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.
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
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Natural Resources Commission has approved updates to the regulations for coyote night hunting. Using any color artificial light or night vision technology, including image intensification, thermal imaging, or active illumination, for coyote hunting in West Virginia is permitted between September 1 and December 31 on private land. Hunting coyotes … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is now accepting applications to participate in controlled autumn deer hunts at four state parks. Controlled hunts are scheduled this fall at Beech Fork, Cacapon Resort, North Bend, and Twin Falls Resort state parks. Hunters have until Aug. 31 to apply. The hunts will … Read more
DAVIS, W.Va. — More than a few magazines in recent years have ranked the Canaan Valley in West Virginia among the top U.S. skiing destinations, but ski-area officials say life in the winter wonderland is about more than skiing. A three-hour drive from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., the high-elevation valley and its ski areas have … Read more
While West Virginia boasts some of the cleanest mountain streams in the U.S., there’s work to be done on rivers in formerly industrialized areas of the state where conscientious kayakers are working to remove debris. Since its inception in 2016, the Trash-Your-Kayak Cleanup Crew has removed more than 3,000 tires and three-and-a-half tons of trash … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is now accepting applications to hunt in limited permit areas during the 2022 antlerless deer season. According to Chris Ryan, game management supervisor for the division, applications for the lottery are available online at WVHunt.com and will be accepted until midnight on Aug. 12. “These limited permit areas … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers countless opportunities for adventures, and one of the most accessible and highly rewarding is a hike on the Long Point Trail near Fayetteville in southern West Virginia. At three miles out and back, the trail explores a deciduous upland forest and arrives at … Read more
