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WVExplorer delivers the latest West Virginia news and original reporting on communities, travel, culture, history, recreation, and life across the Mountain State. View our West Virginia Travel Guide!

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The mystery of Wood Mountain, the New River Gorge’s forgotten ridge of lights and legends

The midway comes alive after dark at the State Fair of West Virginia in Lewisburg, where carnival rides, games, food vendors and crowds have long been part of one of the state’s most enduring summer traditions. (Photo courtesy Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Festivals / Events

101st State Fair of West Virginia opens Thursday for 10-day run

Clyde Craig August 10, 2026

Union soldiers reached the Mercer Saltworks on the New River during the early hours of Aug. 10, 1862, finding its steam engine running and its enormous salt pans boiling before destroying the works by fire. (WVExplorer illustration)

History / Prehistory

A future U.S. president sent 150 soldiers to destroy this West Virginia saltworks

Nemacolin in southwestern Pennsylvania is hosting a record 21 West Virginia University interns this summer, giving students experience across the luxury resort’s hospitality, recreation, entertainment and wildlife operations.

Higher Education

Record number of WVU students get behind-the-scenes look at Nemacolin luxury resort

Paddlers make their way down the Greenbrier River in southeastern West Virginia, where cool mountain water, forested shorelines and higher elevations have long provided an escape from the summer heat. (Photo courtesy Kirstin Cole)

Travel / Transportation

‘Coolcations’ are surging as travelers escape the heat. West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley is ready

Latest West Virginia News

o ensure students feel at home on campus during the upcoming school year, WVU Welcome Week offers a little something for all students to enjoy through engagement and entertainment. (WVU Photo)

Higher Education

Thousands of WVU students are returning to Morgantown during Welcome Week

August 7, 2026

An artist’s interpretation of the legend of Crock Face, an Indigenous warrior said to have disguised himself as a scarecrow while waiting near the home of an early settler in what is now Harrison County, West Virginia.

Lore and Legend

The scarecrow that wasn’t a scarecrow—the dark West Virginia legend of Crock Face

August 6, 2026

Fresh vegetables are harvested at a West Virginia farm. Locally grown produce from farms across the Mountain State will headline the 2026 West Virginia State Parks Farm-to-Table Dinner Series, where park chefs create seasonal menus showcasing regional ingredients. (Getty Image)

Food

West Virginia state parks farm-to-table dinners return with local chefs, Appalachian flavors

August 6, 2026

President Abraham Lincoln reviews documents in late 1862 as he weighs whether to sign the legislation admitting West Virginia to the Union, a decision that would permanently change the map of the United States.

History / Prehistory

West Virginia—the American state that Abraham Lincoln almost didn’t create

August 5, 2026

Members of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's Class of 2030 gather during orientation in Lewisburg. The incoming class includes 79 West Virginia residents—the largest number of in-state students ever enrolled at WVSOM—as the school expands efforts to train physicians for rural and underserved communities.

Higher Education

West Virginia medical school enrolls record in-state students as physician shortage persists

August 5, 2026

Cast members from Oglebay Institute's Parcel Players perform in Guys and Dolls at Towngate Theatre in downtown Wheeling. The summer youth theater production runs Aug. 6-9 and features performers ages 13-21.

Arts

Classic Broadway musical gives travelers one more reason to discover historic Wheeling

August 4, 2026

Communities

A growing number of people are turning to AI chatbots for conversations about stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns. West Virginia University researchers say the technology can support education but should not replace trained mental health professionals.

More people are using ChatGPT for mental health. Researchers say it can’t replace a psychiatrist

Clyde Craig August 4, 2026

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Millions of people now turn to artificial intelligence chatbots with questions they once reserved for therapists, doctors, or close friends. They ask about anxiety, depression, loneliness, and even suicidal thoughts, often because the technology is

August wildflowers in West Virginia: A butterfly feeds on blooming goldenrod during peak wildflower season in West Virginia. Goldenrod is among the state's most abundant late-summer native wildflowers, providing an important source of nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators as autumn approaches. (Photo courtesy Michael Barrick)

Peak summer wildflowers are blooming across West Virginia; Where to find them this August

Bianca Bosworth August 2, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — For many travelers, spring gets all the attention when it comes to wildflowers. Yet some of West Virginia’s most spectacular wildflowers don’t arrive until summer is nearly over. As August settles across the Mountain State,

A couple enjoys the cool shade of a West Virginia forest during a summer hike. The state's high elevations, dense woodlands and frequent passages of cool Canadian air often create refreshing conditions that have drawn travelers to the mountains for generations.

Why summer heat never lasts in West Virginia and why travelers have loved it for generations

July 30, 2026

Hikers document an apparently ill white-tailed deer they encounter along a wooded West Virginia trail, illustrating the kind of observation that can now be reported through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources' new online Wildlife Disease and Mortality Reporting Tool.

