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 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 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
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
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
The West Fork River is fast becoming one of the state’s most exciting destinations for kayak fishing, according to a spokesman for a river-restoration organization hosting its second annual float trip June 1. “I don’t think most people realize what we have here,” says John Ciesla, president of Guardians of the West Fork, which launched … Read more
Preliminary data indicates spring turkey hunters harvested 11,210 gobblers in 2019, according to Mike Peters, Game Bird and Small Game Project Leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Although nine-percent less than 2018, this harvest is still three percent above the five-year average and nine percent above the 10-year average, Peters reported. Districts … Read more
Scenic Roane County, West Virginia, boasts its fair share of rock formations, but the largest of three small natural bridges there makes for an interesting short hike, says David Sibray, publisher of West Virginia Explorer. The pay-off of a private trail that follows an old road through the forest the bridge has been attracting a … Read more
ATV enthusiasts have a new option when it comes to exploring the West Virginia back-country—guided ATV tours on the New River Gorge. Opening in May near the rim of the gorge at Minden, New River ATV Tours is introducing its seven-day-a-week service with a fleet of state-of-the-art all-terrain vehicles that travel a 100-mile trail system, … Read more
As many as 500 participants are expected to attend the sixth annual Elk River Float Trip June 8 at Sutton, West Virginia, in Braxton County. Paddlers might not encounter the region’s legendary Braxton County Monster, but they can expect two to three hours of splashy fun on this gentle, five-mile section of river in the … Read more
Governor Jim Justice has announced that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has implemented a new trout-stocking method designed to enhance fishing. Rather than dumping the trout at single locations on a stream, division staff and contractors will now spread the fish over longer sections of stream, the governor said. “This is how our … Read more
