Discover Hardy County: Nature and History

Hardy County combines wooded mountain landscapes with stories brought to life at historic sites and along themed trails. At Lost River State Park, activities include hiking trails, seasonal horseback rides, and a swimming pool that is open seasonally. Other visitor themes range from former schoolhouses to the development of log cabins. Nature, history, and local culture offer a variety of ways to plan your stay.

Wooded Landscapes and Seasonal Activities

Lost River State Park is set in the wooded mountains of Hardy County and encompasses 3,934 acres of forest. Its trail network extends for 23 miles. Visitors who want to experience the park on horseback can plan seasonal guided rides with Hidden Trails Stables. The rides follow wooded trails through the park and include overlooks and panoramic views. The park’s swimming pool is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Trout Pond Recreation Area also offers outdoor activities: boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming are available seasonally. Trout Pond is the only natural lake in West Virginia and is home to native brook trout. These options differ from the hiking trails and horseback rides at Lost River State Park, giving visitors a choice of both water-based activities and trails through a wooded mountain landscape.

History at Parks, Trails, and Museums

Lost River State Park is near the site of the 1756 Battle of Lost River, fought during the French and Indian War. The park is also home to the restored Lee Cabin. It was the summer residence of Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee. The battle and the cabin offer different historical points of interest: the history of a conflict and a person’s connection to the place, as passed down through history.

At the Robert Higgins House Museum, the exhibit History of Log Cabins explores the development of log cabins over time and the place of the Higgins House in that history. The museum also presents Robert Higgins’s life in the context of the nation’s development. Visitors interested in architectural history will therefore find a different subject here from the personal life story that the museum also explores.

The Hardy County Historic Schoolhouse Trail documents 23 former schoolhouses that have been identified, researched, and mapped. You can explore the trail by car or view it online. The ten Civil War Trails sites in Hardy County are marked with signs and interpretive panels. The Hardy County Barn Quilt Trail helps visitors better understand Appalachian heritage. Together, these offerings explore various aspects of regional history and culture, from former schoolhouses to Appalachian heritage.

Oak Hill in Moorefield and Alum Banks in Wardensville are also part of the county’s historic landscape: both are historic African American cemeteries.

Geological Insights and Local Offerings

At mile marker 97.5 on US Route 48, three geological information panels explain the mountains and rock formations visible from the road. The panels offer a geological perspective on the landscape, covering a different subject from the historic trails and museums.

West-Whitehill Winery offers visitors a complimentary tasting of its wines. In Wardensville, Wardensville Garden Market is a farm market with goods from its own bakery, farm, kitchen, and glass studio. The market brings together products from a variety of local producers. McCoy’s Grand is a concert venue where local musicians perform. Tastings, the market, and concerts offer different ways to engage with regional offerings and culture.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

The offerings described vary in their activities and themes; considering these differences can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mathias, Wardensville, Fayette County, Mingo County, Barbour County, Berkeley County, Greenbrier, Raleigh

For the broader travel overview: West Virginia.