Hardy County: Come Wander Our Country Roads! - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine

Visit Hardy County, WV

Rivers, Runs and Lakes

Hardy County’s rivers, stocked lakes, and mountain runs offer some of WV’s best fishing. Rent a canoe or kayak at Breezewood Adventures to see The Trough, an isolated 6-mile gorge on the South Branch of the Potomac River where bald eagles soar overhead. Brighton Park offers picnic areas, ball fields, pavilions, and boat access to the scenic South Branch River. The South Fork is a seasonal float and fishing river, and Lost River disappears underground to become the Cacapon, a great long-distance paddling river. Trout Pond Recreation Area is home to the 17-acre Rock Cliff Lake and Trout Pond, while diminutive, is West Virginia’s only natural lake.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

Visit Lost River State Park and the impressive Cranny Crow Overlook. Hike the trails through the historic park or experience them on horseback with a guide from Hidden Trails Stables. Join Lost River Trails Coalition’strail days to upgrade existing mountain bike trails in the State Park. And while you’re there, visit the park’s Nature Center and Gift Shop. In nearby George Washington National Forest hike or bike the trails to spectacular mountain vistas across two states.

In Town and Out

At Moorefield, tee-off at Valley View Golf Club or visit West-Whitehill Winery for a tour and tasting. See performances at McCoy’s Grand Theater, the latest movie at South Branch Cinema 6, or go bowling at Potomac Lanes. Pick strawberries in the spring at Buena Vista Farm or buy locally grown produce and beef at one of the many farm markets across the county. Visit Dakota Glass Works to see glassblowing demonstrations, and stop in at WordPlay, an independent bookstore in Wardensville. For WV-made products, artwork and crafts, antiques, made-to-order food, and beverages, explore our country roads and small towns to visit Lost River Artists Marketplace, South Fork General Store, Lost River General Store, Our Roots, South Branch Inn Gift Shop and Lost River Trading Post for a unique shopping experience.

Explore Our History and Yours

Travel our country roads to see the Hardy County Barn Quilt Trail. Download TheClio.org app to follow the Hardy County Historic Schoolhouse Trail and travel across the county following the Civil War Trails markers to the many historic sites. Celebrate our history and explore our rural heritage on walking tours, at traditional local parades, fairs and festivals, and community dinners scheduled throughout the year.

Enjoy the 70^th Annual Hardy County Heritage Weekend festivities September 22-24 and the Wardensville Fall Festival October 13-15.

Plan your next day’s adventure over dinner (and live music!) at Mullins 1847 or Lost River Grill, dine by candlelight or in the cozy bar at the Guesthouse, enjoy a steak at O’Neill’s, a burger at Better Times, or a wood-fired pizza at Lost+Found Pizza and Provisions.

So, Visit Hardy for the day, but plan to spend the night! There are plenty of adventures left over to keep you busy the next day and the day after, too.