Recreation

See our Recreation Travel Guide

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.

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

Burning Rock ATV park near Beckley to reopen May 2

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

Golden W.Va . Trout Ready For Stocking

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

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

Arizona elk to be released in Logan County, W.Va.

Fifty-one elk completed their journey from Arizona and were released into a holding facility in Logan County earlier this month, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced today. The elk, which are part of West Virginia’s elk restoration project, were captured in late January and held near Flagstaff, Arizona for disease testing. The elk arrived … Read more

Young climber at New River Gorge, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Adventures on the Gorge

Park Service to host meeting regarding rock climbing

The National Park Service will host a meeting on rules and regulations for climbing activities at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Gauley River National Recreation Area on March 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville, West Virginia. The meeting follows a successful climbing listening session and community … Read more

Hikers explore a trail in the Grey Flats Trail System at Beckley, W.Va.

Piney Creek trails attracting dozens daily; trail map unveiled

Hikers, bikers, and runners in growing numbers are venturing onto woodland trails in the new Piney Creek Trail System near Beckley, West Virginia, according to developers. The system’s Grey Flats trails area, adjacent to Beckey’s YMCA soccer complex, is being used by as many as 100 people daily, weather permitting, according to Gary Morefield, project … Read more

Snowtubers At Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia

Ski season still in full force at Canaan Valley resort

Though spring is on its way, it’s still winter in the high Alleghenies of northern West Virginia, and skiing and tubing at Canaan Valley Resort are in full swing. A drive of less than three hours from downtown Washington, D.C., the on-slope and après-ski fun hasn’t ended in the highlands, and resort officials are encouraging … Read more

Campgrounds on New River, New River Gorge Region

W.Va. state parks anticipate banner camping year

Expecting an increased demand for campsites in 2018, staff at West Virginia state parks and forests will begin processing site reservations on Feb. 15, in advance of camping season this spring. State park campgrounds begin opening between mid-March and April, depending upon the park and weather, according to parks district administrator Matt Yeager. “We’ve been … Read more