Browse

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.

Hikers on biodiversity trail system at Buffalo, West Virginia

Recreation

Nature’s classroom in the Kanawha Valley: A vibrant trail system blossoms in Buffalo

July 29, 2025 by David Sibray

BUFFALO, W.Va. — Among the fields and wetlands of the lower Kanawha Valley in West Virginia, a green haven for biodiversity has taken root and become one of the most ecologically vibrant and educationally rich trail systems in the state. A 2.75-mile network of walking paths winds through wetlands, restored habitats, and pollinator gardens, where … Read more

Deer hunt lottery in West Virginia for antlerless deer

Recreation

Apply now for W.Va. deer hunt lottery during 2025 antlerless season

July 18, 2025 by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for its 2025 deer hunt lotteries. Hunters interested in harvesting antlerless deer in limited permit areas are encouraged to apply online before the September 5 midnight deadline. These deer lottery hunts provide an excellent opportunity for both West Virginia residents and nonresidents … Read more

Recreation

W.Va. adds five new ‘Almost Heaven’ swings for perfect photo moments

June 19, 2025 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Tourism has added five new Almost Heaven swings to the Mountain State at Drawdy Falls in Boone County, Miracle Mountain in McDowell County, 4-H Camp Pioneer in Randolph County, Big Ditch Lake in Webster County, and at the Tater Hill Overlook in Wyoming County. According to state Tourism … Read more

This new skier services facility will be an updated, modern version of the original Shavers Center that served Snowshoe Mountain for nearly 50 years.

Recreation

Snowshoe Mountain replacing iconic Shavers Center with modern lodge

June 18, 2025 by Hinaa Noor

SLATYFORK, W.Va. — Construction is nearing completion on top of Snowshoe Mountain in eastern West Virginia, where a new ski lodge is replacing its long-standing and familiar Shavers Center, which served guests for nearly five decades. Designed to offer a more spacious and comfortable experience, the new ski services facility will feature an open interior … Read more

Since its inception in 2006, Youth on Course has provided more than 4.5 million subsidized rounds of golf for youth.

Recreation

Parks partner with nonprofit to make golf more affordable for W.Va. youth

June 12, 2025 by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s state park system is partnering with a national nonprofit to help make golf more affordable at courses at Pipestem, Twin Falls, and Cacapon state parks. Acting Chief of Parks Dillard Price said the agreement will provide visiting youth discounts, and rounds can be booked by walk-in or by calling the … Read more

Prince Albert II, heir to the princely throne of Monaco, son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace (formerly actress Grace Kelly) poses in C&O outfit on a passenger car during his family’s trip aboard Chessie 29. Gifted to him by C&O Railway President Walter J. Tuohy, Prince Albert was reportedly so pleased with the engineer’s costume that he put on the outfit immediately and did not want to take it off. Prince Albert II is the current sovereign prince of Monaco. Prince Rainier III, Grace, Albert, and Caroline visited The Greenbrier in April 1963, traveling on Tuohy's business car Chessie 29.

Recreation

Secret bunker in W.Va. built to hide Congress in event of nuclear war

June 2, 2025 by Hinaa Noor

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS. W.Va. — A vast underground bunker lay hidden for decades in the mountains beneath one of America’s most luxurious resorts, built in secret to shelter the U.S. Congress in the event of nuclear disaster. It was among the world’s most closely guarded secrets for 30 years, although it’s now open to the public, … Read more

Is it possible that this unnamed adventurer could have survived an adventure in the caverns beneath the Greenbrier Valley?

Recreation

Did a settler survive lost in caverns beneath W.Va.’s Greenbrier Valley?

June 1, 2025 by David Sibray

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — One of the strangest tales to come out of Greenbrier County in West Virginia may be the legend of the Sinking Creek caverns. Little information exists outside of one harrowing account, reprinted here, but that account characterizes the largely uncharted world extending over more than 80 miles just beneath the valley’s surface. … Read more

Justin Connor's record Blue Catfish promises to be one of many to be taken in West Virginia as trophies grow.

Recreation

W.Va. officials expect more record-breaking fish amid growing trend

May 22, 2025 by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Record-breaking fish seem to have become the new normal in West Virginia, and state officials say there are several reasons for the uptick, which is not likely to end soon. David I. Wellman, Jr., assistant chief of fish management for the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, says anglers are landing giants with … Read more

The annual fishing weekend also includes derbies at Little Beaver Lake at the Bowden Fish Hatchery on June 7.

Recreation

Family-friendly Free Fishing Days in West Virginia to return June 7-8

May 22, 2025 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Free Fishing Days will return June 7-8, allowing anglers and their families to fish for free in public lakes, streams, and rivers in West Virginia. Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, said the annual event has helped anglers pass on the practice to new generations. “One of the … Read more

Crowds gather at the Claudia Workman Wildlife Education Center at the Forks-of-Coal State Nature Center.

Recreation

W.Va. asking public for input on Forks-of-Coal State Natural Area

May 14, 2025 by David Sibray

ALUM CREEK, W.Va. — Officials with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will host a public meeting on Tuesday, May 20, to review and receive feedback on options proposed for developing the Forks-of-Coal State Natural Area. At the confluence of the Little Coal and Big Coal rivers south of Charleston, West Virginia, on the … 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

Nature’s classroom in the Kanawha Valley: A vibrant trail system blossoms in Buffalo

Apply now for W.Va. deer hunt lottery during 2025 antlerless season

W.Va. adds five new ‘Almost Heaven’ swings for perfect photo moments

Snowshoe Mountain replacing iconic Shavers Center with modern lodge

Parks partner with nonprofit to make golf more affordable for W.Va. youth

Secret bunker in W.Va. built to hide Congress in event of nuclear war

Did a settler survive lost in caverns beneath W.Va.’s Greenbrier Valley?

W.Va. officials expect more record-breaking fish amid growing trend

Family-friendly Free Fishing Days in West Virginia to return June 7-8

W.Va. asking public for input on Forks-of-Coal State Natural Area