West Virginia launches online tool for reporting sick and dead wildlife

July 29, 2026

An aerial view of the historic Pence Springs Hotel in Summers County, W.Va., shows the former mineral springs resort surrounded by the forests and rolling hills that made it one of Appalachia's best-known mountain retreats. The 138-acre property is now being offered for sale through Foxfire Realty.

One of America’s forgotten mineral springs resorts is for sale and awaiting its next chapter

July 29, 2026

A kayaker paddles through a spectacular bloom of pink water lilies at Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area near Pax, one of southern West Virginia's most peaceful paddling destinations. The 202-acre lake is known for its quiet coves, excellent fishing and abundant wildlife.

Hidden New River Gorge lake, Plum Orchard welcomes visitors after $1.2 million makeover

July 29, 2026

Attractions

Visitors stroll through the recreated 19th-century village at Heritage Farm Museum and Village near Huntington, West Virginia, the state's only Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. The 150-acre destination combines Appalachian history, artisan demonstrations, wildlife and outdoor adventure.

Heritage Farm, West Virginia’s only Smithsonian affiliate, belongs on every Ohio Valley road trip

Amanda Larch Hinchman August 2, 2026

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Few travelers expect to find West Virginia’s only Smithsonian Institution affiliate tucked into the hills outside of one of its largest cities. Yet Heritage Farm Museum and Village has become one of Appalachia’s most distinctive

Cyclists ride the Rend Trail, one of the easiest and most scenic routes through New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The historic former railroad corridor is scheduled to reopen in 2027 following an $11.8 million rehabilitation project.

One of New River Gorge’s easiest trails is closing for two years—but it will return better than ever

David Sibray July 31, 2026

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Hidden beneath the forests of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of the easiest ways to experience one of America’s newest national parks. Unlike many of the gorge’s steep, rugged trails,

Conceptual rendering: The historic Prince Brothers General Store restored as a welcoming destination for visitors, offering local foods, outdoor gear, and Appalachian products while serving as a gateway to the New River Gorge.

Instead of demolishing New River Gorge history, a new plan would put it back to work

July 31, 2026

Mountain Creek Lodge glows in the evening at the bottom of West Virginia's Bluestone Gorge, where the new Mountain Creek Appalachian Cuisine restaurant welcomes diners arriving by Pipestem Resort State Park's iconic aerial tram.

This W.Va. restaurant can only be reached by descending by tram into a mountain gorge

July 30, 2026

A drone view captures Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park in the Ohio River near Parkersburg, where the reconstructed Blennerhassett Mansion stands amid mature trees. Once the estate of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett, the island became the setting for Aaron Burr's mysterious western expedition and today is one of West Virginia's most distinctive historic destinations.

After killing Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr ventured to this legendary island in W.Va.

July 23, 2026

Our Lady of the Pines, a tiny chapel near Silver Lake in Preston County, is among the unexpected West Virginia landmarks featured in Peggy Stanton's new book The United "Saints" of America. Built in 1958 by Lithuanian immigrant Peter Milkint, the chapel has become one of the state's most distinctive places of worship.

United Saints of America author discovers West Virginia’s unexpected Catholic landmarks

July 21, 2026

Recreation

Filmmaker Emma Crow-Willard pauses beside a mountain stream while hiking West Virginia's 320-mile Allegheny Trail. Her month-long journey combines backpacking with interviews exploring the changing economies of communities along the route.

Most hikers have never heard of the Allegheny Trail. One filmmaker set out to discover why

David Sibray August 3, 2026

DURBIN, W.Va. — Millions of Americans know the Appalachian Trail as one of the nation’s premier hiking destinations. Far fewer realize that another long-distance footpath crosses West Virginia’s mountains, winding through forests, rivers, and remote communities before joining

West Virginia anglers Ken Neer (left) and Sierra Adamson each caught state-record pumpkinseed sunfish in summer 2026. Adamson's catch surpassed Neer's record just 19 days after it established the species' first official place in the state's record books.

West Virginia’s new state fishing record lasted 19 days before another angler broke it

Will Reedy July 30, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It took West Virginia anglers more than a year to establish the state’s first official pumpkinseed sunfish record, and it took less than three weeks to break it. The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources has

Two cyclists bike the West Fork Rail Trail near Durbin in the Monongahela National Forest.

Expedia will help two West Virginia towns build new trails into the Monongahela National Forest

Clyde Craig July 30, 2026

ELKINS, W.Va. — Visitors to two small mountain towns in eastern West Virginia will soon find it easier to step from historic downtown streets into one of the largest public forests in the eastern United States. The Mon

Kayakers paddle around Big Rock on the lower Greenbrier River near Hinton, West Virginia.

Big Rock: A Greenbrier River landmark where the Civil War didn’t end

July 17, 2026

A white-tailed doe pauses in a West Virginia forest. The state's controlled antlerless lottery hunts are designed to manage deer populations while protecting forests and wildlife habitat.

