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.
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
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
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
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
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
HINTON, W.Va. — One of the best waterfall trails in West Virginia is also great for spring wildflowers, though hikers should be prepared for rocky terrain and three stream crossings. The two-mile Big Branch Trail in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve wanders through a wonderland of waterfalls, including 30-foot Big Branch Falls. … Read more
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
