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.
Hunters harvested 3,099 black bears during the combined archery and firearms seasons in West Virginia in 2019—the third-highest harvest ever recorded in the Mountain State. The preliminary harvest for the combined seasons is 19 percent above the 2,606 bears killed in 2018, and the harvest has exceeded 3,000 kills in four of the last five … Read more
No other U.S. state may be as strongly associated with hunting as West Virginia, says a Canadian writer who’s fallen in love with the Mountain State. Years ago, while writing for hunting and fishing magazines, Larry Oakley became aware of the state’s unique relationship with hunting and has been writing about the outdoor experience in … Read more
Two West Virginia record fish have been caught so far this January. Length records for grass carp and blue catfish were broken by two West Virginia anglers, the state Division of Natural Resources announced on Thursday. Zachary Adkins, of Cabins, caught a 53.1-inch, 59-pound grass carp at Warden Lake in Hardy County on January 3. … Read more
Hunters and anglers celebrated their love for the outdoors at the capitol Tuesday as West Virginia officials recognized the winners of a 2020 hunting and fishing license contest. While presenting the awards, Governor Jim Justice, an avid outdoorsman himself, spoke with enthusiasm about his administration’s success bolstering the industry, attracting resident and non-resident participants alike. … Read more
A remarkable 10-kilometer running and walking race through the scenic New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, could attract as many as 400 participants on May 16, organizers say. A first-of-its-kind challenge, the rim-to-rim race will follow a paved route beneath the New River Gorge Bridge and is already attracting interest nationally, according to Melanie … Read more
People who seek to maintain active lifestyles may be more likely to sustain them if they start the year that way, says a proponent of First Day Hikes in West Virginia. At least eleven public walks and hikes are planned for January 1 across West Virginia, providing participants a chance to set out on the … Read more
Preliminary data collected from the electronic game checking system indicates hunters in West Virginia harvested 36,796 antlered deer during the two-week buck firearms season, which ran from Nov. 25 through Dec. 7, 2019. The 2019 harvest was 17 percent below that of the 2018 harvest, according to Gary Foster, assistant chief of game management for … Read more
West Virginia hunting and fishing license applications now include the option to register as an organ donor. The Mountain State is one of the first states to offer the option. Senate Bill 613, passed during the 2019 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Jim Justice, permitted the state Division of Natural Resources to … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is offering gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts, including wildlife calendars, state park gift cards, and lifetime and 2020 hunting and fishing licenses. “If you know someone that loves the wonderful things West Virginia has to offer, we have gifts they will enjoy,” says Stephen McDaniel, division director. “Hunters, anglers, … Read more
Turkey hunters in West Virginia harvested 1,113 birds in autumn 2019, according to preliminary figures provided by the state Division of Natural Resources. Mike Peters, a game-bird biologist for the division said the harvest was slightly low as a result of more available food, which allowed birds to disperse more. “As reported in the 2019 … Read more
