West Virginia Explorer Magazine

06/04/2026

The horrors at the tavern for which Burnt House is named have become part of one of West Virginia's most enduring ghost stories. Read the full story in the comments.

06/04/2026

Historians are seeking help in their search for a "lost" healing spring on this resort property in southern West Virginia. Read the full story in the comments.

06/04/2026

The "Wild Man of Clay County" was one of two eccentrics known to have lived in caves in West Virginia, though there have been more. What caused these folks to choose caves as domiciles? Follow the link in the comments for the full story.

06/03/2026

West Virginia has long served as a retreat. The wealthy have sought refuge in its mineral springs, the devout have embraced its solitude for reflection, and free spirits have been drawn to the independence offered by its wooded hills.

Among the most celebrated of those free spirits were two twentieth-century cave dwellers—Orval Brown, the famed "Wild Man of Clay County," and Jack Franklin,

06/01/2026

In celebration of National Trails Day, officials at West Virginia State Parks announced a lineup of guided hikes and trail cleanup events across several state parks and forests, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In celebration of National Trails Day, officials at West Virginia State Parks announced a lineup of guided hikes and trail cleanup events

06/01/2026

The West Virginia Department of Tourism has distributed more than 200,000 copies of the 2026 West Virginia Vacation Guide.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 200,000 copies of the 2026 West Virginia Vacation Guide have been distributed by the W.Va. Department of Tourism since its

05/31/2026

As West Virginia communities increasingly invest in tourism and outdoor recreation, industry leaders say many destinations miss opportunities to capture visitor spending when businesses close on weekends.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As West Virginia communities increasingly invest in tourism and outdoor recreation, industry leaders say many destinations are missing

05/30/2026

Historians are seeking answers about a little-known healing spring, hidden on the grounds of the famed hotel now on the market in West Virginia.

PENCE SPRINGS, W.Va. — Historians in West Virginia's Greenbrier Valley are searching for answers about a little-known healing spring hidden on the grounds of

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.