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 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
Electrofishing is proving to be an effective way to collect data about walleye, a popular sport fish, the population of which the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has been managing in the New River for nearly 20 years. Mark Scott, assistant chief of fish management for the division, says electrofishing is a common method … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will present proposed hunting, trapping and fishing regulations to the public at locations around the state on March 16-17. Scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., the meetings will be hosted at schools and community centers and in other public spaces in each district. During the meetings, hunters, trappers, … Read more
Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, and Nicholas counties in southern West Virginia have been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to participate as a pilot program to help residents lead healthier lifestyles. The Move Your Way campaign is designed to help residents understand how much physical activity they need to be healthy and … Read more
When it comes to participating in West Virginia’s many hunting seasons, there’s a lot to remember. But new hunters don’t have to learn everything on their own, thanks to hunter-education classes being provided by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The class is open to anyone who wants to learn more about hunting, but … Read more
Fisheries biologists with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are using old Christmas trees to improve habitat at popular fishing locations around the Mountain State. Aaron Yeager, an assistant fisheries biologist, said the program is very beneficial. “Most of our reservoirs are lacking in complex woody cover, so any type of structure we can … Read more
