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

A canvas glamping tent on a wooden platform with outdoor chairs and a campfire burning in the foreground.

State Parks, Forests

West Virginia opens reservations for luxury camping, “glamping,” at four state parks

David Sibray November 13, 2026

Snowmaking equipment operates beside a snow-covered building as a worker drives an ATV at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia.

Skiing and Snowsports

First snow falls at Snowshoe as winter reaches West Virginia’s high mountains

Snow-covered slopes at Snowshoe Mountain overlooking distant Appalachian ridges beneath a golden winter sunset.

Travel / Transportation

Historic El Niño could bring warmer winter to West Virginia, NOAA says

Orange flames and thick smoke rise above a wooded ridge at night during the Kessel Fire near Cacapon Resort State Park.

State Parks, Forests

Kessel Fire grows to 300 acres as containment reaches 70% in West Virginia

Latest West Virginia News

National Parks

New River Gorge national park in W.Va. seeks volunteers to help maintain trails

November 12, 2026

Stone monument honoring Shawnee Chief Cornstalk at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, with the Ohio River and a bridge in the background.

History / Prehistory

Murdered Shawnee leader Cornstalk tried to keep his people out of the American Revolution

November 11, 2026

West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, where state officials oversee public employee health insurance policy.

Health and Medicine

West Virginia county employees face proposed 24% health insurance hike

November 11, 2026

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

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

November 9, 2026

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

November 7, 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

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

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

David Sibray November 6, 2026

HURRICANE, W.Va. — Six West Virginia state parks and forests will benefit from $105,000 in grants to replace aging playground equipment and improve recreational facilities for children and families. The West Virginia State Parks Foundation announced the grants

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

David Sibray November 2, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is offering 27 outdoor adventure prizes valued at more than $14,000 in a fundraising raffle benefiting West Virginia’s state parks, forests, and rail trails, according to executive director Brad

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

October 27, 2026

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

October 15, 2026

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

Recreation

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

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

Will Reedy November 6, 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunters across West Virginia will have new opportunities to pursue rabbits, quail, pheasants, and other small game beginning Saturday, November 7, as the state opens additional hunting and trapping seasons. According to a press release

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.

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

David Sibray November 5, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Visitors to one of the nation’s newest national parks can walk along cliff tops nearly 1,000 feet above one of the world’s oldest rivers. They can explore abandoned coal-mining communities and climb mountain streams past

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

National relay highlights untapped tourism potential of North Bend rail trail

David Sibray November 4, 2026

CAIRO, W.Va. — A coast-to-coast relay celebrating America’s 250th anniversary will pass through northern West Virginia in November, bringing national attention to a historic rail trail whose neighboring communities have struggled to capitalize on tourism. The American Discovery

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.

October 30, 2026

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

October 19, 2026

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

October 17, 2026

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

Culture

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)

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

Clyde Craig November 2, 2026

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Appalachia’s customs and traditions will take center stage at West Virginia University next week as the 79th annual Mountaineer Week brings traditional crafts, mountain music, storytelling, and regional foods to the Morgantown campus. The celebration,

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

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

Clyde Craig November 1, 2026

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Sixty years after two young couples reported encountering a mysterious winged creature near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Ohio State University is commemorating the sightings that gave rise to the Mothman legend. The university’s Center

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.

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

Hunting

Fishing

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)

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

State Parks, Forests