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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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Barking dogs pose health, workplace concerns for more West Virginians

New West Virginia Cryptids license plate depicting Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster, and other mysterious creatures against a moonlit mountain landscape.

Travel / Transportation

West Virginia unveils license plate featuring nine legendary Mountain State monsters

David Sibray October 29, 2026

WVU professor Elizabeth Cohen smiles beside a Ghostface mask outdoors on campus.

Arts

Why do we love scary movies? WVU expert explains the psychology of fear

Visitors enjoy panoramic views of orange and red autumn foliage from the stone overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia.

Travel / Transportation

West Virginia fall color peaks, but the most beautiful days may still lie ahead

Cunard Road winds through wooded terrain toward the New River in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia.

National Parks

Two New River Gorge roads to close for winter, limiting river access

Latest West Virginia News

Black dog looking through an opening in a green wooden fence.

Lodging and Real Estate

Barking dogs pose health, workplace concerns for more West Virginians

October 27, 2026

Bright full moon in a dusky purple sky, framed by silhouetted, out-of-focus tree branches.

Festivals / Events

Hunter’s Moon rises over West Virginia, recalling old mountain traditions

October 25, 2026

White house with a stone chimney and flowering shrubs framed by two large mature shade trees.

Botany and Forestry

Why trees increase property values—and why wealthy neighborhoods have more of them

October 24, 2026

Close-up photograph of a small warbler held gently in a bird bander's hand, showing its yellow throat and distinctive facial markings.

Wildlife / Conservancy

Dozens of birdwatchers thought they’d found one of America’s rarest birds in West Virginia

October 22, 2026

Long rows of cultivated crops stretch toward a distant tree line beneath a broad evening sky.

Agriculture

West Virginia agriculture commissioner warns data centers could threaten valuable farmland

October 22, 2026

Forests stretch across the mountains of West Virginia, which ranked second nationally in a new study of potential Bigfoot sightings. Approximately 78 percent of the state is forested.

Lore and Legend

West Virginia ranks No. 2 in America for spotting Bigfoot, study finds

October 21, 2026

Communities

New River Gorge Bridge spanning a deep, forested canyon, viewed from the rocky Long Point overlook in West Virginia.

New River Gorge enters new era as America’s 64th national park is named

David Sibray October 21, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — After nearly six years as America’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is entering a new phase of tourism promotion as the designation passes to Chiricahua National Park in Arizona.

A person holds several green pawpaws gathered in a blue denim shirt outdoors.

West Virginia grants target new markets for pawpaws, forest crops

David Sibray October 20, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Eight West Virginia agricultural projects have received federal grants, including those focused on expanding forest farming, developing food products from native pawpaws, and helping small growers process their harvests. The W.Va. Department of Agriculture announced

Illustration of a powerful solar eruption above Earth, with numerous satellites orbiting the planet against a backdrop of fiery solar activity.

West Virginia University researchers aim to reduce satellite collision risks from solar storms

October 19, 2026

A white-tailed deer stands in the middle of a snow-covered rural road in November, surrounded by trees as light snow falls.

West Virginia leads nation in animal collisions as deer season raises danger

October 16, 2026

Visitors explore the historic downtown of Hinton, a gateway to the southern reaches of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, where brick-lined streets, local shops, and mountain scenery offer a quieter side of the park experience. (Photo: David Sibray / WVExplorer)

As New River Gorge attracts newcomers, Hinton foundation invites investment in community

October 15, 2026

West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon generates an estimated $75.5 million in annual statewide economic activity, according to a new study of West Virginia's independent colleges and universities.

West Virginia’s private colleges generate nearly $392 million annually, study finds

October 14, 2026

Attractions

West Virginia State Parks is offering 2027 golf season passes providing unlimited play at four resort courses, including Cacapon, Canaan Valley, Pipestem and Twin Falls. Annual passes start at $459.

