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.
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
Navigating a whitewater rapid on the New River is best accomplished when paddlers work as a team, which is why 10 years ago the owners of three competing rafting outfitters in West Virginia (and, later, a fourth) merged into a single resort. It’s how Adventures on the Gorge was created, says Dave Arnold, marketing director … Read more
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
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
A new whitewater run that opens to commercial rafting in 2019 may not be a game changer, but it will certainly enhance the game in one of the most popular rafting destinations in the eastern U.S., says a West Virginia tourism industry official. The 5.3-mile run through a spectacular section of the New River Gorge … Read more
In an effort to encourage families and new anglers to enjoy fishing this spring, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is publishing the locations of 104 trout stockings scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays. Locations were selected based on proximity to state parks and adequate access points and to accommodate anglers and hatchery staff, according to Stephen … Read more
Sign up for the West Virginia Explorer newsletter by February 28, 2018, and be entered to win a whitewater rafting adventure trip for two in West Virginia with River Expeditions. The drawing is one of many annual drawings offered to recipients of the West Virginia Explorer newsletter, according to publisher and editor-in-chief David Sibray. “Once you’re … Read more
West Virginia river outfitters in 2017 recovered from two years of low numbers and posted statewide gains of 5,000 river visits, according to a spokesman for Adventures on the Gorge, one of the state’s chief outfitters. The W.Va. Department of Natural Resources, which compiles a total number of annual river users, primarily rafters and anglers, … Read more
Hunters in West Virginia harvested 3,160 black bears during the combined 2017 archery and firearms seasons, which is the second highest recorded bear kill in state history. Due to more abundant mast production in 2017, the Division of Natural Resources expected a decrease in the archery harvest and an increase in the December firearms harvest … Read more
Preliminary counts indicate hunters harvested 108,160 white-tailed deer in West Virginia during the 2017 hunting seasons. The 2017 harvest was four percent below the 2016 harvest of 112,384 deer and 15 percent below the five-year average of 127,803, according to a report published today by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. A breakdown of the … Read more
