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 first section of a walkable nature trail at Glenville State College has been completed, though there’s more to come, according to the interim president of the school. “Projects like this one are wonderful opportunities to celebrate partnerships and collaborations that make the heart of West Virginia so special,” Dr. Kathleen Nelson said of the … Read more
Snowmaking has commenced on Snowshoe Mountain in the mountains of eastern West Virginia, and officials at the resort complex have announced its 2019-2020 calendar of winter events. “We were able to start making snow overnight in preparation for the upcoming ski season, which we hope to kick-off Friday, Nov. 22,” resort spokesman Shawn Cassell said … Read more
Snowshoe Mountain is installing lights that are expected to trim energy use by 80 to 85 percent at its Coca-Cola Tubing Park. But the new lights aren’t just efficient, “they’re also pretty spectacular,” says resort spokesman Shawn Cassell. With a wide variety of color options that allow for stunning light shows, the new cost-saving LED … Read more
A West Virginia man caught a 27.87-inch, four-pound chain pickerel on Oct. 13 at Upper Deckers Lake near Reedsville, West Virginia, in Preston County—a state record, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Angler Matt Born, of Reedsville, used an in-line spinner to catch the trophy fish, which is a state record in … Read more
West Virginia’s 2019 wild boar firearms season opens Oct. 26, runs through Nov. 2, and is open to West Virginia residents only. A second annual wild boar firearms season will run Feb. 7–9, 2020. Boars will be foraging on acorns abundant this season in Boone, Logan, Raleigh, and Wyoming counties, to which boar hunting is … Read more
The Parkinson Forest at Bethany College has been added to the national Old-Growth Forest Network—the eleventh site in West Virginia to be included and the first in the state’s northern panhandle. Joan Maloof, Ph.D., founder of the Old-Growth Forest Network, said the forest was ideally suited to the network. “In each county, we look for … Read more
The Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia saw their first snowfall last night, and officials at the ski resort on Snowshoe Mountain say that’s a good sign. At the second-highest summit in the Mountain State, the resort is set to open its ski areas November 22, and spokesperson Shawn Cassell says enthusiasm for the next season … Read more
West Virginia’s abundant wildlife and hunting seasons provide opportunities for many families to fill their freezers with highly nutritious wild game. A low-fat, high-protein alternative, white-tailed deer, for instance, contains fewer calories and approximately five times less fat than the equivalent serving of beef. “Hunting is a great reason to get into the woods and … Read more
Despite hot, dry weather, fall trout stocking in West Virginia will run as scheduled during the weeks of Oct. 21 and 28, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “We are hoping for more rain, but fall trout stocking is still on,” said division hatchery program Manager Jim Hedrick. “The staff will do … Read more
The world’s largest off-road motorcycle and ATV racing series will hold its inaugural Grand National Cross Country at the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Beckley, West Virginia, October 12-13. The Yamaha Racing Mountaineer Grand National Cross Country will serve as the penultimate round of the 2019 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an … Read more
