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.
BURNING SPRINGS, W.Va. — Practically inaccessible for years, one of the state’s legendary rock formations is attracting the attention of hikers and other intrepid sightseers. Though the journey to the “Devil’s Tea Table” may require visitors to climb a steep slope and drive a vehicle that can ford small streams, the payoff is rewarding, and … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia ski resorts are experiencing one of their best seasons in over a decade, with exceptional conditions expected for President’s Day weekend (Feb. 15-17), according to state officials. Tom Wagner, president of the West Virginia Ski Areas Association, said an additional 8 to 10 inches of snowfall is forecasted over the … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The final segment of West Virginia’s 2024-2025 residents-only firearms and archery-and-crossbow seasons for wild boar will be open in Boone, Logan, Raleigh, and Wyoming counties Feb. 7–9. Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, said a hunt for the rare species, which roams and isolated mountain region in … Read more
CORTLAND, W.Va. — High in the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia lies a scenic valley which a Canadian-like climate in which it can snow 10 months out of the year. Though only two hours from the Washington beltway, the Canaan Valley receives more snow than the snowiest reporting station in Maine and a shorter … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunters in West Virginia harvested 17 percent more fall turkeys in 2024 than in 2023, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Division director Brett McMillion said the increase is evidence of the success of the state’s long-range management plan. “West Virginia is truly a top destination for turkey … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Only the most sharp-eyed outdoor enthusiasts may have spotted this remarkable one-leafed orchid hiding in the West Virginia woodlands in winter. While most plants gather sunlight in the warm months, this remarkable denizen of the forest floor produces its single papery leaf in winter after the canopy of leaves drops. The unusual … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources stocked 44 lakes and streams with trout in late October, and anglers who take some of them are eligible for prizes. More than 35,000 pounds of trophy-size trout and 6,500 pounds of monster trout (100 of which were tagged) were stocked in advance of its … Read more
GAULEY BRIDGE, W.Va. — The global attention that one of America’s newest national parks has garnered is boosting interest in The Talon, an exceptional new motorsports route in southern West Virginia. The 18-mile stretch of two-lane US-60 that skirts the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is growing fast as a favorite route for … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunting and trapping seasons for several small game and fur-bearing species in West Virginia will open on November 2, 2024. Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, says the season represents the state’s diverse outdoor adventure. “West Virginia has a hunting season for everyone, and our trapping opportunities … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials are urging hunters to participate in the state’s 2024 early antlerless deer firearms season, which will open Oct. 24–27. The early season is vital to the health of the state’s high deer population, says Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Department of Natural Resources. “In addition to giving hunters … Read more
