WEST VIRGINIA (WVVA) – The mountain state is no stranger to both winter weather and natural beauty. But now a West Virginia non-profit is asking you at home to combine those qualities in a picture.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and your image needs to say “Mountaineers are Always Free.”
The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is calling all amateur and professional photographers for a photo contest, but it’s about more than just the pics.
“One of the main goals of our foundation is awareness and advocacy of our park system and we know how great our park system is, and I think many of our citizens know that as well, but we want everyone to know that,” said Bradley Reed, Executive Director of the foundation.
West Virginia state parks are nearly all-encompassing, with Reed telling WVVA the system is established in over 50% of the state.
“We have one of the best, most beautiful state park systems in the country. Our system contributes greatly to our economy, to our citizens’ quality of life, to our health, and it’s just all of these beautiful places that are right next door,” Reed explained.
Reed added that the contest isn’t just about expressing photographic creativity but getting yourself immersed in the beauty and wildlife of the mountain state.
“We’re in 35 counties across the state. We are everywhere, and there are opportunities for folks to come out and recreate for free across West Virginia,” said Reed. And Reed hopes these images will allure more to take interest in the wild and wonderful and perhaps experience it for themselves.
“We want to see the beauty, both the natural and the man-made beauty on West Virginia State Parks with that winter theme. We want to see that snow, we want to see that beautiful background of nature, and we also want to see people out there enjoying themselves and having fun, you know, families having snowball fights, walking trails. Just enjoying the outdoor experience on our parks as well,” Reed continued.
As for the locals, remember: these lands are our lands too.
“We want all West Virginians to know that these parks are there for them. Our citizens own the parks, and we’d like everyone to take advantage of that opportunity and just see them for the great value that they are,” added Reed.
For more information and to find out the rules, head to the West Virginia State Parks Foundation website, and when you’re ready to submit, you can send it by email: info@lovewvstateparks.com.
The deadline is February 28th, 2026.
You can also always send us pictures and videos to be displayed on WVVA by clicking here.
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