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.
Established a year ago, West Virginia’s flatwater trail commission is moving forward to connect resources for the state’s 14 water trails, including 88 miles of waterway being developed for paddling, kayaking, and fishing. Commission president Bill Currey says the organization has been studying trail systems in other states and will now move forward at home, … Read more
No matter which class of rapids paddlers are determined to take on, West Virginia is the place to find them. Here among the Alleghenies and Blue Ridge mountains, beginners and experts alike are bound to find the perfect run. As can be expected, all of these clean-flowing mountain rivers boast different classes of rapids, some … Read more
Guided hikes have been scheduled for January 1, 2022, at eight state parks in West Virginia in concert with the national First Day Hikes program. The hikes vary in length and difficulty, though most range from one to three miles and are suitable for all ages. The First Day Hikes are free and designed to … Read more
Beginning January 1, 2022, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will implement changes authorized by the recent legislation that expanded the park and will affect hunting therein, according to park officials. Additionally, the park has redesignated the use of an access road in the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The changes will be reflected … Read more
Furbearer hunting seasons are underway in West Virginia, with raccoon hunting continuing through Feb. 28, 2022, and the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources again is offering a $20 gift card for usable otter carcasses. Spotty but locally abundant mast and last year’s mild winter weather should have resulted in good reproduction and survival—leading to increased … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Trail guide Levi Moore has been hiking the New River Gorge for decades. Now that it’s become part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, he’s being asked more often for advice on trekking than ever before. While some better-known trails, such as Endless Wall, have gained worldwide attention, Moore … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ third annual Hunting & Fishing License Giveaway is officially open. Anyone who purchases an annual 2022 hunting, trapping, or fishing license in December will automatically be entered to win one of several prizes, including the grand prize of a combination hunting, trapping, and fishing lifetime license for a … Read more
Hunters getting ready for the fall hunting seasons can now review the 2021 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook publication available on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website at WVdnr.gov. “Beech, walnut, hickory and black cherry production was up dramatically above last year and the long-term average,” said Chris Ryan, supervisor of WVDNR’s Game Management Services. … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced 2021-’22 hunting season dates and bag limits for mourning dove, snipe, sora, woodcock, and Virginia rails. The seasons are set within the annual guidelines established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The dove season is split into three segments with this first segment running from Sept. … Read more
Officials say West Virginia’s annual Hunting and Fishing Days celebration on Sept. 10-12 will look quite different as the outdoor exposition will be part of the inaugural “Adventure On! Freedom Festival” at the Summit Bechtel Reserve on the New River Gorge. Adjacent to the newly established New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, the event … Read more
