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.
You don’t need a passport to experience world-class whitewater rafting—it’s available on the legendary Gauley River in West Virginia, but only for four more weeks. Designated by the National Park Service as a the centerpiece of a national recreation area, the Gauley is touted as “one of the most adventurous whitewater-boating rivers in the United … Read more
Officials say a moonrise walk that attracted a record number of hikers to the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia last week could indicate that attitudes toward recreation locally are changing. Eighty-nine participants turned out for a two-mile walk on the Endless Wall Trail, surprising officials who are accustomed to leading groups of several … Read more
Construction on the Long Point Trail—one of the most popular trails in the national park system in southern West Virginia—has been scheduled to close parts of the 1.6-mile route on mid-week days through September. Once complete, the trail to a rocky overlook of the New River Gorge will include improved parking, interpretive signage, raised wooden … Read more
Imagine peddling less and riding faster. The new electric-assist mountain bikes at Adventures on the Gorge allow riders to do just that. The new powered bikes that are being used in the resort’s half-day Fat Kat Tours can maintain a top speed of 20 miles-an-hour on flat terrain, but they fly when the rider pedals, … Read more
West Virginia officials are gearing up for the state’s annual Free Fishing Weekend, June 10-11, during which residents and non-residents may fish in West Virginia for free. The annual event provides anglers the chance to fish without a license, attracting anglers to the Mountain State and encouraging the sport among in-state residents, says Bret Preston, assistant … Read more
Encouraging visitors to try new outdoor activities, rangers at North Bend State Park this weekend are offering introductory courses in kayaking, rappelling, mountain biking. Park rangers and activity guides will provide instruction in an affordable group format during the daylong Introduction to Adventure event, according to park superintendent Steve Jones. Along with skill development, instructors … Read more
The National Park Service has scheduled a four-hour hike Saturday, June 10, to the legendary Red Ash Island cemetery on the New River and to nearby ghost towns amid the forests of the New River Gorge. Departing from the trail-head for the Southside Trail at Brooklyn (map) at 1 p.m., the hike will visit the ruins … Read more
Hunters of mourning doves who wish to participate in a controlled hunt at South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy County have until midnight on July 30 to apply, according to the release fromthe W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The hunting of mourning doves in the preserve is by permit only on Sept. 1, 2, … Read more
Officials in Beckley, West Virginia, on Saturday will open a new hiking trail to provide access to the Ruin at Alfred Beckley Mill[/caption] The mill fell out of use in the early 1900s as railroad commerce supplanted the need for local milling, and for many years the site was forgotten by all-but-a-handful of historians. The … Read more
With constant digital distractions and over-programmed schedules, kids are not as wild as they used to be, and that can affect their lifelong mental and physical well-being, says a spokesman for one of West Virginia’s largest adventure resorts. With nearly four decades in the forefront of the rafting and outdoor recreation industry, Dave Arnold has … Read more
