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.
In 2014, without much fanfare, the National Park Service opened a new access point for two of the most remote trails within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. So far, only the most die-hard hikers seem to have noticed. The Kates Plateau Trail and Polls Plateau Trail were once practically rumors. They appeared … Read more
Wild game provides a low-fat, high-protein alternative to beef or other commercial meats, says a wildlife biologist with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Its abundance in West Virginia also provides an opportunity for many families to fill their freezers with highly nutritious wild game. “Many West Virginians incorporate venison, wild turkey and other … Read more
Already among the most popular destinations for mountain biking in West Virginia, Mountwood Park has taken its mission a step further, unveiling a 1.4 mile “flow trail” designed for intermediate-level bikers. Wandering down a hill, rather than mounting and descending hills, the new “Pumphouse Trail” demands less energy from bikers, according to park director Jeremy … Read more
Editor’s Note: Author L.W. Oakley here considers the thoughts of a buck in the wilds of eastern North America as the hunt and winter ensue. Another long winter lay just ahead. Daylight was now longer coming and sooner leaving. The warmth of the sun did not soothe his body or calm his mind, even though … Read more
If you’re a Canadian, chances are that tamaracks are nothing new. But if you’re a West Virginian, you’ve probably never seen one. That’s because the tree’s southern natural extent is in the Mountain State’s most lofty northern reach — in an obscure corner of the state in the Cranesville Swamp. Here in a ‘frost pocket” … Read more
The National Park Service is inviting members of the public who have an interest in climbing at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Gauley River National Recreation Area to an October 27 meeting at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville, West Virginia. The park service will update guests on actions taken as … Read more
West Virginia’s fall wild-turkey season opens Oct.13 — the third year that all 55 counties will have at least a one-week fall season and the first fall turkey season during which Sunday hunting is permitted on both private and public lands. “Fall seasons are based on county-specific spring gobbler season harvest, excluding the 14 traditional … Read more
October may be the biggest month yet when it comes to whitewater rafting in West Virginia. Autumn color, Halloween fun, and the epic Bridge Day weekend add up to unparalleled excitement in whitewater country. If you’ve never been rafting before, October may be a great time to introduce yourself to West Virginia’s whitewater rivers, and … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock 26 streams and 11 lakes in the Mountain State with trout during the weeks of Oct. 15 and 22. Autumn trout stocking traditionally occurs during the week of Columbus Day and the following week, but this year’s stocking will begin a week later to help ensure … Read more
I had the opportunity to walk the one-mile loop trail at Walter Nature Park near Winfield, West Virginia, in Putnam County, a delightful path and wanders through forest and young woodlands in the hills above the Kanawha River. If you’re looking for a good family trail in western West Virginia, this gets my vote. The … Read more
