Experience the easy side of wild in this Potomac Highlands gem.
photographed by Nikki Bowman Mills and Carla Witt Ford
Wild and wonderful feels softer in Hardy County, quieter in a way that invites you to slow down and reflect. When the hustle and bustle fades, when the horizon gives way to mountains and stoplights are suddenly few and far between, the call of the Potomac Highlands feels inescapable—and you can’t help but listen.
No two visits to this piece of Almost Heaven ever look or feel the same. Natural beauty abounds, rivaled only by the culture and community that thrive here. It’s scenic, spacious, and open to discovery.
ALL WHO WANDER | Lost River
A tributary to the Cacapon River, running parallel to State Route 259 from Mathias to Wardensville, Lost River gained its name from the point in the northeastern part of the county where the water dips below the surface to flow underground for several miles. But in the aptly named community of Lost River, the only thing that is “lost” is your desire to ever leave.
The farmhouse B&B Inn at Lost River is your home base in the Lost River Valley, dating back to the 1880s and renovated for a cozy, country-comfort stay. The connected Lost River General Store + Cafe is a working store that has served the community for over 125 years, adapting to the times. Today, it supports local artisans and makers.
Speaking of inns and restaurants, Guesthouse Lost River is another worthwhile destination with multiple ways to enjoy it. Book a stay in one of 18 gorgeously renovated rooms teeming with West Virginia spirit, or sample some classic American cuisine with a farmhouse spin at the on-site kitchen and bar. For true relaxation, the sauna, massage room, and pool are waiting for you.
When you need a quick bite before getting back out there, Lost River Butcher Block is the place to go. For a sit-down meal sure to reenergize, pull up a chair at Lost River Grill and enjoy homemade classics. Once your hunger is satisfied, feed your creative spirit with a stop at the Lost River Educational Foundation Artists Market Place.
UNCOVER LOST CITY
REST YOUR HEAD at Lost River Motel and B&B
Not all outdoor adventures must include a tent. The vintage Lost River Motel provides a simple, cozy stay in the midst of the excitement. Meanwhile, the renovated 1920s farmhouse B&B offers a more luxurious stay with a rustic rural atmosphere.
➵ lostrivergrill.com/lost-river-motel-and-b-b
SHOP TIL YOU DROP at Valley Vintage & Variety
With an ever-changing collection of vintage and antique goods as well as modern decor and gifts, Valley Vintage & Variety is a destination in your search for unique pieces and treasured relics. Get lost perusing the shelves, hunting down seasonal decor, or uncovering the perfect gift for the special collector in your life.
➵ valleyvintagelostriver.com
PACK A PICNIC at H&T Farm Market
While you might find hardware and homegoods at this local farm market, the aisles are also full of fresh produce, the coolers hold milk straight from the dairy, and locally sourced meats and eggs provide plenty of protein options. Pick all the fixings yourself, or stop by the counter for pre-made and made-to-order meals to take with you.
➵ htfarmmarket.com
RETREAT TO PEACE at Honeylight Glamping
For a stay a bit more off the beaten path, give Honeylight Glamping a try. This private “micro-resort” has all the modern luxuries, plus the peace and quiet that comes with being tucked away in nature. Enjoy on-site provisions and snacking at Hive & Harvest Cafe.
➵ honeylightglamping.life
SPEND TIME OUTSIDE at Trout Pond Recreation Area
Did you know that West Virginia has just one natural lake? And it’s in Hardy County! Trout Pond welcomes anglers, lakeside recreationists, and avid hikers to enjoy its nature-given beauty—even though it’s no bigger than your average puddle for a portion of the year. That’s OK, because nearby Rockcliff Lake is full for fun all season long.
DISCOVER Lost River State Park
TRUSTY STEEDS
Located within the park, Hidden Trails Stables offers horseback riding led by experienced guides along some of the most scenic trails. Beginners are welcome!
TAKE A DIP
Want to stick close to your cabin? Open seasonally from May to September, the park’s pool is a great way to beat the summer heat.
CRANNY CROW
This picturesque spot gives you a panoramic view that goes for miles and miles across five counties and two states. Don’t forget a photo at the Almost Heaven Swing!
THE OUTPOST
If you’re looking for unique lodging, pack a bag and hike to the renovated ranger cabin on Big Ridge Mountain. Remote and primitive, it’s the ultimate lodging for a serious outdoorsperson.
HIT THE TRAILS
The first 3 miles of the Jay Moglia Mountain Bike Trail—a sustainable trail system designed for standard and adaptive mountain biking—are now open. Look for grand opening celebrations in May 2026, with more miles to come.
To learn more, visit wvstateparks.com/lost-river-state-park.
WONDERFULLY WILD | Mathias
Mathias is a gateway community to the nearly 4,000-acre Lost River State Park, a forested and secluded area thoughtfully designed for reconnecting with the great outdoors. First opened in 1937, it has long served visitors—both locals and travelers—as a destination for unrivaled outdoor recreation with comfortable cabins, 23 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, revolutionary history, and unfettered views of the sprawling Potomac Highlands.
