dec. 8–11 in … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced today that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resource’s lifetime license giveaway is back for the fourth year. Hunters and anglers who purchase an annual 2023 hunting, trapping or fishing license in December will automatically be entered into the drawing, according to Justice. “There’s a lot … Read more
