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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.

Excited rafters plunge into a rapid on New River.

Recreation

Outfitter provides discounted raft trips to celebrate W.Va. rafting

May 28, 2018 by David Sibray

River Expeditions will celebrate the 50th anniversary of whitewater rafting in West Virginia June 20 with discounted trips on the New River, according to its vice president. The industry that helped popularize the Mountain State as an outdoor-recreation destination hasn’t existed that long, says Heather Johnson, and the anniversary of its first whitewater rafting trip … Read more

Kayakers float Coal River, expected to fill with more than a thousand kayaks June 16.

Recreation

More than 1,000 kayaks expected at burgeoning W.Va. festival

May 26, 2018 by David Sibray

A record-breaking 1,000 kayakers are expected to participate in the 14th annual Tour de Coal community float trip Saturday, June 16, on the Coal River, according to organizers. The tour has become so successful that it has spawned Yakfast, a two-day celebration of kayaking that premiers Friday, June 15, at the mouth of the river … Read more

A hunter calls a gobbler during spring turkey season in West Virginia.

Recreation

Spring turkey harvest in West Virginia reaches 15-year high

May 19, 2018 by Will Reedy

Turkey hunters in West Virginia harvested 12,274 gobblers in spring 2018 — a 15-year high and a six-percent increase over 2017, according to preliminary data gathered by the state Division of Natural Resources. This harvest was also more than 10 percent above the 10-year average, according to Mike Peters, Game Bird and Small Game Project … Read more

More than 20 calves could join the herd of elk being released in W.Va.

Recreation

Fifty elk to be released “softly” into W.Va. in re-populaton effort

May 15, 2018 by David Sibray

Fifty elk will be released “softly” into the mountains of southern West Virginia this summer in an effort to reestablish the animal in its native range, and another 20 calves may be on their way as some of the cows are pregnant, state officials say. Transported from Arizona over the last year, the herd will … Read more

Invasive Northern Snakehead dumped in Opequon Creek according to state, federal officials.

Recreation

Invasive snakehead fish dumped in Berkeley County stream

May 14, 2018 by Will Reedy

The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources and U.S. Geological Survey have confirmed that a northern snakehead fish was killed in another body of water and illegally dumped into Opequon Creek near W.Va. Route 9 in Berkeley County. [Add your comments about this potentially devastating crime below!] The survey received the dead fish at its Leetown … Read more

Rafters plunge into a West Virginia rapid

Recreation

Month of May ideal for high whitewater on New River

May 2, 2018 by David Sibray

Perhaps no month is as ideal as May for whitewater rafting on the New River in West Virginia, if high water and big waves are what you seek. Summery temperatures combine with spring rains in the Alleghenies to ensure rides on the river are as raucous as possible, says an official at one the region’s … Read more

ATV enthusiast, Burning Rock ATV Trails, Sophia, WV, Hatfield & McCoy Region

Recreation

Burning Rock ATV park near Beckley to reopen May 2

April 27, 2018 by David Sibray

Officials at Burning Rock Off-Road Park near Beckley, West Virginia, today announced a May 2 reopening under new ownership and featuring a new and more accommodating rates system. Pennsylvania-based Rock Crawl Enterprises plans to implement a multi-phase opening over the next several weeks, according to park public relations director Dyane Corcoran. The park includes 106 … Read more

Ohio State U. students gather for a group portrait after a rafting trip with River Expeditions

Recreation

Spring rafting trips perennially popular among college students

April 6, 2018 by David Sibray

While for some folks April and May might seem too cool for a whitewater-rafting trip, college students don’t mind at all and account for a large part of spring rafting enthusiasts, according to the owner of an outdoor-adventure resort on the New River in West Virginia. Students blowing off steam before finals make up a … Read more

Turkey hunting, Fayette County, Adventures on the Gorge

Recreation

Governor signs bill to allow Sunday hunting on public lands in W.Va.

March 30, 2018 by Will Reedy

The West Virginia governor signed Senate Bill 451 Thursday to permit Sunday hunting on public lands following its overwhelming passage during the recent legislative session. Last year, the governor also signed a bill permitting Sunday hunting on private land with written permission of the landowner. The new bill will open more than 1.5 million acres … Read more

Recreation

DNR expands W.Va. Gold Rush trout stockings by 20 waters

March 28, 2018 by Will Reedy

Your chances of striking gold during the special West Virginia Gold Rush trout stockings April 2-6 have increased. Due to growing interest and excitement, the Division of Natural Resources will stock golden rainbow trout at 20 new locations around the state, bringing the total number of stocked lakes and streams to 50, according to Jim … Read more

West Virginia state parks celebrate National Trails Day with hikes, volunteer events

Iconic “Almost Heaven” swing added to Cedar Creek State Park in central West Virginia

Monongahela National Forest seeks conservation proposals in five West Virginia counties

Seneca Rocks draws excited new crowds to West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest

West Virginia companies honored for expanding at 2026 Governor’s Export Award

WVU study shows pregnant women who move more have better outcomes

W.Va. tourism grows as 2026 Vacation Guide demand reaches record levels

West Virginia experts say tourist towns lose money when businesses close on Sundays

Wild Man of West Virginia? The cave-dwelling lives of Orval Brown and Jack Franklin

Hidden healing spring on historic Pence Springs resort grounds draws new interest

Origin of the name “Pickle Street” remains a central West Virginia mystery

49th annual Vandalia Gathering celebrates old-time and bluegrass music at state capital

Here’s why fishing records are being broken more often now in West Virginia

South Branch ends mourning dove permits; controlled hunt begin at Stonewall Jackson

John Terry catches record-breaking tiger trout in lake at Seneca State Forest

Gravel, bikepacking network connects towns across Monongahela National Forest region

Recreation

Outfitter provides discounted raft trips to celebrate W.Va. rafting

More than 1,000 kayaks expected at burgeoning W.Va. festival

Spring turkey harvest in West Virginia reaches 15-year high

Fifty elk to be released “softly” into W.Va. in re-populaton effort

Invasive snakehead fish dumped in Berkeley County stream

Month of May ideal for high whitewater on New River

Burning Rock ATV park near Beckley to reopen May 2

Spring rafting trips perennially popular among college students

Governor signs bill to allow Sunday hunting on public lands in W.Va.

DNR expands W.Va. Gold Rush trout stockings by 20 waters