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.
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
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
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
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
Beginning this year, West Virginia’s statewide spring gobbler season will run for five weeks instead of four, according to Mike Peters, wild turkey project leader for West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The 2021 season opens Monday, April 19, the third Monday in April but now ends Sunday, May 23, eight days later than last … Read more
A 967-acre portion of the nearly 3,000-acre Sand Hill Wildlife Management Area in northern West Virginia has been closed to public access, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The remaining 1,880 acres of the management area in Pleasants and Ritchie counties will stay open to public access for hunting and other forms … Read more
Hunters in West Virginia harvested 38,776 antlered deer during its two-week buck firearms season in 2020, according to preliminary data collected through the electronic game checking system managed by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Gary Foster, assistant chief of game management for the division, said state game biologists felt positive about the harvest, which … Read more
Waiting quietly alone in the dark woods, the approach of dawn can seem like an eternity. It can feel like time is standing still—holding its breath as night silently withdraws into the shadows, giving way to the break and light of day. In that moment, the old hunter heard a dog howl in ecstasy, signaling … Read more
Anglers and hunters who purchase a 2021 hunting and fishing license in December have a chance to win a lifetime license and other prizes from the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The division, which offered a lifetime license giveaway for the first time last year, will give away two lifetime licenses this year, along with … Read more
Youth, senior, and Class Q/QQ hunters in West Virginia will be able to participate in a special hunting season for antlerless deer and a new season for black bear. Special seasons for antlerless deer and bear will run October 17-18, during which youth (ages 8-17), seniors, and Class Q/QQ senior hunters with Class XS licenses … Read more
