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.
Dear Levi: We’d like to take our grandchildren on an autumn leaf hike. What are some points we can make about the fall leaf change in West Virginia? There are so many things I could say about the autumn leaf change, and it’s difficult to focus on specific ones for fear of leaving others out, … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will hold six public meetings with anglers and the general public in late September and October to discuss its draft trout management plan. “We are looking for comments on our plan, which is designed to help develop future management and stocking protocols,” division director Stephen S. McDaniel said … Read more
An early black bear gun season, with or without hunting dogs, will run from Aug. 31 through Sept. 15 in all of Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties in southern West Virginia, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. All or parts of 16 counties will open to bear gun hunting Sept.21-27, with or … Read more
St. Albans Parks and Recreation and organizers are pleased to announce the Eighth Annual “Take a Walk on The Wild Side” Nature Hike event that will take place at the St. Albans City Park Nature Trail Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 9 a.m. until noon with a special Tree Pruning for Beginners workshop to be … Read more
West Virginia is experiencing an outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in the state’s white-tailed deer herd, according to the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. So far this year, deer have been found dead in small areas of Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier counties. Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, virus serotype 2 (EHDV-2), … Read more
One of the most scenic rivers in the U.S. becomes one of the best whitewater rafting runs in the world on September 6, attracting rafters from across North America and beyond. The Beast of the East, rafters call it. Rafting guides liken the start of “Gauley Season”—the 22 days in September and October when the … Read more
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 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 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
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
