Latest news with #WestVirginiaDepartmentofTourism
USA Today
27-07-2025
- USA Today
From rock climbing to skiing, this hidden gem is perfect for outdoor-loving families
'Experience America' is a five-part series that showcases often-overlooked destinations and experiences in our backyard. FAYETTEVILLE, West Virginia ― If you had told me in January I'd be going to West Virginia twice this year, I don't think I would have believed you, but I'm so glad I can now say I have been. West Virginia is an outdoor adventurer's paradise, and although even locals don't always take advantage of the resources right on their doorstep, the state is truly a hidden gem of the great outdoors. 'West Virginia is just often an underrated destination as a whole, and maybe not the first thought for a really high adventure destination,' Lindsey Funk, a public relations assistant at the West Virginia Department of Tourism, told me during my first visit, in May. For that, she said, even West Virginians often go elsewhere. But the Mountain State is trying to remind residents and visitors alike that it's a great place for any pace of outdoor adventure. Hiking and nature Probably the lowest barrier to entry for the outdoor adventure novice is a hike or a nature walk in West Virginia. The state and national parks, almost all of which are free to access, have nearly endless trails and scenic lookouts. West Virginia is a year-round destination, with breathtaking foliage in the fall and gorgeous vistas the rest of the year, according to Funk. 'In the state as a whole, hiking is probably one of our most family-friendly activities,' she said. From the Endless Wall trail in the New River Gorge to the West Virginia Waterfall trail – an official guide to the state's most beautiful water features – there's something for everyone. Just remember to bring a sturdy pair of shoes. On a recent personal trip to the New River Gorge and Charleston this spring, I saw firsthand how stunning the scenery along the Endless Wall trail can be. With scenic vistas throughout the gorge, including a unique perspective on the famous bridge, hiking there is relatively low-intensity and well worth the payoff. The entire trail is just under 5.5 miles out and back, according to AllTrails, but can easily be shortened after taking in some of the views. High adventure: Climbing and rafting For those seeking more adrenaline, West Virginia is also a great destination for rock climbing and whitewater rafting, both of which can be found in the New River Gorge. During the spring trip, I had a chance to raft on the lower New River, with rapids up to Class V, thanks to heavy rain in the days leading up to the excursion. With swift-moving water, the entire trip took around an hour and a half to two hours to cover about 14 miles, and the rapids were characterized primarily by big, rolling waves. The guide on the trip, from ACE Whitewater Rafting, said water levels can significantly change the dynamics of the river, which is why it's important to always travel with a guide. Whitewater rafting is an extreme sport, but guides make it much safer. There are numerous outfits throughout the New River Gorge that provide guided whitewater rafting excursions. Novice climbers may also want a guide or a more experienced buddy if they're checking out the crags. For rock climbers of all skill levels, West Virginia and the New River Gorge are also almost heaven. Crags around Fayetteville offer opportunities for outdoor bouldering, top roping, sport and trad climbing for all skill levels. There are also opportunities for deep water soloing at Summersville Lake State Park during the summer. I took a trip in July to join Queerclimbtastic, an LGBTQ+ rock climbing retreat held every summer in the New River Gorge, and saw firsthand how great the climbing opportunities are in the state. It was my first time climbing outside after years of indoor-only climbing, and I'm already excited to go back next year and explore other crags closer to home in the meantime. Bike City, USA Charleston is West Virginia's urban gateway to the wilderness, about an hour from the New River Gorge. It's also home to a professional circuit bike race and is trying to grow its presence as a destination for road and mountain biking. The state's capital is also a great place to use as a home base for a trip to West Virginia. 'Charleston's more of a cityscape for us, a smaller city, but this is a great place for downtown shops and events,' Funk said. 'But then, just an hour away, is so many acres of public land and those outdoor adventure options.' Charleston has a budding food and brewery scene, an extensive farmer's market and is also home to Mountain Stage, a long-running NPR program that broadcasts two hours of performed-live country music nationwide. Winter sports Funk said West Virginia is a year-round state and also has a handful of small ski resorts, which are great for beginners interested in trying out the sport. 'We are a four-season destination,' she said. Jim and Cara Hocking are full-time travel content creators and said they visited Winter Place, one of West Virginia's ski resorts, earlier this year with their four kids. Only Cara had skied before, and she said it was a great place for the rest of her family to learn. 'It was exactly what we needed, we had someone that was there that taught us the basics, taught our kids the basics,' Jim told me. 'It was a perfect place to have your first skiing experience in my mind.' How to get there and where to stay The closest airport will depend on exactly where you're going in the state, but for both of my trips to the New River Gorge, I flew into Charleston, the state capital of West Virginia. From there, it's about an hour to an hour and a half drive to Fayetteville, which is a significant gateway to the Gorge's outdoor recreation areas. Lodging options in and around Fayetteville include campsites, cabin rentals, traditional hotels, B&Bs and more. Options are also available in Charleston for those looking for a more urban base camp for their travels. Public transit options are limited, so visitors should plan to rent a car to get around. The reporter on this story received access from West Virginia's Department of Tourism. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
2 new Almost Heaven swings brought to north central WV
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — The West Virginia Department of Tourism has announced the installation of three new Almost Heaven swings, two of which can be found in north central West Virginia. According to a press release from the department, Tygart Lake State Park in Taylor County and Valley Falls State Park in Marion County have both seen the addition of new Almost Heaven swings, which make for popular photo spots across the Mountain State. West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby is hopeful the new swings will encourage people to enjoy and share the outdoors of West Virginia. 'It is so exciting to see folks traveling from near and far to visit our Almost Heaven swings,' Ruby said in the release. 'These make the perfect photo-op for folks to enjoy during their spring travels and beyond. Now is the perfect time to plan your spring trip to the Mountain State!' Armadillos could expand into West Virginia If you visit one of these swings, you are encouraged to share any pictures you take to social media using #AlmostHeaven. Another swing was added to Sportsman's Park in Wirt County. There are now 36 Almost Heaven swings in West Virginia. You can see a full list of locations and find one near you on the West Virginia tourism website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PROGRESS 2025: Residents can participate in free tourism education program
