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Recreation

See our Recreation Travel Guide

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.

Hundreds of hikers visit the trail system annually at Bethany College.
Recreation

Bethany College seeks volunteers for trail system clean-up

by David Sibray

Bethany College is seeking outdoor enthusiasts to volunteer for its trail system workday from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. The system includes a waterfall, numerous hiking spots, and an outdoor classroom, according to Shannon Kolkedy, a communications specialist for the college at Bethany, West Virginia. Planned projects include brush cleaning, trail restoration, … Read more

The International Mountain Bicycling Association announced the newest recipient of its Ride Center designation—the Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
Recreation

Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center unveiled today by IMBA

by David Sibray

The International Mountain Bicycling Association announced this week the new recipient of its IMBA Ride Center designation—the Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. “It is our pleasure to welcome Snowshoe Highlands as IMBA’s newest Ride Center and first Ride Center in West Virginia,” said Dave Wiens, executive director of the association. “The … Read more

The Byrd Telescope glows red in the darkness at Green Bank.
Recreation

Lottery will permit rare deer harvest at W.Va. observatory

by Will Reedy

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, West Virginia, has announced a special West Virginia resident-only controlled deer hunt at the observatory reserve Oct. 11-12, 2019. Hunters must enter a lottery for limited permits, according to Andy Malinoski, a spokesman for the W.Va. Department of Commerce. Due to the nature of the work at … Read more

The Big Buck display attracts visitors during the annual West Virginia celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Recreation

W.Va. DNR seeks big bucks and trophy fish for displays

by Will Reedy

ROANOKE, W.Va.—The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is asking hunters and anglers to enter showcase pieces for the big buck and trophy fish display at the National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration Sept. 21-22 at Stonewall Resort State Park. Legally harvested, mounted trophy white-tailed bucks with a Pope-and-Young Club or Boone-and-Crockett Club net score … Read more

Kayakers ready to launch into the Guyandotte. Photo courtesy Guyandotte Water Trail.
Recreation

Kayaks opening Guyandotte valley to new exploration

by David Sibray

The valley of the Guyandotte might be counted among West Virginia’s more remote regions. Devil Anse Hatfield was born and died here, and the Battle of Blair Mountain was fought among the twisting ridges that feed its middle course. Tens of thousands of miners worked its rich coal seams, though outsiders seldom ventured into its … Read more

West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officers will patrol for impaired boaters July 5-7.
Recreation

W.Va. officers to patrol July 5-7 for inebriated boaters

by Will Reedy

West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officers will patrol the state’s rivers and lakes during Operation Dry Water July 5-7, part of a national campaign to reduce accidents related to boating under the influence. The goal of Operation Dry Water is to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence and to reduce the … Read more

Controlled hunts are scheduled for the fall at Beech Fork, Cacapon, Canaan Valley, North Bend, Pipestem, and Twin Falls.
Recreation

Applications available for antlerless deer limited-permit areas

by Will Reedy

Applications for the 2019 Antlerless Deer Season limited permit areas are now available online and will be accepted until midnight Aug. 14, according to Chris Ryan, supervisor of game management services for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “These limited permit areas provide antlerless deer hunting opportunities in counties or areas of the state … Read more

Gauley River in Gauley River National Recreation Area, New River Gorge Region
Recreation

DNR makes special trout stocking at Summersville Lake tailwater

by Will Reedy

Just in time for free fishing weekend June 8 and 9, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources—in cooperation with the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association—stocked 650 pounds of rainbow trout in the Summersville Dam tailwater of the Gauley River June 6. “The goal of the stocking is to provide increased summer trout fishing opportunities … Read more