West Virginia offers unlimited golf at four state parks with 2027 season passes

David Sibray October 15, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Golfers can play four West Virginia state park courses with a single 2027 season pass. Annual passes start at $459 for midweek play, and a three-month summer pass costs $399. “Our championship golf courses showcase

A U.S. Forest Service firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite a prescribed burn. Similar controlled fires are planned across 726 acres of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia this fall to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. (USDA Forest Service photo by Lindsey Winkel)

Forest service plans controlled burns on 726 acres in Monongahela National Forest

Clyde Craig October 10, 2026

ELKINS, W.Va. — Federal forest managers plan to deliberately burn 726 acres of West Virginia’s mountain forests this fall, using controlled fires to improve wildlife habitat, restore natural ecological processes, and reduce the risk of destructive wildfires. The

Stonewall Resort Complex on Stonewall Jackson Lake

West Virginia resort Stonewall ranks among South’s best in Condé Nast Traveler awards

October 6, 2026

A vehicle enters Coopers Rock State Forest in northern West Virginia. The West Virginia State Parks Foundation hopes to expand private fundraising for projects at state parks, forests and rail trails across the state.

Foundation seeks to expand private funding for West Virginia State Parks projects

October 2, 2026

adventure tourism have become increasingly important drivers of the state's visitor economy. (Photo: David Sibray)

Nearly $20 million in upgrades coming to West Virginia state parks

September 30, 2026

The New River Gorge Bridge rises above the New River amid autumn foliage in southern West Virginia. Fall brings cooler weather, whitewater recreation and changing colors to the national park region.

Autumn changes the New River Gorge and gives travelers new reasons to visit

September 28, 2026

Recreation

Young angler wearing a blue cap holds a large rainbow trout beside a rocky stream.

West Virginia stocking 40,000 pounds of trout in lakes, streams this fall

David Sibray October 19, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — About 40,000 pounds of trout will be stocked in nearly 40 West Virginia lakes and streams during the weeks of October 19 and 26, giving anglers opportunities to fish during the state’s fall foliage season.

Older man with a gray beard wearing camouflage hunting clothing and a cap, seated in the woods with other hunters in the background.

Special West Virginia deer season opens for youth, seniors, disabled hunters

Will Reedy October 17, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A special deer-hunting season opens Saturday, Oct. 17, across 51 West Virginia counties, allowing young hunters, senior citizens, and qualifying hunters with disabilities to hunt deer during a two-day period reserved for those groups. The

Skiers descend Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The resort is targeting Nov. 25 for the opening of its 2026–27 ski season.

Snowshoe sets Nov. 25 opening date as West Virginia ski season approaches

Clyde Craig October 6, 2026

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain Resort are targeting Nov. 25 to open its 2026–27 ski season, putting West Virginia’s largest ski destination 50 days from the start of winter operations, weather permitting. The four-season resort in the Allegheny Mountains

A gray squirrel feeds on an acorn. Production of acorns and other forest foods known as mast can influence the movements of deer, squirrels, bears and other wildlife in West Virginia.

Fewer acorns could mean more deer sightings for West Virginia hunters this fall

October 1, 2026

West Virginia’s archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear and wild boar open Sept. 26, 2026.

West Virginia archery season opens Sept. 26 for deer, bear, and wild boar

September 25, 2026

A child climbs a tree while exploring the woods. Outdoor educator Levi Moore says adults can help children develop a lasting connection with nature by giving them opportunities to explore, play and discover outdoors.

Want your children to spend more time outdoors? Start with yourself, educator says

September 16, 2026

Chefs from 10 West Virginia state parks are preparing dishes including rabbit pot pie, venison chili, shredded duck tacos, burgoo and other foods for National Hunting and Fishing Day at Stonewall Resort State Park.

Rabbit pot pie, venison chili, duck tacos on menu at West Virginia outdoor celebration

September 16, 2026

Mountain bikers ride a wooded trail in Beckley, West Virginia, where an expanding trail network is part of an effort to develop the city as an outdoor recreation destination.

