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.
FORT GAY, W.Va. — West Virginia has reinstated its reciprocal fishing agreement with Kentucky, allowing Mountain State anglers to once again fish shared border waters with a single license. Under the renewed agreement, West Virginia residents may use their state-issued fishing licenses to fish from the Kentucky side of the Big Sandy and Tug Fork … Read more
DAVIS, W.Va. — Officials at Canaan Valley Resort State Park in northern West Virginia say they’re gearing up for an exciting ski season with a slate of major upgrades designed to elevate the guest experience at one of West Virginia’s premier cold-weather destinations. Supported by a $6 million investment from the W.Va. Division of Natural … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Biologists in West Virginia will be studying trout harvest rates during the state’s fall trout-stocking season to better understand how long trout stay in stocked streams, how they move over time, and whether they survive through the summer. As part of the effort, the state recently released rainbow and golden rainbow trout … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey has declared November “Wild Game Meat Donation Month” in the Mountain State. The proclamation recognizes hunting as a tradition in West Virginia and highlights its role in increasing food security through the “Hunters Helping the Hungry” program. “Hunting in West Virginia is an important part of who … Read more
BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground to cover in central Appalachia. The Hatfield–McCoy Trail System announced this week that its Pocahontas Trail is now officially connected to Virginia’s Spearhead Trails, creating a seamless dual-state network for riders across the Appalachian Mountains. The new link between the two systems means riders can now … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have announced the return of the state’s fourth annual Monster Trout Contest, giving anglers and their families a chance to reel in trophy-sized fish while enjoying peak fall foliage. During the weeks of Oct. 20 and Oct. 27, the state will stock 40,000 pounds of trout weighing between one … Read more
THURMOND, W.Va. — One of the richest aspects of history in southern West Virginia involves coal mining. Following the Civil War, coal production in much of the region boomed. Railroads were soon built along the New, Coal, and Guyandotte rivers to transport the coal out to mills in the Ohio Valley. Coalfields were plentiful throughout … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Wild turkey hunting will return to West Virginia when the fall season’s first segment opens in all 55 counties on October 11, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Brett McMillion, director of the division, says he hopes more wild turkeys appear on dining room tables throughout West Virginia … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will open in West Virginia in October, a rite of autumn for many hunters. From October 4-12, hunters may pursue ducks, coots, gallinules, and mergansers, though hunters should note that scaup are included in the daily bag limit for ducks, says Brett McMillions, director of the W.Va. … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources today announced that the next segment of the state’s black bear firearms season will be open in select counties September 20-26. Additional bear firearms season segments are scheduled for Oct. 4-10, Oct. 23-26, Nov. 24-Dec. 7, and Dec. 8-31, 2025. Archery and crossbow seasons … Read more
