Cass Scenic RailRoad State Park Nearby Attractions

Beartown State Park is a 110-acre natural area located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain in northern Greenbrier County and a small portion of Pocahontas County. Beartown is known for its unusual rocky formations, massive boulders, overhanging cliffs and deep crevices. The park’s main attraction is a half-mile boardwalk, which showcases these spectacular sights. Beartown State Park is open April through October.

The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area protects the largest area of bogs in West Virginia. Bogs are acidic wetlands more commonly found in the northern areas of this country and in Canada. The ground in a bog is spongy and consists largely of partially-decayed plant material known as peat. Because of its unique conditions, some unusual plants grow in bogs, including carnivorous or insect-eating plants. The Botanical Area encompasses 750 acres.

Located in the Greenbrier River Valley north of Lewisburg, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states. Dedicated in 1928 as West Virginia’s first state park, Droop Mountain is known for its reenactments of the Battle of Droop Mountain, the last major American Civil War conflict in West Virginia. Reenactments occur in October of even-numbered years. The park also provides hiking trails, picnic shelters and play areas for use year-round.

A one-stop fly fishing adventure destination on the headwaters of the Elk River, Elk Springs Resort with lodging, restaurant, guide service and fly shop. Only 13 miles from Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers a lot to adventurers. This resort is tucked away on the banks of The Elk River near the Randolph, Pocahontas County lines in West Virginia. Elk Springs also offers guided trips, and also offer private lessons, group lessons and schools from beginners to advanced fly fishermen.

Tucked away in the Monongahela National Forest, the Falls of Hills Creek are hidden off of the Highland Scenic Highway – just 5 miles west of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. Consisting of three cascading falls, the Falls of Hills Creek is surrounded by lush, green foliage and blooming rhododendrons in spring. The Falls of Hills Creek Trail will take you along a 1.3-mile out and back trek, moving lower towards the last falls in a series of pathways and wooden stairs. An ADA accessible boardwalk provides views of the first falls.

Green Bank Observatory is home to the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world, which towers over the rolling hills. This 8,500-ton piece of space technology only works without other interferences, because it perceives sound waves from the stars instead of light waves. One of the quietest spots in the country, Green Bank received attention from major publications like Thrillest and Travel + Leisure.

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is the longest trail of its kind in West Virginia. The trail provides many breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of West Virginia’s most remote areas. The Greenbrier River Trail is one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails in the United States and was rated one of the top 10 hiking trails in the country by Backpacker Magazine. Part of the Greenbrier River Trail lies within a National Radio Quiet Zone.

The Highland Scenic Highway takes visitors along many twists and turns through the Monongahela National Forest. Beginning in the town of Richwood, the highway stretches 43 miles to US Route 19. Along the trip, visitors can experience jaw-dropping views at the Falls of Hills Creek, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area and Cranberry Wilderness. Additionally, the highway provides many scenic vistas along the way.

Kumbrabow State Forest is situated on top of Rich Mountain along the Western edge of the Allegheny Highlands in Randolph County. Made up of 9,474 acres at an elevation of more than 3,000 feet above sea level, it is West Virginia’s highest state forest. The distinctive name “Kumbrabow” comes from the surnames of the park’s earliest supporters. Kumbrabow’s hiking trails, fishing streams and natural beauty make this forest an amazing mountain getaway.

The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum showcases the home in which the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author was born in 1892.

Enjoy West Virginia’s oldest state forests! With pioneer guest cabins, lake fishing, camping and hiking it has fun waiting for every guest.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort is one of West Virginia’s premier destinations for all things winter sports, mountain biking and outdoor activities. With an elevation of over 4,800 feet, Snowshoe accumulates an annual average of 180 inches of snowfall and has cool, breezy temperatures during the summer. Explore all that Snowshoe Mountain Resort has too offer all-year-round.

At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia’s highest peak. This area offers endless hiking opportunities for anyone looking to get a beautiful view of the natural scenery surrounding the area. From this rugged alpine peak, you can view grassy openings and pastures or look down on forested ridges. Wherever you find a view, you will want to make it last forever.

An official Dark Sky Park located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park. With 10,100 acres of land, Watoga is filled with many recreational activities including hiking, fishing and boating. Watoga Lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities and is part of the Division of Natural Resources’ stocking program. A multipurpose building, museum and observation tower are just a few of the unique attractions at Watoga State Park. Watoga is a beautiful destination to camp beneath a brilliant Almost Heaven starry sky.