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Communities
W.Va. tourism grows as 2026 Vacation Guide demand reaches record levels
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 200,000 copies of the 2026 West Virginia Vacation Guide have been distributed by the W.Va. Department of Tourism since its launch in February, reflecting growing interest in the Mountain State as a top
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WVU School of Nursing to host to free day camp for high school students
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — The West Virginia University School of Nursing will host its fourth annual day camp on Saturday, June 6, for high school students who are interested in exploring nursing as a career. During the free
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Attractions
Iconic “Almost Heaven” swing added to Cedar Creek State Park in central West Virginia
GLENVILLE, W.Va. — An “Almost Heaven” swing has been installed at Cedar Creek State Park in central West Virginia, the latest of more than 60 such iconic swings that are attracting tourists who are fascinated by the idea
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Monongahela National Forest seeks conservation proposals in five West Virginia counties
ELKINS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Resource Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for conservation and infrastructure projects that benefit the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities. Funding is provided through the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act,
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Recreation
Here’s why fishing records are being broken more often now in West Virginia
PETERSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia anglers are breaking fishing records with unusual frequency, a trend fisheries experts say reflects years of better fish stocking, improved water quality, and the maturation of trophy-sized fish populations. So far in the
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South Branch ends mourning dove permits; controlled hunt begin at Stonewall Jackson
ROMNEY, W.Va. — Mourning dove hunters no longer need to apply for a limited permit to hunt at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy and Hampshire counties. They will now be able to hunt doves in
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Lore and Legend
Origin of the name “Pickle Street” remains a central West Virginia mystery
PICKLE STREET, W.Va. — Of all the odd community names in West Virginia, “Pickle Street” may rank among the oddest. Why this hamlet in Lewis County bears the name “pickle” is as much a mystery as why it
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The house that vanished overnight: West Virginia’s Neerly House haunting
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — At least two mysteries tangle in the tale of the Neerly house. What happened to the house? What happened to “old man Neerly? And where did the late folklorist Ruth Ann Musick encounter the legend?
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The horrors of Skull Run recounted by late West Virginia historian
SKULL RUN, W.Va. — A traveler motoring through the pastures in this wooded section off the Ohio River might have little idea of the dark tales that have arisen there. With its grazing cattle, it seems a world
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Real Estate
More Americans, notably Gen Z, are moving to West Virginia, new census analysis shows
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has long been associated with outmigration, but new data tell a different story. The Mountain State now ranks among the nation’s top states for net domestic migration, according to Emilia Man, senior research
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Snowshoe Mountain announces 2026 summer events, launches new music fest
SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain, in Youth compete in summer biking events at Snowshoe Mountain. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain)[/caption] “Summer is probably the mountain’s best-kept secret, but with events like 4848 and Ballhooter, the secret is
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This may look like a 1980s Pizza Hut, but it’s a vacation rental in West Virginia
Fayetteville, W.Va. — What began as a search for an affordable retirement option has turned into one of southern West Virginia’s most imaginative tourism ventures. Nate Adams and his wife, Rachel Adkins, are the founders of Appalachian Escapes,
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Culture
Hidden healing spring on historic Pence Springs resort grounds draws new interest
PENCE SPRINGS, W.Va. — Historians in West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley are searching for answers about a little-known healing spring hidden on the grounds of the famed Pence Springs Hotel, a once-renowned mineral resort now on the market. While
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49th annual Vandalia Gathering celebrates old-time and bluegrass music at state capital
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Now in its 49th year, the Vandalia Gathering—West Virginia’s signature celebration of folk music, arts, and heritage—returns May 22–25 to the grounds of the state capitol in Charleston. The free, public event attracts more than
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Few may recall 1779 Pauley massacre fought in the shadow of East River Mountain
OAKVALE, W.Va.— Motorists traveling along US 460 east of Autumn at Brush Creek Falls in Mercer County near the Bluestone National Scenic River.[/caption] The incident, remembered as the Pauley Massacre, was among many deadly clashes that marked the
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History and Prehistory
Frank James entered a West Virginia bank in 1872 — and left without robbing it
PRINCETON, W.Va. — In 1872, when the name Frank James still carried the weight of fear and notoriety across the border states, the older brother of Jesse James quietly rode into Princeton, West Virginia, and walked straight into
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Runaway Virginia slave deceived by rescuer changed public opinion in Ohio
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — On a September morning in 1856, attorney James Jackson awoke to learn that one of the people he claimed to be his property had stolen one of his horses and fled for freedom. Jackson was
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Farmington Mine Disaster still echoes across West Virginia coal country
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — Before dawn on November 20, 1968, a thunderous explosion ripped through Consolidation Coal Company’s No. 9 mine outside this Marion County town, sending smoke, flames, and debris high into the cold West Virginia sky. Within
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State Parks
West Virginia state parks seek seasonal employees for summer 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State parks in West Virginia are hiring seasonal employees for the 2026 summer season, and local residents are being encouraged to apply. Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks, said seasonal employees are
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West Virginia State Parks Foundation launches online merchandise store
HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched an official online merchandise store, offering supporters a new way to celebrate West Virginia’s parks while directly supporting projects across the state park system. The online shop
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West Virginia state parks, Smooth Ambler expand branded bourbon partnership statewide
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A partnership blending West Virginia’s outdoor heritage with its growing reputation for craft spirits is expanding statewide. Officials with West Virginia State Parks announced that a new series of state-park-branded bourbons produced by Smooth Ambler
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Hunting
Black bear harvest remained steady in West Virginia in 2025 as predicted
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia hunters harvested 2,469 black bears during the combined 2025 archery, crossbow, and firearms seasons, according to preliminary figures released this week by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The total is nearly identical
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West Virginia announces winners of 2025 West Virginia Big Buck Photo Contest
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced the winners of the 2025 West Virginia Big Buck Photo Contest during the opening ceremony of the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show at the Charleston Coliseum and