At the heart of Mathias is the John Mathias Homestead. Built in 1797 with a second section added in 1825, this historic structure was the home of the community’s founder and stands as a monument to the area’s early days. Right nearby, local-favorite Lost & Found Pizza & Provisions rolls out fresh wood-fired pies to be enjoyed on-site or wherever the adventure takes you next. For servings of the classics, give Farmer’s Table a try.
Need a place to rest your head away from the hubbub? Lost River Vacations is your personal slice of Almost Heaven, where fresh perspectives and rejuvenation are easy to come by. For more space and limitless luxury with wild views, escape to Lost River Estates.
CREATIVITY THRIVES | Wardensville
One of only two towns in Hardy County, Wardensville is a vibrant, bustling community that welcomes travelers from all across the region with its walkable Main Street and friendly faces.
Those who love exploring the great outdoors will be pleased to learn that Wardensville is a gateway town to the northern section of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, 1.8 million acres of woodlands, trails, and recreation.
WordPlay, an independent bookstore with a deep-rooted love for community, has been a place of respite for avid readers in the area. Find the latest reads, including those by West Virginia authors, as well as a variety of events and book club meetings. Keep the shopping spree going at Lost River Trading Post—you’ll love the locally crafted items that abound at this home for artisan goods, food products, and outdoor supplies. The on-site Grasshopper Gallery allows you to explore the latest collections of local artists across mediums, genres, and styles. Pieces rotate often, so each visit is a chance to discover something new.
When it comes time to retire from your journey and rest, Firefly Inn is happy to offer you a cozy stay close to the action.
Hot Stops
Dakota Glass Works
This interactive glass studio is turning up the heat in Wardensville, welcoming curious creative minds from all across the region—and even beyond—to observe live demonstrations, participate in Make Your Own workshops, and sign up for more in-depth classes. It’s a part of the Farms Work Wonders family, a youth-focused program that turns local businesses into hands-on classrooms. When they aren’t teaching, the glassblowers on staff are also creating intricate yet practical pieces to sell in their store and around town. To learn more about Farms Work Wonders, including their farm, bakery, kitchen, and market, visit farmsworkwonders.org.
Drifters Cafe
After Lexy and Lukas Shifflet moved to Wardensville in 2021 and discovered a lack of local coffee shops to get their fix, they made a plan to change things. In April 2022, they opened their pop-up camper–turned–mobile cafe to serve the community with locally sourced goods and the freshly roasted coffee they were craving. It was a hit, and only five months later they opened their brick-and-mortar shop right off Main Street. The menu has grown, with more colorful breakfast burritos and bowls, stacked sandwiches, and flavorful wraps to choose from—and yes, plenty of caffeinated concoctions. driftourway.com
SMALL-TOWN LIFE | Moorefield
Moorefield—the county seat of Hardy—is West Virginia charm at its wildest. Here, quintessential small-town life begins with small-town dining. Mullin’s 1847 Restaurant serves up classic comfort foods like pastas, steaks, sandwiches, and more. Local tip: They have a cabin and a 22-room hotel if you’re itching to stay downtown. For a lunch or dinner the whole family will enjoy, grab a table at Gennaro’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria for bona fide Italian dishes and pizza. El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant is a popular eatery, known for its authentic recipes and signature margaritas. Casual fare with big flavors can be found at O’Neills on Main Street.
Locals Sam and Kelly Williams help keep Moorefield hopping with their band of businesses, including local BBQ joint South Branch Smokehouse, the South Branch Inn boutique hotel, South Branch Cinema 6, and the South Branch Potomac Lanes bowling alley.
The historic Robert Higgins House is home to the Hardy County Visitors Center and museum, the perfect marriage of local history and modern tourism. Speaking of preserving history: The Hardy County Historical Society Museum is just down the street—a deep dive into the area’s past can’t be more convenient. McCoy’s Grand Theatre & Museum is another preserved piece of the past, now a community theater and performance venue that provides a peek into nearly 100 years of entertainment in Moorefield.
STAY AND PLAY
Celebrate with us at a few of our favorite get-togethers.
WEST VIRGINIA’S BRANCH MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL | JULY 15–18, 2026
Traditional bluegrass music takes center stage at this four-day music festival with live performances and jam sessions.
➵ westvirginiasbranchmountainbluegrassfestival.com, @west.virginia.s.branch.mountain.bluegrass.festival on FB
LOST RIVER CLASSIC | AUGUST 15, 2026
Gear up and hit the gravel at this Lost River bike race hosted by the Lost River Trails Coalition.
➵ lostrivertrailscoalition.org, @lostriverclassic on FB
73RD ANNUAL HARDY COUNTY HERITAGE WEEKEND | SEPTEMBER 25–27, 2026
A countywide festival celebrating the area’s rich history through area tours, live music, and more.
➵ heritageweekend.com, @hardycountytourandcraftsassociation
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2026 ISSUE
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