Discover Hardy County through two distinct features: its wooded mountain landscape and its layered history. At Lost River State Park, hiking trails and seasonal activities meet historical connections. There are also places and offerings with their own themes—from former schoolhouses and memorial sites to concerts, wine, and a farm market.
Hiking, horseback riding, and water
Lost River State Park is located in the wooded mountains of Hardy County and encompasses 3,934 acres of forest. With 23 miles of hiking trails, it offers a clear focus for days centered on walking. Hidden Trails Stables’ seasonal guided horseback rides offer a different perspective, following wooded trails in the park past overlooks and panoramic views. The park’s swimming pool is also open seasonally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hiking, horseback riding, and swimming offer different options, with horseback rides and the swimming pool tied to their respective seasons.
At Trout Pond, water is at the center of the recreational opportunities: Trout Pond Recreation Area offers boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Trout Pond is the only natural lake in West Virginia and is home to native brook trout. In contrast to the hiking trails and horseback rides at Lost River State Park, the focus here is on activities in and on the water. Those who like to organize their days around their interests can choose between getting active on the trails and spending leisure time at the lake.
History in places and along trails
The Battle of Lost River took place near Lost River State Park in 1756 during the French and Indian War. Another historical connection in the park is the restored Lee Cabin, which served as the summer home of Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee. These specific connections can be distinguished from the Civil War Trails sites: ten are marked with signs and information panels in Hardy County.
The Hardy County Historic Schoolhouse Trail focuses on a different past. It documents 23 former schoolhouses that have been identified, researched, and mapped. The trail can be explored by car or viewed online. This offers two ways to learn about the former schoolhouses. Those interested in regional history will also find historic African American cemeteries in addition to these trails: Oak Hill is in Moorefield, and Alum Banks is in Wardensville.
Other historical interpretations bring together buildings and culture. The Robert Higgins House Museum places Robert Higgins’ life in the context of the nation’s development. The History of Log Cabins exhibit explores the development of log cabins over time and the place of the Higgins House in that history. The Hardy County Barn Quilt Trail helps visitors better understand Appalachian heritage. At mile marker 97.5 on US Route 48, three geological information panels also explain the mountains and rock formations visible from the road.
Local culture and flavor
Music, tastings, and craftsmanship are also among the area’s varied discoveries. McCoy’s Grand is a concert venue featuring local musicians. West-Whitehill Winery offers visitors a complimentary tasting of its wines. Wardensville Garden Market is a farm market offering goods from its own bakery, farm, kitchen, and glass studio. Alongside historical topics, there are also specific experiences centered on music, wine, and locally made products.
The offerings described here cater to different interests; they do not automatically form a single route. Choose hotels in Hardy County to suit your travel plans, and keep in mind the seasonal horseback rides and swimming pool opening dates when visiting Lost River State Park.
Explore more destinations: Mathias, Wardensville, Monroe County, Lincoln County, Wetzel County, Hampshire County, Pocahontas County, McDowell County.
For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.
