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.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The winter woods in West Virginia are echoing with the traditions of an earlier era as the state’s four-day Mountaineer Heritage Season for deer, bear, and turkey opened Thursday. The special season runs Jan. 8–11 and is open across all 55 counties, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue game with primitive-style weapons … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trout stockings have resumed in select lakes and streams across West Virginia, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced, restoring a seasonal boost to recreational fishing around the state. Brett McMillion, director of the division, said the stockings are part of the agency’s ongoing effort to support anglers and promote year-round outdoor … Read more
LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Beneath the bluegrass pastures of eastern West Virginia lies one of the most extensive cave networks in North America—a hidden landscape of winding tunnels, underground streams, and limestone formations that attract explorers, scientists, and adventure-seeking travelers. West Virginia is home to thousands of documented caves, many concentrated in the valley of the … Read more
CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a renaissance. As snow-loving retirees, energetic youths, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurous families search for quieter ways to explore winter landscapes, more people are looking beyond traditional downhill ski resorts. Cross-country skiing offers exercise without crowds, immersion in nature without noise, and winter activities that align with a … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome the New Year by inviting residents and visitors to step outside, lace up their boots, and explore the state’s public lands during 24 free, guided First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2026. Held at 21 state parks and forests across West Virginia, the hikes are part … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and acorns and localized outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease contributed to a significant decline in the West Virginia buck harvest during its firearms deer season in 2025. According to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, hunters harvested 33,775 antlered deer during the state’s two-week buck firearms season, which … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginians know winter differently. When the leaves fall, and the chatter of summer tourism fades, the Mountain State and its Appalachian neighbors enter a season that feels quieter, older, and somehow more honest. For hikers willing to lace up their boots when temperatures dip, winter offers some of the most rewarding … Read more
SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic, opened the 2025–26 winter season Friday with a fresh burst of natural snow and strong early turnout. Resort officials reported four to five inches of overnight snowfall, providing skiers and snowboarders with unusually high-quality conditions for opening day, according to Patti Duncan, president … Read more
GHENT, W.Va. – West Virginia is officially kicking off ski season as three of the state’s four mountain resorts prepare to welcome visitors this week. Timberline Mountain opens on December 4, Snowshoe Mountain opens on December 5, and Winterplace Ski Resort opens on December 6. Canaan Valley will open on December 24, possibly as early … Read more
FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its reciprocal fishing agreement with Kentucky, allowing Mountain State anglers to once again fish shared border waters with a single license. Under the renewed agreement, West Virginia residents may use their state-issued fishing licenses to fish from the Kentucky side of the Big Sandy and Tug Fork … Read more
