ELKINS, W.Va. — Recreational trails are a major part of West Virginia’s tourism economy, especially in the rugged landscape of the Monongahela National Forest, where thousands of hikers and mountain bikers explore its scenic backcountry each year. To strengthen tourism and improve trail conditions in the forest’s northern region, a new partnership has been formed ...
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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 analyst at StorageCafe. Man said an analysis of 2024 U.S. Census data sharply contrasts with the state’s … Read more
ELKINS, W.Va. — The Monongahela National Forest has acquired a 427-acre tract in Randolph County known as the Cunningham Knob addition, expanding public land near Cunningham Knob and the Laurel Fork area. The property was purchased from Cunningham Knob rises above the Sunks of Gandy. Photo by Rick Burgess[/caption] Greenbrier District Ranger Shane Jones said … Read more
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 getting out,” Duncan said. “We have world-class mountain biking and hiking trails, activities at Shavers Lake, one … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Memorial Day weekend this year is expected to bring record travel across the U.S., and West Virginia officials, tourism businesses, and travelers are preparing for crowded highways, full campgrounds, and busy outdoor destinations. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during … Read more
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 two fields in the Stonewall Jackson Wildlife Management Area in Lewis County. Both two-day hunting seasons are … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — If carefully managed, Appalachian medicinal plants and edibles can help support rural economies and preserve centuries of traditional knowledge, says a West Virginia University professor. Kirsten Stephan, program coordinator of forestry at the Kirsten Stephan, teaching professor of forest resources management and program coordinator of forestry (WVU Photo)[/caption] “By cultivating high-value botanicals … Read more
