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.
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 The upper falls on Big Branch tumble out of the highlands in the southern New River Gorge. (Photo: Ed Rehbein)[/caption] “I recommend Big Branch because of the multiple waterfalls and stream crossings—with … 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
Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources have announced waterfowl regulations for the 2021-’22 season that include two changes over previous seasons. “First, the definition of ‘bait’ now includes any non-edible facsimile of an edible enticement, like plastic ear corn,” says state waterfowl biologist Mike Peters. “Second, a permit is no longer required to … Read more
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is calling on state residents and guests to grab a fishing pole this Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, during West Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend. During the two-day statewide event, residents and non-residents are able to fish in West Virginia for free, providing novice and returning anglers the opportunity … Read more
Adventure enthusiasts are invited to the mountains of southern West Virginia May 26 for the grand opening of the Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park. The park-within-a-park near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will add a second layer of adventure entertainment at a state park travel destination long known for its … Read more
