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Recreation

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.

A black bear hides in a thicket in rural West Virginia
Recreation

2018-’19 bear harvest in W.Va. declined, still 6th highest

by Will Reedy

West Virginia hunters harvested 2,606 bears during the combined 2018 archery and firearms seasons, according to Colin Carpenter, black-bear project leader for the state Division of Natural Resources. One bear was harvested in Preston County during the state’s first Mountaineer Heritage Season, which ran Jan. 10–13, 2019. The preliminary harvest for the combined 2018 seasons … Read more

Frank Addington, Jr., takes aim at aspirin at the W.Va. Hunting and Fishing Show.
Recreation

Addington headlines W.Va. Hunting and Fishing Show Jan. 25-27

by Will Reedy

Frank Addington Jr.’s Amazing Archery Show returns to Charleston to headline the annual West Virginia Hunting & Fishing Show, set for January 25-27 in the newly renovated Charleston Convention Center. Produced by the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association, a non-profit group dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of hunting and hunters’ rights, … Read more

Conaway Run Lake forms behind an inpoundment in the Conaway Run Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Recreation

Conaway stocking suspended until dam repairs are completed

by Will Reedy

Trout stocking at Conaway Run Lake in Tyler County has been suspended until repair work to the dam is completed, the Division of Natural Resources announced. Adverse weather conditions have delayed the needed dam repair work. The dam at Conaway Run Lake has been stabilized to ensure safety, proper function, and structural integrity, but the … Read more

A hunter roams the West Virginia forest Illustration c. 1861 from Harper's New Monthly Magazine by Porte Crayon (David Hunter Strother).
Recreation

First Mountaineer Heritage hunting season set Jan. 10-13

by Will Reedy

Big-game hunters in West Virginia will have the opportunity to take part in West Virginia’s first “Mountaineer Heritage Season” this week. Running Thursday-through-Sunday, Jan. 10-13, hunters during the four-day season may take a deer or a bear using only primitive weapons. “This new season is a great opportunity to hunt in January and test your … Read more

Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park, Mercer County, Bluestone Region
Recreation

Trout stocking underway for 2019 in West Virginia

by Will Reedy

West Virginia’s 2019 trout-stocking season is underway. Through May 31, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock lakes and streams around the state each week. Beginning in March, the stocking schedule will shift to Tuesday-through-Saturday, according to division fisheries supervisor Jim Hedrick. Currently, the stocking schedule is Monday-through-Friday, Hedrick said. “The Saturday stockings … Read more

Levi Moore leads a winter hike through the woods in southern West Virginia.
Recreation

Once wheelchair-bound, active-living mentor to lead Jan. 1 hike

by David Sibray

First Day hiking has become enormously popular across the U.S., providing would-be enthusiasts the opportunity to jump-start their engines with a group of like-minded companions. However, a January 1 hike planned in the New River Gorge in West Virginia is offering participants something beyond the usual — the opportunity to hike with active-living mentor Levi … Read more

Otter In West Virginia
Recreation

W.Va. trappers and hunters must tag fur-bearing catch

by Will Reedy

Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reminding trappers of beaver, bobcat, fishers, and otters that they are required to electronically register their catches within 30 days after the close of the respective season. Fur-bearer trapping seasons in the state opened Nov. 3, according to Gary Foster of the division’s Wildlife Resources Section. Foster … Read more