Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Monday, May 5, 2025 

Cast a line in the pristine waters of Almost Heaven--WVDNR has all you need to know to get started on your fishing adventure…Elk River rail bikes transport riders through the scenic wilds of Clay County…and the Tourism Works program trains the next generation of professionals to meet the growing demands of the tourism industry…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From WVDNR – Cast a line in Almost Heaven and reel in a prized catch. West Virginia is home to wide-open lakes and expansive rivers that are perfect for fishing excursions. With so many scenic fishing spots, you’ll become an avid angler in no time.

Visit wvdnr.gov to get your guide to fishing, purchase a West Virginia fishing license, learn about fish stocking and regulations and more. 

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/fishing/

 

#2 – From WV LIVING – Go ahead and put the Elk River Rail Explorers on your 2025 bucket list. These railbikes, or rail explorers, on the old Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad (BC&G) in Clay have been so widely received that, in its first partial season when they were only open three days a week, 16,000 people rode the rails, from 50 different states and 25 countries.

These pedal-powered, open-air platforms on wheels resemble recumbent bicycles and are assisted by electric motors. They are handicap accessible and include three-point harness systems so that young children can ride, too.

Once you are buckled in, the lead explorer leads you on a 12-mile round trip along the Buffalo Creek that carves a path through a dense and lush forest that feels untouched by time. You’ll see the Devil’s Sawmill Waterfall, remnants of a train wreck, interesting honeycomb cliffs and other natural wonders.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/tracks-trestles-and-tranquility-rail-biking-with-elk-river-rail-explorers-in-west-virginia/

 

#3 – From WV TOURISM – The Tourism Works program plays a vital role in West Virginia’s economy by educating the state’s workforce in tourism-related fields, preparing for the substantial increase in job openings projected for the industry, and connecting students with viable career opportunities. 

This program is funded by a $5.1 million grant awarded to the West Virginia Department of Tourism by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The funding will focus on three primary goals: Train Your Team, Educate Our Communities, and Shape Our Future.

The tourism industry is known for its opportunities for rapid professional advancement – from entry-level jobs to highly skilled management-level roles. Learn how you can get involved!

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/tourismworks/

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.