charleston — A new online training program in the Mountain State aims to introduce more area residents to tourism. Gov. Patrick Morrisey introduced the online 'Tourism Works' platform in early March as part of the state's drive to grow its tourism industry and create more jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The online education program is designed to enhance hospitality skills and training among the state's tourism workforce and everyday West Virginians. Created in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Tourism Works is a free online course that gives learners the chance to earn one hour of college credit from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. All West Virginians, not just those seeking college credit, are encouraged to enroll in the course, which highlights the many regions, small businesses, history and culture that makes the state their home, according to Morrisey. The course focuses on West Virginia small businesses and communities. 'This is one of my favorite days and I enjoy it because it gives West Virginia a chance to really show off,' Morrisey said of Tourism Day, which he used to unveil the new online platform. 'Tourism Day at the capitol couldn't be any better, and I know that all of you and all of West Virginia, are very proud of what this state has to offer. Our state's natural beauty, our outdoor vistas, our adventure, our historic places and quite frankly our delicious food. We attract people from all across the country that visit West Virginia.' Tourism is one of the main drivers in West Virginia's economy, Morrisey said. 'Every year tourism produces an economic value of over $8.7 billion dollars,' the Republican governor said. 'Visitor spending supports more than 60,000 jobs total and as many as 73,000 employed in the leisure and hospitality sectors in the state. That's a lot. Think about the workforce participation we have. Tourism is a huge driver. ' The new online program will help more of the state's residents and people moving to the state have opportunities to enter the tourism sector, said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. 'Thanks to Gov. Morrisey, the West Virginia Legislature, the Department of Education and all of our amazing partners across the state, the future of tourism has never looked brighter,' Ruby said. 'This sector currently includes 70,000 hospitality and tourism jobs in West Virginia with an expected 21,000 job openings each year. The Tourism Works program is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to gain experience in a thriving industry.' 'These are good paying jobs and these are reasons for people to stay in West Virginia or for new people to come visit our great state,' Morrisey said. People who want to take the free course can search West Virginia Tourism Works free online training.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Governor Morrisey announces online education program, Tourism Works
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — Governor Morrisey announced the creation of an online tourism program designed to boost jobs and tourism education throughout the Mountain State. According to a press release, Tourism Works is designed to bolster hospitality skills and training in the state. The announcement was made with support of more than 200 professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry at the State Capitol in celebration of the industry's record-setting $8.7 billion yearly impact. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve saw record visitation in 2024 As Governor, one of my top priorities is to grow our economy, our population, and our workforce. Our tourism and hospitality industry is one of the best in the country, and it will be a crucial part of West Virginia's economic future. The new Tourism Works program builds on our welcoming and friendly culture, ensuring every visitor to West Virginia feels at home in the Mountain State. Governor Patrick Morrisey Thanks to Governor Morrisey, the West Virginia Legislature, the Department of Education and all of our amazing partners across the state, the future of tourism has never looked brighter. This sector currently includes 70,000 hospitality and tourism jobs in West Virginia with an expected 21,000 job openings each year. The Tourism Works program is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to gain experience in a thriving industry. Chelsea Ruby | Secretary, West Virginia Department of Tourism Through collaboration between the West Virginia Department of Tourism and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Tourism works is a free online course that offers its students the opportunity to gain an hour of college credit from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. All West Virginia residents are encouraged to enroll, and course highlights include small businesses, history, and culture within the Mountain State. 2025 West Virginia Vacation Guide announced by Governor Morrisey Tourism Day at the Capitol, held on March 12, 2025, was one of the biggest celebrations of the industry in recent years. More than 200 tourism and history professionals from all nine travel regions in the state attended. Students from both the Monongalia County Technical Education Center and the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center attended as well, and highlighted training programs by serving pastries, coffee, and food created by students. For more information and to enroll in the course and other trainings, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Morrisey announces creation of ‘Tourism Works' program
CHARLESTON, (WBOY) — In an effort to bolster West Virginia's tourism and hospitality industries, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has announced the creation of the new online education program 'Tourism Works.' A release from Gov. Morrisey's office detailed how the program will 'enhance hospitality skills and training among the state's tourism workforce and everyday West Virginians.' The program is a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Tourism and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, and gives participants a chance to earn a free hour of college credit. While offering college credit, the program is also open to all West Virginians. The program is said to highlight 'the many regions, small businesses, history, and culture that makes our state home.' Cicadas returning to West Virginia in 2025: What counties will see them? Gov. Morrisey announced the creation of the program Tuesday alongside more than 200 tourism and hospitality industry professionals at the State Capitol for Tourism Day, which celebrated the industry as a whole as well as its 'record-setting $8.7 billion annual economic impact.' 'The future of tourism has never looked brighter,' West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said. 'This sector currently includes 70,000 hospitality and tourism jobs in West Virginia with an expected 21,000 job openings each year. The Tourism Works program is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to gain experience in a thriving industry.' You can learn more about the course and sign up for it by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