Hunters can apply for rare deer hunts in West Virginia state parks

July 16, 2026

Hikers enjoy panoramic views from North Fork Mountain Trail, where miles of exposed ridgeline overlook the South Branch Valley in eastern West Virginia.

10 best hiking trails in West Virginia for scenic views and adventure

July 15, 2026

An American woodcock pauses on the forest floor during its annual migration through Appalachia. The secretive bird depends on young forests and moist woodlands that provide shelter and abundant earthworms as it travels between its northern breeding grounds and southern wintering habitat.

As autumn migration approaches, West Virginia sets seasons for dove, rail, woodcock

July 14, 2026

An instructor guides educators through the Lower New River Gorge, where whitewater rafting offers hands-on lessons in geology, hydrology and teamwork. (Courtesy of ACE Adventure Resort)

West Virginia teachers invited to discover the New River Gorge as an outdoor classroom

July 8, 2026

West Virginia has stocked more than 50 lakes and ponds with channel catfish for the summer, giving visitors and residents fresh opportunities to fish at state parks and public waters across the Mountain State. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce)

West Virginia stocks more than 50 ponds and lakes with catfish for summer fishing season

July 6, 2026

A hunter walks through a forest during West Virginia's fall hunting season. The state has released updated hunting and trapping regulations for the 2026-27 seasons, including changes affecting deer, bear and turkey hunters. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce)

New West Virginia hunting rules could affect thousands of hunters this fall

June 29, 2026

Illustration of a commercial rafting trip running whitewater beneath the New River Gorge Bridge in southern West Virginia. The state's combination of nationally recognized rivers, dramatic mountain scenery, and outdoor adventure has made it one of the East's premier rafting destinations.

Here’s why West Virginia is the East’s premier whitewater rafting capital

June 26, 2026

A mature wild turkey gobbler displays during the spring breeding season in West Virginia. Once scarce across much of the state, wild turkeys have made one of North America's greatest wildlife recoveries and are now found in every West Virginia county. (Photo courtesy W.Va. Division of Natural Resources)

West Virginia’s wild turkeys have made one of America’s greatest wildlife comebacks

June 25, 2026

Culture

A light snowfall dusts Cathedral Cafe in downtown Fayetteville as residents gather during winter. Organizers of Fayetteville Creates hope the annual artist residency will help establish the New River Gorge community as a year-round creative destination.

Fayetteville artist residency helping make New River Gorge town a year-round creative hub

David Sibray August 4, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Long after the last whitewater rafts are pulled from the New River and winter quiet settles over the nation’s newest national park, one Fayette County town hopes artists will keep visitors coming. The community of

An aerial view of Wood Mountain rises above U.S. 19 near Glen Jean in Fayette County. For decades, residents have reported unexplained lights over the forested ridge, making it one of southern West Virginia's lesser-known folklore mysteries.

The mystery of Wood Mountain, the New River Gorge’s forgotten ridge of lights and legends

Clyde Craig August 4, 2026

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Most West Virginians know the stories of Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster. Far fewer have heard of Wood Mountain, a ridge adjoining the New River Gorge that has quietly accumulated its own reputation for

An 1863 map depicts Virginia after the creation of West Virginia, illustrating the only permanent change to the map of the United States during the Civil War.

Why are there two Virginias? Here’s how the Civil War changed the map of America

David Sibray August 3, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Most Americans know there is a Virginia and a West Virginia, but far fewer know why. The answer is not simply that the Civil War divided the nation. It also divided Virginia, producing the only

Stargazers walk a forest road in Dolly Sods Wilderness, where high elevations, expansive horizons and minimal light pollution make the Monongahela National Forest one of the premier places in the eastern United States to watch the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Lore and Legend

Water Divining: A water diviner walks an Appalachian hillside with a forked branch in this artist's rendering, illustrating a folk tradition that generations of mountain families sometimes consulted when choosing locations for new wells.

Real Estate

Tourists visit the Coal Run Company Store near the New River Gorge

History and Prehistory

An illustration contrasts two American frontiers—the forested mountains of early West Virginia and the open prairie later immortalized by Laura Ingalls Wilder—revealing how pioneer life unfolded across very different landscapes and generations.

State Parks

Hunting

The Mourning Dove is one of the most abundant and widespread North American birds and a popular gamebird.

Fishing

Hiking

Skiing

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

National Parks

A family enjoys a quiet moment overlooking the New River Gorge Bridge. Many first-time visitors underestimate the size of the national park region and end up wishing they had planned a longer stay, local tourism officials say. (Photo: David Sibray)

Kayaking

Motorboats with engines larger than 10 horsepower are now permitted to operate at no-wake speed on Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brien, Stonecoal, and Woodrum lakes.

Whitewater Rafting

Biking

One of the largest networks on the East Coast, the routes activate thousands of miles of gravel roads across the Mon Forest for visitors and communities. (Photo: Getty Images)

More West Virginia News

Festivals / Events