Tucked in the rolling hills of Hardy County, West Virginia, and only two hours west of Washington D.C., the Lost River valley is one of my favorite nearby weekend getaways. This peaceful escape in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands feels miles away from the bustle of the big city, with its natural resources, spectacular views and easy pace of life.
The Lost River flows south to north through the valley disappearing underground for a couple of miles at the northern end before re-emerging as the Cacapon River. It runs parallel to the nearby Shenandoah Valley and the I-81 corridor. The valley was once home to a small town called Lost City, that thrived around a tannery between 1892 and 1927. The town boasted a theater, baseball team, newspaper and three churches. Today, little remains of the town, other than a sprinkling of old homes, a church and post office. The quiet, timeless character of the valley along Highway 259 includes rolling hills, abundant forests, state parks, small lakes, expansive farms, and artisan cooperatives offering locally crafted goods, regional cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere rooted in generations of mountain culture.
The valley is a perfect getaway any time of the year. I recently visited during fall and was amazed at the spectacular and colorful foliage throughout the valley, especially within Lost River State Park, and along Lost River State Park Road between Mathias and Moorefield.
Attractions
Lost River State Park – The huge Lost River State Park encompasses nearly 4,000 acres of wilderness and recreation areas. The park was established in the 1930s with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened to the public in 1937, preserving both natural beauty and historic sites like the Lee Cabin, the early 19th-century summer retreat of Revolutionary War figure Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee.
The park offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, and other recreation opportunities. A popular attraction is the classic spring-fed swimming pool. There are outdoor courts for tennis, volleyball, and archery, and picnic areas throughout the park. The park also offers cabins with modern comforts, and campgrounds for both tent and RV campers.
There are more than 23 miles of trails that wind through forests and ridges to panoramic viewpoints. I’ve hiked one of the most popular and easy trails, the White Oak trail which takes hikers to Cranny Crow overlook which offers a vista across five counties. We hiked 1.5 miles over an ascent of over 1,000 feet before reaching the overlook. At the top, hikers are awarded a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from a picturesque shelter, as well as an “Almost Heaven” swing that offers photo taking opportunities. The trail is a good one to catch the sunset. Hikers should budget about an hour to get to the top.
The park also offers trails for more experienced hikers, such as the Razorback Ridge (ascent) to East Ridge (descent). The climb up is steep and technical while the hike down is not as technical.
Trout Pond Recreation Area – Just up the road from Guesthouse Lost River is the Trout Pond Recreation Area, a scenic outdoor retreat inside the George Washington National Forest. The park is named for Trout Pond, the only natural lake in the entire state of West Virginia. It was formed by a limestone sinkhole fed by mountain stream water—a rare geological feature that makes it a unique destination in the Appalachian landscape. Nearby is the larger 17-acre Rock Cliff Lake which includes a sandy swimming beach and playground. An easy 1-mile long loop trail encircles the lake offering picturesque views and opportunities for fishing. More challenging paths climb into the surrounding mountains for panoramic views. The recreation area also includes camp sites and restrooms.
Lost River Artists Marketplace – Lost River has a vibrant arts community, which can be seen at the Lost River Artist’s Marketplace on Highway 259. On weekends, visitors can view or purchase member arts and crafts such as pottery, paintings, prints, glass, photography, candles and soap. Special events and festivals celebrate the local culture, and include art shows, live music performances, or theater productions.
Moorefield – The only town of any significant size near Lost River is Moorefield, located off Highway 48 on the western edge of the valley. This charming small town, the county seat of Hardy County, has a relaxed but welcoming Appalachian charm. It is the fourth oldest town in the state, chartered in 1777 and is named after Conrad Moore who owned the land upon which the town was laid out.
Moorefield offers historic buildings and homes, some dating to the late 18th century, as well as restaurants, shops and friendly community events year-round. We happened to visit in late October during FallFest, which included food, live music, games, children’s activities, Other local attractions include the Hardy County Museum, the McCoy’s Grand Theater and Museum, and the West Whitehill Winery. The winery lies in a ‘rain shadow’, which receives less rain than anywhere else in the state, making it more ideal for growing grapes. Wine is produced from French-American hybrid varietals selected to withstand colder climates.
