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.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The next segment of West Virginia’s 2022 firearms season for hunting black bears opens Nov. 21 in 36 counties and parts of six other counties. The season runs concurrently with the buck firearms and antlerless deer seasons through Dec. 4. Only bear hunting without dogs is permitted during the season, according to … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s two-week buck firearms season will open Nov. 21, 2022, and hunters who want a chance to harvest an extra buck must purchase their specialized stamps before the season starts. Resident hunters must purchase their Class RG, and non-resident hunters must purchase their Class RRG stamp by 11:59 p.m. on … Read more
The first segment of West Virginia’s wild boar firearms season will take place from Oct. 22-29 in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties, according to Colin Carpenter, project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Carpenter said hunters should begin looking in advance for stands of white oak on which the boars feed. … Read more
GRANDVIEW, W.Va. — Though travel to West Virginia is increasing statewide, a blogger best known for helping families with children find good hiking options says she’s fielding more inquiries about the nation’s newest national park. Ruthie Witmer, who operates the Instagram page at Mountainmamahiking, says the newly designated New River Gorge National Park and Preserve … Read more
SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — The first segment of West Virginia’s antlerless deer firearms season is set to open for four days on Oct. 20 in the state’s 51 counties open to deer firearms season. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion said the hunt should be particularly spectacular this year given the brilliance … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University (WVU) Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is a few steps closer to delivering trail access within a mile of every home in Morgantown. This week marks the official opening of the initial three miles for the new West Run Woods Trail System, a purpose-built, multi-use … Read more
SANDSTONE, W.Va. — The New River Gorge in southern West Virginia has been ranked second among the top autumn fishing destinations in the U.S. by Fishing Booker. According to magazine spokesperson Karin Meyer, the gorge was ranked so highly not only because of its fishing but because of its spectacle. The New River is the … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunters who want a chance to take up to two additional deer during West Virginia’s statewide deer archery season have until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2022, to purchase their archery deer stamps. The state’s deer archery season starts on Saturday, Sept. 24, and runs through Dec. 31. Hunters who purchase … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Early black bear gun hunting, with or without dogs, is available in four counties from September 3-11, 2022, and will open up in five additional counties on October 1, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the division, said an excess population of the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds hunters to prepare for the state’s archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild boars. The popular seasons will open on Sept. 24 and run through Dec. 31. Hunters are also reminded to purchase their license and stamps at wvhunt.com before … Read more
