West Virginia Explorer Magazine

05/27/2026

An “Almost Heaven” swing has been installed at Cedar Creek State Park, the latest of more than 60 such iconic swings that are drawing tourists fascinated by the idea of visiting as many as possible.

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

05/27/2026

Spent part of the day planning editorial coverage of North Bend State Park. My thanks to ranger Sarah Clark and lodge manager Kristi Steed for sharing their expertise. Follow us at WVExplorer.com for upcoming news from across the state park system.

05/26/2026

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 is termed “street.”

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

05/25/2026

West Virginia anglers are setting fishing records with unusual frequency, a trend fisheries experts say reflects years of improved fish stocking, better water quality, and the maturation of trophy-sized fish populations.

PETERSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia anglers are breaking fishing records with unusual frequency, a trend fisheries experts say reflects years of better fish

05/24/2026

The West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for conservation and infrastructure projects that benefit the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities.

ELKINS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Resource Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for conservation and infrastructure projects that benefit the Monongahela National

05/24/2026

The scenic country roads for which West Virginia is beloved can become much less welcoming as our eyes age, especially when conditions such as fog and winding mountain highways come into play.

According to Livengood, cloudy and rainy conditions can create additional challenges for people with vision impairment because light becomes more scattered by

05/24/2026

The West Virginia University School of Nursing will host its fourth annual day camp on Saturday, June 6, for high school students interested in exploring nursing as a career.

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

05/22/2026

Now in its 49th year, the Vandalia Gathering returns to the grounds of the state capitol in Charleston, May 22–25.

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

05/21/2026

Seneca Rocks is seeing more visitors than ever, thanks to the new US-48 expressway from the Washington metro and a growing national love for the Mountain State.

SENECA ROCKS, W.Va. — As Labor Day approaches, residents of the historic village below Seneca Rocks brace for an influx of tourists that grows larger every

05/20/2026

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.

ELKINS, W.Va. — Recreational trails are a major part of West Virginia’s tourism economy, especially in the rugged landscape of the Monongahela National

05/20/2026

In 1779, a party of travelers bound for the Cumberland Gap was scalped and captured in what is remembered as the Pauley Massacre.

The Pauley Massacre was among many deadly clashes that marked the struggle for control of Appalachian backcountry in what's now West Virginia.