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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.

A rite of winter in West Virginia, trout stockings have resumed in select lakes and streams. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce)
Recreation

West Virginia trout stocking resumes in lakes and streams statewide

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trout stockings have resumed in select lakes and streams across West Virginia, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced, restoring a seasonal boost to recreational fishing around the state. Brett McMillion, director of the division, said the stockings are part of the agency’s ongoing effort to support anglers and promote year-round outdoor … Read more

One of the most extensive cave networks in North America lies beneath the Greenbrier Valley in West Virginia.
Recreation

Beneath West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley, a vast underground world draws adventurers

by Hinaa Noor

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Beneath the bluegrass pastures of eastern West Virginia lies one of the most extensive cave networks in North America—a hidden landscape of winding tunnels, underground streams, and limestone formations that attract explorers, scientists, and adventure-seeking travelers. West Virginia is home to thousands of documented caves, many concentrated in the valley of the … Read more

White Grass has long been a magnet for visitors from Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. (Photo: Mountain River Media)
Recreation

White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia

by Ted Fauster

CORTLAND, W.Va. — Cross-country skiing is enjoying quite a renaissance. As snow-loving retirees, energetic youths, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurous families search for quieter ways to explore winter landscapes, more people are looking beyond traditional downhill ski resorts. Cross-country skiing offers exercise without crowds, immersion in nature without noise, and winter activities that align with a … Read more

Recreation

Bumper nut, acorn crop and disease reduced West Virginia buck harvest in 2025

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and acorns and localized outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease contributed to a significant decline in the West Virginia buck harvest during its firearms deer season in 2025. According to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, hunters harvested 33,775 antlered deer during the state’s two-week buck firearms season, which … Read more

Resort officials reported four to five inches of overnight snowfall, providing skiers and snowboarders with unusually high-quality conditions for opening day. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain Resort)
Recreation

Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets

by David Sibray

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Snowshoe Mountain, the largest ski resort in the Mid-Atlantic, opened the 2025–26 winter season Friday with a fresh burst of natural snow and strong early turnout. Resort officials reported four to five inches of overnight snowfall, providing skiers and snowboarders with unusually high-quality conditions for opening day, according to Patti Duncan, president … Read more