Free Outdoor Recreation
With more than 1.5 million acres of public lands and more than 2,000 miles of trails, the Mountain State is the perfect place to leave the stress of work at home and find new meaning amid the fresh mountain air.
What exactly does free outdoor recreation mean?
In the Mountain State, you can go for a hike in your backyard or try your hand at high adventure with rafting, mountain biking and climbing. To help you discover your new great outdoors, all Ascend WV members will receive a Discovery Pass that grants them free access to a suite of curated outdoor adventures throughout the state and throughout the year. *New in 2025: we’ve extended access to free outdoor recreation across a full two years. This way, you have more time to explore every corner of the state with us! With exhilarating experiences provided by outdoor partners from across the state, this is the perfect way for you to get to know the state of West Virginia on an intimate level. From whitewater rafting excursions to zipline adventures, you will have no problem jumping right in!
Ready to nail down your first road trip or plan the perfect adventure before you make the move? Get a head start by checking out endless itineraries and inspiration from our friends at West Virginia Tourism.
Featured WV Activities
ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
Soar through the looming tree-tops of West Virginia and release all of your cares to the wind. On this exhilarating flight, take in unbeatable scenic views and fresh mountain air.
UNDERGROUND EXPLORATIONS
Did you know there are over 4,200 wild caves hidden beneath the West Virginia landscape? Chill out in natural air conditioning as you explore the natural wonders underground.
RAFTING EXPEDITIONS
Carve through the mountains on a roaring river rapid as you enjoy a day on the water. Enjoy a whitewater heaven, where rafters gather from around the world.
SNOWY ESCAPES
Shred down powdered trails. Explore the mountains of West Virginia by skiing, snowboarding or tubing. When the snow begins to fall, winter sports in Almost Heaven are just getting started.
COZY STAYS
Enjoy a camping or lodge stay at one of West Virginia’s state parks and forests. No matter which park you choose to stay at, incredible adventures and lasting memories are sure to follow.
LAKE DAYS
There are endless ways to relax and enjoy West Virginia’s 250+ lakes and reservoirs. Swimming beaches, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking are just the beginning. Want some more action? Try a visit to one of our Adventure Lakes.
2 Years Of Free Outdoor Gear Rentals
Don’t have your own kayak to hit our waters in? No problem! Ascend WV participants will have access to outdoor gear rentals to be used with friends and family throughout the duration of the program. In the Ascend WV gear library you will find an array of equipment to really get acquainted with our mountains. Check out some bouldering equipment or grab a bike and hit the trail. Rent a tent or grab a paddleboard for a lakeside adventure. Find specialty equipment that will get you outside, on us.
West Virginia Outdoor Recreation By The Numbers
Related Frequently Asked Questions
I love to be outdoors. What adventure opportunities are there in West Virginia?
West Virginia is sitting on some of the best natural resources on the East Coast. With over 2,032 miles of whitewater in the state, an IMBA awarded mountain biking Silver Ride Center and over 4,000 rock climbing routes and bouldering problems in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve alone, year-round adventures await. In West Virginia, breathtaking views inspire us and mountain landscapes are always within reach, with an abundance of public lands and the nation’s newest National Park. Reach out to ascendwv@mail.wvu.edu for more information!
Explore More FAQsHow many spots are available?
The Ascend WV program is a long-term talent attraction program that will continue to evolve to include more mountain towns across West Virginia, so make sure you keep checking our website for updates! Reach out to ascendwv@mail.wvu.edu for more information!
Explore More FAQsWhere is West Virginia?
West Virginia is located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and is within a day’s drive of many East-Coast favorites. Our Ascend WV communities are strategically located near major metropolitan markets for quick and convenient access for business travel. Reach out to ascendwv@mail.wvu.edu for more information!
Explore More FAQs