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W.Va. DNR to sponsor West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show in Charleston
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will sponsor the annual West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, set for Jan. 23–25 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, bringing thousands of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts
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Fishing
Reedsville man catches state record chain pickerel in Preston County pond
REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — Matt Born, of Reedsville, in Preston County, West Virginia, has caught a new state-record chain pickerel at a pond in the county. He landed the 27.95-inch, 5.65-pound fish on April 21 using a homemade spinner on
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West Virginia trout stocking Jan. 5: biologists stock 46 waters statewide
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources in Charleston announced that hatchery crews stocked trout in 46 lakes and streams across West Virginia during the week of Jan. 5, continuing the agency’s winter trout-stocking
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West Virginia trout stocking resumes in lakes and streams statewide
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,
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Hiking
West Virginia state parks to ring in 2026 with 24 First Day hikes across the state
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome the New Year by inviting residents and visitors to step outside, lace up their boots, and explore the state’s public lands during 24 free, guided First Day Hikes on
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Three powerful reasons to hike West Virginia when the temperature drops
BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginians know winter differently. When the leaves fall, and the chatter of summer tourism fades, the Mountain State and its Appalachian neighbors enter a season that feels quieter, older, and somehow more honest. For
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West Virginia trail advocacy organization to hold statewide meetings this fall
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Trail advocates and trail-building organizations from across West Virginia are being asked to voice their opinions on building and maintaining the Mountain State’s recreational trails this fall in a series of statewide meetings. Sam England,
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Skiing
White Grass cross-country skiing elevates winter in Canaan Valley, West Virginia
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
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Snowshoe Mountain opens 2025–26 ski season with fresh snow, free lift tickets
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
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Three of four West Virginia alpine ski areas to open this week
GHENT, W.Va. – West Virginia is officially kicking off ski season as three of the state’s four mountain resorts prepare to welcome visitors this week. Timberline Mountain opens on December 4, Snowshoe Mountain opens on December 5, and
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National Parks
Lost village of “Lilly” hides in national park lands in West Virginia
HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where the Bluestone River winds, the lost village of “Lilly” was among southern West Virginia’s first frontier communities. The landscape today only hints at a small settlement that had a
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Tourism surge in southern West Virginia yields more than $108 million for local economy
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — A newly released report from the National Park Service shows that visitation and spending in the three southern West Virginia national park units delivered a significant economic boost in 2024. The data indicate that
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Oral history recordings now available on New River Gorge national park website
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Officials at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia have announced the publication of a collection of oral history recordings of residents and others with knowledge of the park and
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Kayaking
Despite river traffic, the scenic Ohio can be a safe kayaking destination
WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — As interest in kayaking on the Ohio River in West Virginia increases, officials advise paddlers to be especially attentive to safety. While the river may seem a sleepy reprieve in good weather, paddlers should be
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Ohio River refuge islands in W.Va. increasingly attract kayakers
WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — More than 20 virtually forgotten islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are increasingly attracting kayakers drawn by the opportunity to explore one of the nation’s evolving wildlife refuges. Amid a landscape pulled from
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Guyandotte River float, regatta scheduled for June 24
GILBERT, W.Va. — Officials with the Guyandotte Water Trail Alliance are inviting paddlers and residents of the Guyandotte Valley in West Virginia to float the scenic river during the third annual Guyandotte River Regatta & Float. Being celebrated
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Whitewater Rafting
New River Gorge resort in W.Va. shares industry trends in diversity
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — From increases in diversity to an uptick in female groups, the outdoor adventure industry in the New River Gorge region in West Virginia has witnessed significant shifts in guest participation in recent years, according to
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National Geographic names rafting New River Gorge top 2024 experience
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge in West Virginia has been named one of National Geographic magazine’s “Best of the World” Top 20 Travel Experiences for 2024. The internationally acclaimed publication selected whitewater rafting
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Resort re-introduces sunset rafting trips in the New River Gorge
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Old-time river rafters know that nothing compares to a sunset whitewater journey through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The long shadows and warm evening breezes make for a transcendent romantic experience. Thanks to
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Biking
Officials unveil largest mountain bike trail project in W.Va. history
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — West Virginia officials have broken ground on the largest mountain bike trail project in state history. At Cacapon Resort State Park, a two-hour drive from downtown Washington, D.C., the $3.5 million project will add
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West Virginia an ideal statewide destination for mountain biking
With its ideal mix of terrain, elevation, and untouched beauty begging to be discovered, West Virginia is an ideal destination for mountain biking, according to one of its chief proponents. Tracy Toler, co-owner of Adventure Trail Systems, says
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Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center unveiled today by IMBA
The International Mountain Bicycling Association announced this week the new recipient of its IMBA Ride Center designation—the Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. “It is our pleasure to welcome Snowshoe Highlands as IMBA’s newest Ride
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Latest News
Economic Development
West Virginia companies honored for expanding at 2026 Governor’s Export Award
Lore and Legend
Wild Man of West Virginia? The cave-dwelling lives of Orval Brown and Jack Franklin
Health and Medicine
WVU study shows pregnant women who move more have better outcomes
State Parks, Forests
West Virginia state parks celebrate National Trails Day with hikes, volunteer events
Travel / Transportation
W.Va. tourism grows as 2026 Vacation Guide demand reaches record levels
Travel / Transportation
West Virginia experts say tourist towns lose money when businesses close on Sundays
History / Prehistory
Hidden healing spring on historic Pence Springs resort grounds draws new interest
State Parks, Forests
Iconic “Almost Heaven” swing added to Cedar Creek State Park in central West Virginia
Culture