Your guide to outdoor adventures at Lost River State Park
Visiting Lost River State Park might take you off the beaten path, but that’s part of the appeal this secluded park. Located in a remote part of West Virginia’s eastern panhandle on 3,934 acres of quiet woodlands, Lost River is a popular destination for travelers from the booming D.C.-Baltimore metro area.
With rugged mountain views, miles of hiking trails and outdoor adventures to enjoy, Lost River is a perfect place for day trips, family vacations, cabin getaways and off-the-grid camping trips. Here’s what you need to know to plan a trip.
Featured activities at Lost River State Park
If you’re visiting Lost River State Park for the first time, there’s a good chance you’re coming for a glimpse of Almost Heaven views or a chance to escape the city. You don’t need much else to enjoy a trip to Lost River, but the following outdoor activities and attractions are worth checking out while you’re here:
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Swimming
- Game courts
- Playgrounds
- Disc golf course
Featured trails at Lost River State Park
Whether you want to hike a short distance or explore all 23 miles of trails at Lost River State Park, there’s plenty of ground to cover during your visit. Here are a few of our favorite trails:
This trail runs from the end of Cabin Run Road to Light Horse Harry Lee Trail and then to Piney Ridge Road. Mountain bikers are welcome to use this trail.
Distance: 0.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This trail starts at the White Oak trailhead at the horse stables and leads to the Cranny Crow overlook, which offers a scenic view of five counties at an elevation of 3,200 feet.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This equestrian trail accesses the Cranny Crow overlook and runs from the stable to the top of Big Ridge, at the junction of Miller’s Rock Trail.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Places to stay at Lost River State Park
One of the best things about Lost River State Park’s remote location is that visiting gives you an excuse to rent a campsite or cabin and get away for a weekend or longer.
Cabins
Families who want to enjoy many of the comforts of home will enjoy any of Lost River’s 26 cabins, which provide a great place to rest and relax after a day of outdoor adventures.
Campsites
For a more traditional camping experience, guests can stay at any of Lost River’s five campsites. Two campsites offer a primitive camping experience and are accessible by hiking 1.5 miles on White Oak Trail to the top of Big Ridge Mountain. There’s also a renovated ranger cabin on top of Big Ridge Mountain, near the historic Lost River Fire Tower. This pack-in, pack-out style camper cabin is only accessible by hiking two miles on White Oak Trail to Miller’s Rock Trail.
Recommended itinerary
Day Trip
Hike Miller’s Rock Trail to Cranny Crow Overlook
Enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s shelters
Cool off at the outdoor swimming pool
Extended Trip
Hike Miller’s Rock Trail to Cranny Crow Overlook
Enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s shelters
Cool off at the outdoor swimming pool
Enjoy a guided horseback ride at Hidden Trails Stables
Travel to nearby attractions, such as Seneca Rocks or Spruce Knob
Get the most out of your trip to Lost River State Park with these pro tips
- Hike the Miller’s Rock Trail to watch the sunrise or sunset at the Cranny Crow Overlook, which offers one of the best views in West Virginia.
- Schedule a weeklong trip and plan to spend a few days visiting nearby attractions, such as:
- Smoke Hole Caverns is 37 miles away
- Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is 45 miles away
- Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is 47 miles away.
- Seneca Rocks is 50 miles away
- Seneca Caverns is 57 miles away
- Nelson Rocks is 61 miles away
- Spruce Knob is 71 miles away