West Virginia city eyes 40-mile trail network near New River Gorge

September 10, 2026

A young shooter receives guidance while handling a firearm. West Virginia has eliminated the minimum age for its special youth hunting seasons, although hunters younger than 15 must still be accompanied by a licensed adult. Photo credit: Remy Gieling

West Virginia eliminates minimum age for youth hunting seasons

September 10, 2026

Wesley Scarbrough helps his brother-in-law, Justin, fire a gun while squirrel hunting near Rock Creek, West Virginia, in 1995. The photograph by Lyntha Scott Eiler is part of the Library of Congress Coal River Folklife Project.

Long a West Virginia rite of passage, squirrel hunting returns Saturday

September 10, 2026

Tyler Harmon holds the 72.75-pound blue catfish he caught in the Ohio River in Jackson County as a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources official assists with the record certification. The fish set a new state weight record and was released alive. (WVDNR photo)

West Virginia brought back a giant native fish that now keeps breaking records

September 4, 2026

A bicycle rests beside the Meadow River along the Meadow River Rail Trail, an 18-mile route between Rainelle and Nallen in southern West Virginia. (Photo courtesy Meadow River Rail Trail)

New 18-mile trail is revealing a hidden West Virginia river valley

September 4, 2026

Culture

Three costumed riders on horseback cross a green meadow beneath forested mountains during filming of The Kingdom of Rexmonte.

West Virginia mountains become medieval kingdom in award-winning fantasy film

David Sibray October 19, 2026

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — The mountains and forests of southern West Virginia have become the setting for a medieval fantasy kingdom in an award-winning independent film scheduled to make its world premiere in Lewisburg in December. The Kingdom of

The Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park is one of West Virginia's most recognizable tourism landmarks, photographed and shared around the world for decades. The state's new tourism secretary says West Virginia's next challenge is turning growing national attention into repeat visits and economic opportunity.

West Virginia offers state park getaway in autumn photo contest

David Sibray October 18, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Photographers visiting West Virginia’s state parks, forests, and rail trails this autumn have until November 6 to enter a statewide photography contest for a chance to win a resort stay and other prizes for images

Historic black-and-white photograph of spiritualist medium Elizabeth Winn Blake seated with three men, one holding a long speaking trumpet.

The mysterious Mrs. Blake: The Ohio River medium who claimed to speak with the dead

David Sibray October 17, 2026

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — In August 1906, a Huntington physician conducted an experiment to test the reputed supernatural abilities of Elizabeth Winn Blake, a spiritualist medium whose séances were drawing visitors to the Ohio River Valley. Dr. L.V. Guthrie,

Four members of the American Pickers television production pose beside and inside a white Antique Archaeology van.

Lore and Legend

Rafters descend the Gauley River in West Virginia, one of the world’s celebrated whitewater runs. A form of the river’s unusual name appears in records dating to at least 1774, though its origin remains uncertain. (Photo courtesy ACE Adventure Resort)

Real Estate

The 80-foot Red Oak Fire Lookout in the Monongahela National Forest is now available for overnight stays in Webster County, West Virginia. (Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service)

History and Prehistory

Coal miners pose with a mine locomotive at the drift mouth at Kaymoor in the New River Gorge. Coal companies established and named hundreds of mining communities across West Virginia during the industry's expansion. National Park Service photo.

State Parks

A steam-powered excursion train travels through the mountains at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. A new 100-site campground has opened at the popular railroad and outdoor recreation destination.

Hunting

Participants learn outdoor skills during a Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop in West Virginia. The nationally recognized program introduces women to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities in a supportive setting.

Fishing

Morgantown angler Robert Glover holds the 9.76-inch pumpkinseed sunfish he caught at Cheat Lake, setting the West Virginia record for a category that has now been broken three times in little more than a month. (Photo courtesy W.Va. DNR)

Hiking

A couple walks a wooded trail at Pipestem Resort State Park, where the West Virginia Trails Conference will be held Nov. 8–10, 2026.

Skiing

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

National Parks

The New River Gorge Bridge spans New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia, which recorded nearly 2 million recreation visits in 2025. (NPS photo/Gary Hartley)

Kayaking

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

Whitewater Rafting

Rafters charge through whitewater on the Gauley River during Gauley Season in West Virginia. The six-week fall season draws thousands of whitewater enthusiasts to the river each year. (NPS photo)

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

Travel / Transportation