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.
Turkey hunters in West Virginia can anticipate increased harvest opportunities during the 2020 spring gobbler season, which is scheduled to open Monday, April 20, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Predictions are based on brood reports from two years earlier, as the average harvested gobbler is a two-year-old bird, and in 2018, brood … Read more
With a stay-at-home order in place across West Virginia, it’s a critical time to add exercise to your daily routine, says a physical activity expert at West Virginia University. In addition to outdoor activities such as biking and walking, there are plenty of ways to increase physical activity at home, according to Eloise Elliott, Ware … Read more
Bigfoot and the Flatwoods Monster aren’t the only bizarre creatures being reported at the center of West Virginia in Braxton County. Apparently, the fishing is hard to believe, too. Trophies of legendary size are being taken in its lakes and rivers, and fishing in the area appears to be on the increase as the coronavirus … Read more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is directing private campgrounds to prohibit new out-of-state campers to limit the rate of spread of COVID-19 in the Mountain State. The governor made the announcement on March 31 at the state capitol in Charleston, West Virginia, while also issuing an executive order to suspend all scheduled elective medical procedures. … Read more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has announced that to encourage solitary outdoor activity during the coronavirus outbreak, state residents can enjoy a month of free fishing. Through Friday, April 24, the requirement to possess a fishing license to fish in state-regulated waters has been waived for state residents, though anglers must practice safe social distancing. … Read more
The director of parks and recreation for the City of Wheeling says recreational use has noticeably increased at the city’s facilities and elsewhere, certainly as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. Jesse Mestrovic, who manages more than 30 public spaces across the city and more than 13 miles of rail-trail, says that but for the … Read more
A West Virginia angler recently caught a state record grass carp in Hardy County—the second record grass carp caught in the last two months. John Miller of Lost City, West Virginia, caught a 54.75-inch, 67.4-pound grass carp on February 18 at Warden Lake, breaking the previous record for length of 53.1 inches recorded by Zach … Read more
Though it lies in the heart of the eastern U.S., West Virginia may offer more than its share of uncrowded vacation experiences. Because of its low population density, it boasts a remarkably well-established infrastructure of less-congested vacation venues, and there are plenty of opportunities to do nothing at all. “Simply driving down to the river … Read more
Faced with the potential impact of the coronavirus pandemic, one West Virginia resort on the New River Gorge is marketing crowd-free river adventures. Adventures on the Gorge, located on the rim of the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia, is eliminating deadlines for the purchase of rafting passes online. The passes previously had a … Read more
West Virginia is growing rapidly as a destination for flatwater paddling, welcoming a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts who are discovering the magic of its clear-running streams. Proponents say the growth is having a symbiotic effect, energizing the broadly realized sport as well as the communities into which it’s been introduced. Bill Currey, executive director … Read more
