Recreation

See our Recreation Travel Guide

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.

John Gibson displays the new West Virginia record freshwater drum, taken in the Kanawha River.

Putnam County angler catches W.Va. record freshwater drum

A Putnam County angler caught a state record freshwater drum on April 24 in Mason County, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has confirmed. John Gibson of Poca, West Virginia, caught the 27.88-pound, 35.59-inch freshwater drum on the Kanawha River, breaking the previous record for weight, which was 27 pounds held by Charles Mickel … Read more

A hunter in West Virginia uses a turkey call to attract a spring gobbler.

Extended W.Va. spring gobbler season open until May 23

West Virginia’s spring gobbler season is underway, and turkey hunters have even more opportunities to bag a bird this year. Mike Peters, wild turkey and migratory game bird project leader for the division, says the eight extra days are sure to be of benefit to hunters. “Our spring gobbler season includes eight extra days this … Read more

The star of the Gold Rush, a golden trout darts through a West Virginia stream.

W.Va. DNR announces winners of the 2021 Gold Rush Giveaway

Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources today announced the winners of the state’s 2021 Gold Rush Giveaway, the annual statewide promotion of fishing in the Mountain State. According to DNR Director Stephen McDaniel, 36 participants managed to catch one of 100 golden rainbow trout that were stocked in state-managed ponds and streams. “Gold … Read more

Wild boar still range across isolated mountain hollows in Logan County.

Proceeds of wild boar hunt support elk restoration project

The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources has utilized proceeds from a February lottery wild boar hunt to purchase a UTV in support of the ongoing Elk Restoration Project, according to Elk Project Leader Randy Kelley. In conjunction with Natural Resource Partners, a special hunt was held between February 5-7 on the organization’s private lands in … Read more

Instructor Josh Sapio tends a fire lighted from flint.

Survival and bushcraft school opens in New River Gorge region

Much of America’s newest national park may be teeming with visitors this summer, but the vast areas of woodland beyond are likely to remain as untracked as ever, ideal for the region’s newest venue for outdoor recreation—New River Survival and Bushcraft. Launched by some of West Virginia’s most knowledgeable outdoorsmen, the wilderness-survival school has opened … Read more

RV and tent campgrounds are expanding at Adventures on the Gorge.

Resort expands camping to welcome New River Gorge guests

The increased visibility of America’s newest national park has prompted one of the region’s largest outdoor-adventure resorts to expand its campground. Adjacent to the newly established New River Gorge National Park, the Adventures on the Gorge resort is adding new tent-camping and RV sites at its Chestnut Ridge campground off the US-19 expressway near the … Read more

A W.Va. DNR biologist displays a striped tiger trout.

W.Va. to stock striped tiger trout statewide in April, May

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock tiger trout in lakes and streams around the state for the first time in decades, according to the governor’s office. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, a longtime angler, announced the initiative this week while touting the economic benefits of expanding the state’s sport fishing industry. “This … Read more