About This Park
Located in the wooded mountains of Hardy County in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, Lost River State Park provides cabin lodging and an abundance of outdoor recreation. The park’s quiet 3,934 acres of woods provides a secluded getaway for nature lovers. Lost River is known for its Cranny Crow overlook on top of Big Ridge Mountain, which offers a commanding view of five counties.
Contact
- Phone: 304-897-5372
- Email: lostriversp@wv.gov
- Address: 321 Park Drive, Mathias, WV 26812
History
Lost River State Park is located near the site of the 1756 Battle of Lost River, a battle fought during the French and Indian War. It’s also home to the Lee Cabin, the summer retreat of Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War general and father of Civil War General Robert E. Lee. The restored cabin is across the creek from Lee Sulphur Spring, known for its sulfuric smell and rumored healing properties. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Lost River State Park opened in 1937.
Additional Information
Picnicking
Pack a picnic for the trails! Picnic shelters are located throughout the park and large pavilions are available to rent for any occasion.
Trails
Download Park Trail MapArbutus Trail
Big Ridge Trail
Branch Mountain Trail
Copse Cove Trail
Covey Cove Trail
East Ridge Trail
Howard Lick Trail
Laurel Trail
Lee Sulphur Spring Trail
Lee Trail
Lighthorse Harry Lee Trail
Loblolly Trail
Millers Rock Trail
Razor Ridge Trail
Red Fox Trail
Shingle Mill Lane Trail
Staghorn Trail
Virginia View Trail
White Oak Trail
Wood Thrush Trail
Nearby Attractions
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Take in everything this 10,216-acre recreation area has to offer in the Monongahela National Forest. Known for its flat, wind-swept plains and unique rock formations, you can enjoy hiking trails, primitive camping, and, of course, amazing mountain views!
Seneca Rocks
This rock formation rising 1,000 feet from the forest floor is a popular destination among rock climbers. A 1.3 mile hiking trail leads to an overlook on top of the rocks that will be hard to forget.
NROCKS Outdoor Adventures
Best known for the via ferrata fixed-anchor type of rock climbing, NROCKS also offers other activities, such as zip lining, traditional rock climbing, and wild cave exploration.
Spruce Knob
Come be the King of the Mountain at the highest point in West Virginia! At an elevation of 4,861 feet you can climb the lookout tower near the parking area and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley. Numerous hiking trails run through the area for your enjoyment.
Smoke Hole Caverns
Do you enjoy walking but want to see the mountains from a new perspective? Underground walking tours of the Smoke Hole Caverns would be perfect for you featuring the Room of a Million Stalactites.
Seneca Caverns
Seneca Caverns is full of fun activities for the whole family including underground walking tours of the Seneca cave system and gemstone mining.
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Running from Romney to Moorefield and Petersburg, this railroad gets its name from the many bald eagle sightings that are reported on its run through the trough along the South Branch of the Potomac River. Soak up the scenery and get great photographs for years to come!