About This Park

Located in the wooded mountains of Hardy County in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, Lost River State Park provides cabin lodging and an abundance of outdoor recreation. The park’s quiet 3,934 acres of woods provides a secluded getaway for nature lovers. Lost River is known for its Cranny Crow overlook on top of Big Ridge Mountain, which offers a commanding view of five counties.

Note: Lost River outdoor swimming pool continues its open date and hours with the exception of closed on Tuesday August 29, 2023. Click 'Swimming' in our Activities for pool dates and hours.

Accommodations

Select an option below to learn more about the accommodations at this park.

Activities

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  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • DeerViewing
    Hunting
  • Museums & Historical Sites
  • Outdoor Adventures
  • Swimming
Attraction is located outside of the park.

History

Lost River State Park is located near the site of the 1756 Battle of Lost River, a battle fought during the French and Indian War. It’s also home to the Lee Cabin, the summer retreat of Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee, a Revolutionary War general and father of Civil War General Robert E. Lee. The restored cabin is across the creek from Lee Sulphur Spring, known for its sulfuric smell and rumored healing properties. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Lost River State Park opened in 1937.

Additional Information

Picnicking

Pack a picnic for the trails! Picnic shelters are located throughout the park and large pavilions are available to rent for any occasion.

Trails

Download Park Trail Map

Arbutus Trail

This trail runs from East Ridge Trail to Loblolly Trail near storage building.

Distance: 0.75 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Yellow

Big Ridge Trail

This trail runs from the lower Fire Tower Road around Big Ridge and back onto Fire Tower Road on top of Big Ridge.

Distance:  1 mile

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Yellow

Branch Mountain Trail

This trail runs from Shingle Mill Land Trail near the lower picnic area to the top of the ridge, rejoining Shingle Mill Land Trail.

Distance: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Red

Copse Cove Trail

This trail runs from the Lee Sulphur Spring near Cabin No. 1 or across from the parking lot near Cabin No. 2 to the intersection of Light Horse Harry Lee Trail.

Distance:  1.75 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Yellow

Covey Cove Trail

This trail runs from the end of Cabin Run Road to Light Horse Harry Lee Trail and then to Piney Ridge Road. (Mountain bikers welcome.)

Distance: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Green

East Ridge Trail

This trail runs from Howard’s Lick Run near the east entrance to the intersection of Red Fox Trail and Light Horse Harry Lee Trail near the southwest corner of the park. (Mountain bikers welcome.)

Distance: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Red

Howard Lick Trail

This trail runs from the parking lot near Cabin No. 3 or the nearby picnic area to the junction of East Ridge Trail near the park’s east entrance.

Distance:  1.25 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: Blue

Laurel Trail

This trail runs from the administration building to the junction of Razor Ridge Trail.

Distance:  0.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Blue

Lee Sulphur Spring Trail

This trail begins at the Lee Sulphur Spring and runs along the creek to the Athletic ballfield and Shelter #2 area.

Distance: 0.25 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: Yellow

Lee Trail

This trail starts at Cabin No. 8 and crosses Light Horse Harry Lee Trail to Copse Cove Trail.

Distance: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Orange

Lighthorse Harry Lee Trail

This horse trail runs from the playground across from the administration building to the junction of East Ridge Trail and Red Fox Trail.

Distance: 1.25 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Blue

Loblolly Trail

This trail runs from the end of the road near the storage building to the end of Cabin Run Road.

Distance:  0.875 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: Orange

Millers Rock Trail

This trail starts at the White Oak trailhead at the horse stables and leads to the Cranny Crow overlook at an elevation of 3,200 feet, offering a scenic panorama of five counties.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Yellow

Razor Ridge Trail

This trail runs from the parking lot near the swimming pool and Cabin No. 3 at the intersection of Howard Lick Trail to East Ridge Trail.

Distance:  1.25 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Orange

Red Fox Trail

This trail runs from East Ridge Trail to Piney Ridge Road near the southwest corner of the park. (Mountain bikers welcome.)

Distance:  0.25 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Orange

 

Shingle Mill Lane Trail

This horse trail runs from the stables to the lower picnic area.

Distance:  1 mile

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Green

Staghorn Trail

This trail runs from East Ridge Trail to Cabin Run Road near Cabin No. 17.

Distance:  1 mile

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Blue

Virginia View Trail

This trail runs from Miller’s Rock Trail at Cheeks Rocks to Big Ridge Trail near Big Ridge Picnic Shelter.

Distance:  0.625 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Red

White Oak Trail

This horse trail runs from the stable to the top of Big Ridge at the junction of Miller’s Rock Trail.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Orange

Wood Thrush Trail

This trail runs from East Ridge Trail to Staghorn Trail.

Distance: 0.25 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Green