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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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West Virginia actor, former mayor Michael Martin inducted into Hall of Fame

Conceptual rendering of the historic Thurmond railroad depot, railroad bridge and proposed retaining wall in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

National Parks

National Park Service to begin New River Gorge demolitions as preservation dispute continues

Clyde Craig November 10, 2026

Three cyclists, including a child, ride bicycles along a gravel trail bordered by trees and open fields.

ATV Touring

West Virginia trail advocates envision trails within 15 minutes of every resident

Portrait of West Virginia actor and former Mount Hope mayor Michael Meredith Martin wearing a red sweater over a light blue collared shirt.

Arts

West Virginia actor, former mayor Michael Martin inducted into Hall of Fame

Male ring-necked pheasant with colorful plumage and a long, barred tail walking across a paved road.

Hunting

West Virginia hunting seasons expand Saturday as small game, trapping seasons open

Latest West Virginia News

Young girl climbs through a circular opening in outdoor playground equipment.

State Parks, Forests

Six West Virginia parks to receive $105,000 for playground improvements

November 6, 2026

Three hikers and a brown dog rest at a rocky overlook along the Endless Wall Trail, overlooking the forested mountains of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Hiking

Local hikers rank favorite trails in West Virginia’s New River Gorge national park

November 5, 2026

Three hikers silhouetted against daylight at the entrance to a historic brick-lined railroad tunnel on the North Bend Rail Trail in West Virginia.

Hiking

National relay highlights untapped tourism potential of North Bend rail trail

November 4, 2026

isitors examine artwork at a previous West Virginia University Mountaineer Week arts and crafts fair. The annual celebration of Appalachian heritage returns November 9–15, 2026. (WVU photo)

Festivals / Events

WVU Mountaineer Week celebrates traditions of West Virginia’s early mountain settlers

November 2, 2026

State Parks, Forests

West Virginia parks foundation to raffle outdoor adventure prizes worth $14,000

November 2, 2026

Artist's illustration of Mothman with outstretched wings and glowing red eyes against a dramatic sunset sky near Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

Lore and Legend

60 years of Mothman: How a West Virginia ‘monster’ became an American legend

November 1, 2026

Communities

Young orange-and-white tabby kitten resting beside a terracotta flowerpot and turquoise planter.

West Virginia spay-neuter program faces funding shortfall after helping 98,000 animals

Clyde Craig October 30, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia program that has helped spay and neuter more than 98,000 dogs and cats since 2018 is seeking additional funding as a major private grant approaches its conclusion. Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt has

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

West Virginia unveils license plate featuring nine legendary Mountain State monsters

David Sibray October 29, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster, and seven other creatures from West Virginia folklore will soon appear on vehicles across the state as the Division of Motor Vehicles introduces a new Cryptids license plate. The plate, designed

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

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

October 27, 2026

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

Barking dogs pose health, workplace concerns for more West Virginians

October 27, 2026

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

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.

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

October 22, 2026

Attractions

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

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

Clyde Craig October 27, 2026

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Visitors to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will lose access to several riverside recreation areas beginning in November as the National Park Service closes portions of two roads for winter construction and

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

October 10, 2026

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

Recreation

Aerial view of snow-covered ski slopes, chairlift corridors, and wooded mountainsides at Timberline Mountain ski resort in Tucker County, West Virginia.

West Virginia ski resort Timberline ranks among 10 most affordable in U.S.

David Sibray October 30, 2026

DAVIS, W.Va. — Timberline Mountain in West Virginia has been ranked among the 10 most affordable ski destinations in the United States for the 2026–27 winter season, according to a national study of lodging and lift ticket prices.

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

October 6, 2026

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

Culture

Orange sunlight breaks through dark clouds above a silhouetted forest beneath a nearly black sky.

Before trick-or-treating, Halloween was already causing trouble in West Virginia

David Sibray October 30, 2026

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — By 1899, Halloween had become such a troublesome occasion in Huntington that one resident demanded special police protection, warning that drunken revelers and vandals might provoke a deadly confrontation with homeowners. In a letter published

U.S. Rep. Harley O. Staggers Sr. of West Virginia smiles while seated at his congressional desk, with American flags behind him.

When a 35-mile trip to West Virginia meant changing your watch seven times

David Sibray October 30, 2026

MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. — Before 1966, a traveler making the 35-mile journey between Steubenville, Ohio, and Moundsville, West Virginia, could encounter seven time changes. Some communities observed daylight saving time while others remained on standard time, creating a patchwork

Dark, deserted road illuminated by headlights, with a stop sign at an intersection surrounded by darkness.

What is the scariest story ever written about West Virginia? One book makes a compelling case

Bianca Bosworth October 29, 2026

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Of the many frightening stories associated with West Virginia, one book has a strong claim to being the scariest ever written. Published in 1975, The Mothman Prophecies by journalist John A. Keel recounts disturbing

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

Lore and Legend

Stretcher's Neck Tunnel near Prince, West Virginia, is associated with a ghost story involving a tragic love triangle. The railroad legend is among several supernatural tales linked to the New River Gorge.

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

An earth-covered concrete bunker stands in the woods of the former West Virginia Ordnance Works near Point Pleasant, W.Va. Built to store explosives during World War II, the bunkers later became associated with the area's Mothman legend. (Photo by Jesse Thornton)

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 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)

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 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.

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

National Parks