Accommodations
Guesthouse Lost River – One of my favorite lodges is the quaint 18-room Guesthouse Lost River, nestled on 70 acres bordering George Washington National Forest. This award-winning inn blends rustic charm and refined comfort within the main lodge and several individual cottages, some of which are dog friendly. The lodge, open weekends only, offers panoramic views from its numerous rooms and terraces. The front porch includes rocking chairs while the upper level of the main lodge has several lounges for relaxing, each with its own country inspired décor. I’ve often found myself to be the only person in the room, taking advantage of a comfy leather sofa, and a lit stone fireplace to accompany a book and a refreshing drink.
Guests are awakened to a 9 am dinner bell letting them know that the complimentary country-style breakfast is ready. Warm scones or biscuits, fruit, hashbrowns and bacon set the tone for a day of exploring nearby trails, streams, and scenic overlooks.
For lunch or dinner, the Guesthouse Kitchen & Bar serves locally sourced, farmhouse-style cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Food and Wine Magazine named it the coziest restaurant in West Virginia.
During summer, the outdoor pool and hot tub is the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail after a day of hiking. Guests can also take advantage of the steam sauna, or reserve massage services.
Inn at Lost River – The Inn at Lost River is a small bed and breakfast offering three rooms and two cottages. The inn offers guests a three-course gourmet breakfast, and happy hour and snacks in the afternoon. An onsite general store and café serves breakfast and coffee.
Lost River State Park – The Lost River State Park offers numerous cabins, some of which are pet friendly, as well as campsites.
Lost River Vacations – Lost River Vacations offers two tiny homes on its 22 acre property, that also includes trails, playground and 9-hole disc golf course.
Dining Options
Guesthouse Kitchen and Bar – Located within the Guesthouse Lost River, the restaurants offers lunch and dinner on weekends, serving locally sourced, farmhouse-style cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. The adjacent bar is within a cozy and rustic space complete with a large stone fireplace and outdoor deck.
Hive and Harvest – Located near Trout Pond Recreation Area, Hive and Harvest sells coffees, burritos, and general store supplies / items.
Lost and Found Pizza and Provisions – Located in Mathias, Lost and Found Pizza and Provisions serves a variety of wood fired pizzas, stromboli, wine and craft beers.
Lost River General Store and Café – The Lost River General Store and Café is on the grounds of the Inn at Lost River, and serves farm to table dining, with organic produce straight from the Lost Pond Farm. The inn’s on-site restaurant is open to the public for Sunday brunch.
Lost River Grill – The Lost River Grill is a diner style restaurant serving delicious American cuisine including soups, salads, pasta, sandwiches, steaks, and hearty classic comforts such as meatloaf, fried chicken and beef stroganoff.
When to Go
The Lost River area is a year-round destination, and the best time of year to visit largely depends on your favorite outdoor activities. Spring is ideal for fishing and taking in the wildflowers. Summer offers opportunities swimming in local ponds and lakes, paddleboarding, floating, and kayaking. During fall, the foliage within the forests and recreation areas offers breathtaking views. Between Mathias and Moorefield, take the 36-mile drive along windy Howards Lick Road and Lost River State Park Road to witness spectacular fall foliage. Winter brings a peaceful and quiet charm, perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or cozying up by the fireplace.
Getting There
Getting to the Lost River Valley is part of the appeal, as the journey winds through scenic landscapes in Appalachia. The effort to get there is rewarded with quiet roads, expansive views, and a deep sense of escape. The Lost River is located a little over two hours from Washington, DC, and roughly three hours from Baltimore. Most travelers arrive by car, taking U.S. Interstate 66 and 81 to Route 48 west toward Moorefield, then following Highway 259 through the heart of the valley.
For those traveling longer distances, the closest commercial airports are Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, all of which offer rental car options for the drive west. Having a car is essential as attractions, parks, and lodging are spread throughout the valley.