The Lost River Bluffs

Local Attractions

Hardy County

Welcome to Hardy County . . .

Enjoy time travel? Make Hardy County, West Virginia, your historic destination! Special events, architecture, and historic trains highlight an enlightening heritage tour.. . . a land for the adventurous! Fertile valleys and rivers hugged by the mighty mountains of the Allegheny Plateau offer world-class outdoor adventures from biking and fishing to backpacking and hiking, plus many other challenges for those who love the outdoors.

Hardy County Civil War History

Hardy County falls along the border that split the state of Virginia into two when in 1861 40 counties in Western Virginia choose to secede from the state of Virginia.

West Virginia was a hotbed of activity during the war between the States both politically and militarily. Hardy County currently has 10 Civil War Trails markers. These markers tell the tales of battles and the hardships at home. Find out about Hardy County, the people who lived through some of the most difficult days in the history of West Virginia, and more on our Civil War Markers page here. For a FREE “Hills of Blue and Gray” Civil War driving brochure, contact our office by emailing info@visithardy.com or call us at 304-897-8700. The brochure details Civil War heritage throughout five counties in the scenic Potomac Highlands.

Lovely, winding drives travel from Moorefield to Lost River to Wardensville showcasing the historic events that occurred in our communities.

Sightseeing or just relaxing? Try our challenging golf course, visit a West Virginia winery, or settle in for a relaxing stay at Lost River State Park.

Hardy County . . . any season there’s a reason to visit. Make your plans today!

 

http://www.visithardy.com/

Things to Do at Lost River State Park

Hiking & Activities

Lost River is a perfect choice if you like hiking and enjoy nature.  Several miles of hiking trails lead to hours of exercise and an unparalleled opportunity for nature study given the abundance of flora and fauna found in the park.   One rewarding trail leads to Cranny Crow overlook with its commanding views of the park from 3,200 feet.

View Lost River State Park trail map

Picnicking

Picnic shelters are located throughout the park.
Large pavilions available for rent for family reunions.

Summer activities and nature programming

To assist you with your discovery of the natural wonders of the park there is a seasonal summer naturalist.  This person also organizes popular activities as hikes, stream searches, films, slide shows, cookouts, campfires and family fun games. The naturalist activities are available Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Horseback riding at Lost River State Park, West VirginiaHorsebacking Riding

Experience horseback riding on beautiful wooded trails with friendly and experienced guides from Hidden Trails Stables. Scenic overlooks with panoramic views, calm gentle horses.

View Hidden Trails Stables website

Outdoor Fun

In addition to an outdoor swimming pool, Lost River offers tennis courts, volleyball court, archery range, badminton, and horseshoes.

Activities Building

swimming pool at lost river state parkAn Activities Building is open daily Memorial through Labor Day and houses game tables, shuffleboard courts and video games. Equipment rental is available at a nominal fee.

Swimming

Lost River State Park is one of the oldest parks in the West Virginia State Park system.  The pool is vintage Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) construction of 1937.  Renovations over the years have left the pool area with its original charm and intent, to cool swimmers from the summer heat. Lost River swimming pool will open Memorial Weekend. Weekday hours are 12:15 to 5:45 p.m. and weekday hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.  The pool is closed on Monday, except for holidays.

Wireless access

There is wireless access is available at the park administration building.  The service is free.

Points of Interest close by

Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
Seneca Rocks
Spruce Knob
Smoke Hole and Wolf Gap Recreation Area
Nathaniel Mountain
Short Mountain Public Hunting and Fishing Area
Cacapon Resort State Park
Berkeley Springs State Park



http://www.lostriversp.com/

Historic Attractions


John Mathias Homestead

Built in 1797, the house is the oldest in the county. It is located on Rt. 259 in Mathias near the entrance to Lost River State Park.

Lee Cabin

Used as a summer retreat of General Robert E. Lee’s father, “Light Horse” Harry Lee, in the early 1800s, the restored cabin serves as a museum and is located in the Lost River State Park.

Lost River Valley Museum

The Lost River Valley Museum in Lost River depicts life in the Lost River Valley over the past 200 years. Open 10-5 daily (except Wednesdays and Thursdays) from Memorial Day through October and on weekends in May and November through mid-December. Located on Rt. 259 in Lost River. Please visit their website.

McCoy’s Grand Theater

A landmark in Moorefield, McCoy’s Grand originally opened in 1928. Reopened in 1988 as a community museum and arts center, the 209-seat restored theatre hosts many local events as well as locally produced plays. Contact them at (304) 530-7115 or www.mccoysgrand.com

Oakland Hall

Oakland Hall (c. 1840), once a private residence, now serves as the clubhouse for the Valley View public golf course located outside Moorefield.

Hardy County Courthouse

Hardy County was created in 1786 and Moorefield is the fourth oldest town in West Virginia.

Civil War sites and events in Hardy County

 

John Mathias Homestead – open from 10-4 the following Saturdays and 12-4 the following Sundays in 2012: June 9 & 10, June 30 & July 1, July 21 & 22, Aug. 4 & 5, Aug. 18 & 19, Sept. 1, 2 & 10-4 Sept. 3, Sept. 29 & 30 -Visit and tour this Civil War era home, which is featured on the West Virginia Civil War Trails Brochure. The Mathias Homestead is located at the intersection of WV 259S and Howard’s Lick Road, the entryway to Lost River State Park.

Dedication of the John H. McNeill CSA Bridge - at 3 p.m. May 27, north side of bridge in Old Field on US 220 North of Moorefield.  The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 582, McNeill’s Rangers, are sponsoring the dedication of the John Hanson McNeills CSA Bridge. Parking north of the bridge. Del. Harold Michael to speak. Music and wreath laying.

Confederate Memorial Day & Luminary Service, Sons of the Confederacy – at dusk following 6 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2012, Memorial Day Service at Olivet Cemetery (off Winchester Drive, Moorefield). Luminary lighting and traditional ceremony with gun salute, reading of names of soldiers buried in Confederate Circle.

Lost River Valley Museum & Artisans Cooperative – Located on WV 259 S – visit www.lostrivercraft.com for up to date info on exhibits and events. Details will be added here as they become available!

Heritage Weekend – events and home tours throughout Hardy County – is held each year during the last full weekend in Septmber. The 2012 event will be held Sept. 28-30. The event will feature a Civil War encampment, home tours, a banjo contest, craft show and other attractions. For more information, visit www.heritageweekend.com.

 

www.discoverlostriver.com