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Lost River State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WV

Lost River State Park

Lost River State Park in West Virginia offers stunning landscapes and a rich array of outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

State Park3,9344+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,934

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Lost River State Park

Lost River State Park in West Virginia offers stunning landscapes and a rich array of outdoor activities, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lost River State Park, located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, encompasses over 3,900 acres of scenic Appalachian wilderness. The park is renowned for its lush forests, rolling hills, and rich biodiversity which provides an idyllic backdrop for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Established in 1937, the park also has historical significance, being home to the Lighthorse Harry Lee Cabin, a restored historic landmark associated with a Revolutionary War hero. Visitors can enjoy over 20 miles of hiking trails that provide access to picturesque views and peaceful surroundings. The ecology of the park is diverse, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, and swimming in the outdoor pool, all of which attract visitors looking for both adventure and relaxation. The park's remote setting provides a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lost River State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Lost River State Park★ 7.5⌖ 3 miHiking
Lost River State Park

Discover Lost River State Park

Explore Lost River State Park with its 13 miles of hiking trails in Mathias, WV. Enjoy horseback riding, swimming, and fishing among stunning vistas. Best visited in spring or fall for mild weather. This historic site offers a peaceful escape for nature lovers and families.

Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Blackbird Knob Trailhead★ 7.8⌖ 25 miHiking
Blackbird Knob Trailhead

Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Blackbird Knob Trailhead

Explore the 4-mile Blackbird Knob Trail near Davis, WV. With moderate difficulty, this hike offers encounters with bogs, streams, and open vistas. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers interested in wildlife watching and camping.

Camping in the Heart of the Alleghenies: Red Creek Campground★ 6.5⌖ 25 miCamping
Red Creek Campground

Camping in the Heart of the Alleghenies: Red Creek Campground

Red Creek Campground, in the Monongahela National Forest near Petersburg, WV, offers easy access to hiking in Dolly Sods Wilderness. A quiet retreat for camping and wildlife viewing, ideal in spring and fall. The area features remarkable ecological diversity with waterfalls and panoramic mountain vistas.

Nature's Masterpiece: Bear Rocks Preserve★ 8.7⌖ 25 miHiking
Bear Rocks Preserve

Nature's Masterpiece: Bear Rocks Preserve

Explore Bear Rocks Preserve near Davis, WV, known for its stunning rock formations and scenic views over Canaan Valley. Ideal for hiking, photography, and bird watching in late spring to fall, this remote spot offers a glimpse of unique ecosystems in the Dolly Sods Wilderness.

Relaxing Retreat at Capon Springs and Farms⌖ 26 miRelaxation
Capon Springs and Farms

Relaxing Retreat at Capon Springs and Farms

Explore Capon Springs and Farms, a historic retreat in High View, WV, known for its mineral-rich waters and lush landscapes. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and relaxation amidst tranquil surroundings. Best visited in spring and fall for vibrant colors.

RelaxationView Details→
Discover Dolly Sods Wilderness★ 8.5⌖ 27 miHiking
Dolly Sods Wilderness

Discover Dolly Sods Wilderness

Explore the unique Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia, offering rugged hiking opportunities through a sub-Arctic microclimate. Known for diverse flora and panoramic plateaus, this area is favored by adventure seekers. Ensure permits for camping and enjoy quieter trails in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Cranny Crow Overlook – offering sweeping views of the park and surrounding areas✦ Lighthorse Harry Lee Cabin – a historical site linked to the American Revolution✦ Big Ridge Trail – perfect for exploring the park's diverse ecosystem✦ Hidden hiking paths leading to secluded areas of natural beauty
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lost River State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lost River State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee required, open to the public.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Lost River State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Lost River Campground

Located within the park, offering easy access to trails and facilities with modern amenities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lost River State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Mathias
⌖ 2.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mathias, West Virginia

A serene, less-traveled location embodying the rugged charm of the West Virginia mountains, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Moorefield
⌖ 11.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moorefield, West Virginia

A small historic town serving as a gateway to rugged mountain landscapes and river adventures in the Potomac Highlands region.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Petersburg
⌖ 14.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Petersburg, West Virginia

A quiet Appalachian gateway town offering direct access to rugged outdoor experiences along the scenic Potomac River and Appalachian Trail corridors.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Edinburg
⌖ 17.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Edinburg, Virginia

A peaceful Shenandoah Valley town offering easy access to rugged hiking, scenic paddling, and quiet rural trails ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a calm getaway.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Wardensville
⌖ 18.81 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wardensville, West Virginia

A quiet gateway town offering access to pristine wilderness, combining riverfront relaxation with Appalachian Ridge outdoor adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Timberville
⌖ 19.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Timberville, Virginia

A peaceful small town offering quiet access to river paddling, rural hiking, and biking with gentle terrain and nearby natural preserves.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lost River State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.