Lost River State Park
Lost River State Park
4.5
About
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.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
8
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Hogweed
Yorktown, VA32 contributions
Oct 2021
We just stayed here the weekend of October 22-October 24th in one of the Legacy cabins. I can not say enough great things about this park. The cabin was gorgeous with a stone fireplace, a great firepit, a porch with rocking chairs, a stocked kitchen and bathroom. It was peaceful and tranquil with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the lay of the land. Further, the staff at the camp store were helpful and were able to answer any questions we needed. Finally, the trail to Cranny Crow overlook was stunning as was the overlook itself. This is a fantastic place to experience fall foilage. There are so many hikes I would like to have done here. We will certainly be back again and again.
Do note that Mathias is a pretty good driving distance from grocery stores. If you are coming from Moorefield or Harrisonburg, stock up.
Do note that Mathias is a pretty good driving distance from grocery stores. If you are coming from Moorefield or Harrisonburg, stock up.
Written 25 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeachBum
25 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Beautiful family friendly park with horses and swimming! We hiked for about 4 hours and saw a good bit of thr park including some gorgeous hike to camping spots! The forest had begun to recover from the recent fire; however, the maintenance crew needs to remove a good bit of burned camping tents and rebuild some of the damaged areas. Definitely worth visiting for a week or just a day! Had a great talk with the super and tut gift shop attendant and purchased a few goodies from WV owned businesses! Loved to see the support of our state!
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellinshoes
Funkstown, MD8 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We stayed in one of the CCC cabins and loved the trip. The cabin was comfy and had all of the basics we needed. The porch was great and had lots of seating. A little creek ran out front. Deer visited daily. The fire pit area was nice and firewood was provided. The outside area had 2 nice sized picnic tables and benches. The park service people were pleasant and helpful. We hiked to Cranny Crow overlook and loved that. Take in your food as grocery options are slight.
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VirginiaRET
Arlington, VA9 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
This state park, roughly 135 miles from Washington, DC, is tucked away in a rural corner of the West Virginia mountains. The cabins are well-equipped, that includes cable TV, and are far enough away from each other to give one that feeling of openness. The park has a swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness trail and horseback riding all in addition to miles of hiking trails. The park is also pet-friendly, which is a plus. Visitors should be aware that stores and restaurants are at least 20 miles away from the park. Before visitors leave home, it would be a good idea to make doubly sure they've brought everything they think they'll need, otherwise it's a long trip to the store. This is a great get-away for a relaxing week.
Written 2 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlueFalconRidge
Lewisburg, WV433 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Staff were with good humor, helpful and polite. They pointed out local places to eat as no lodge in the park. The pool is beautiful and clean. The trails were well maintained. The cabins were private and clean. The GPS didn't find the park well so take note and follow a MAP.
West Virginia has a truly beautiful park system and this is a rare, hidden gem.
West Virginia has a truly beautiful park system and this is a rare, hidden gem.
Written 19 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debby188
Summersville, WV5 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Just came back from a couple days at Lost River State Park. Cabin # 16. It was very nice. Clean, newer and actually comfortable furniture and beds! We are WV state park lovers and have only two more to go. this cabin was great. Pet friendly and you could drive right up to it. Trust me, some are a hike to get you and your stuff in. there was even (gasp) a TV and Direct TV. I assume it worked. Didn't try to turn it on. The kitchen stuff was OK. No big pot for pasta or corn etc. One great thing was a fire ring! The filled woodshed was not there. I think they will bring you some if you ask. we burnt a small bundle that was there and scavenged some dead wood laying around. The park and pool are beautiful. Tons of trails. I recommend it. Every cabin in every park is different. Part of the fun! Always bring good skillets, knives and a good soup or chile pot. Check for close stores or bring your stuff. Fans in the heat of summer. No grilling utensils here either. When we left we took the left hand road that had a no big truck sign. If you are a fan of country roads,awesome views,fields, farms and wildflowers, go for it!! Not for the car sick or squeamish. When a WV road posts curve warnings....Well, you know. Brings you out in Morefield. Enjoy!
Written 15 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elizabethlascheid
Los Angeles, CA5,087 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
Lost River State Park also has rustic cabins. This is one of the most beautiful, peaceful, places you will ever go. It is in the small town of Mathias, which has a fire station, a market with gas pumps and couple tiny restaurants. The drive there is beautiful and once you turn off onto the street for Lost River you will be in heaven. This is exactly what John Denver sung about.
Once there, you can spend the day and hike, picnic, use the community pool or let you kids run while.
But don't go for just a day. If you ever have the chance, turn this into a vacation of a few days. You will need to make reservations for the cabins well in advance. In the summer they book up to 6 months in advance, but be adventurous, go in the winter, if you are lucky you will get snowed in for a day.
During the summer they have things for kids to do, they have the pool, you can rent a horse, you can hike easy or really hard trails. The restaurant is open during the summer and the food is very good.
During the winter most of that is closed. But you will have peace and quiet. Your neighbor is many yards away, your cabin will attract beautiful deer and squirrels and other little animals. Each cabin has a wonderful porch. The cabins are spotless and all you need to cook is there--go to the market first--. There is a huge fireplace in each cabin and a heater. There is a new cabin which is very large and handicap accessible. Personally, I like the old ones.
Someone will bring you more firewood then you will ever need. There is never an emergency, but if there was there is a ranger home on site and they live there all year round.
Cell service is spotty, they have a pay phone at the check in building. You won't want your phone. There is no WiFi, there is no TV, there is no phone in the room.
Some cabins are one bedroom and I think they go up to 3 bedrooms with the exception of the new one that can hold about 14 people if you wanted. Again, I love the old ones.
You can hike some of the most beautiful trails and they are marked. The views are amazing. You can take a drive through the little streets outside the park where little houses line the streets with beautiful trees and people wave at you as you go by. When you are driving a local driver will wave--wave back. These people are so very kind and friendly.
Leave the cabin the way you found it, clean.
Trust me on this one, it is just a magical place.
Once there, you can spend the day and hike, picnic, use the community pool or let you kids run while.
But don't go for just a day. If you ever have the chance, turn this into a vacation of a few days. You will need to make reservations for the cabins well in advance. In the summer they book up to 6 months in advance, but be adventurous, go in the winter, if you are lucky you will get snowed in for a day.
During the summer they have things for kids to do, they have the pool, you can rent a horse, you can hike easy or really hard trails. The restaurant is open during the summer and the food is very good.
During the winter most of that is closed. But you will have peace and quiet. Your neighbor is many yards away, your cabin will attract beautiful deer and squirrels and other little animals. Each cabin has a wonderful porch. The cabins are spotless and all you need to cook is there--go to the market first--. There is a huge fireplace in each cabin and a heater. There is a new cabin which is very large and handicap accessible. Personally, I like the old ones.
Someone will bring you more firewood then you will ever need. There is never an emergency, but if there was there is a ranger home on site and they live there all year round.
Cell service is spotty, they have a pay phone at the check in building. You won't want your phone. There is no WiFi, there is no TV, there is no phone in the room.
Some cabins are one bedroom and I think they go up to 3 bedrooms with the exception of the new one that can hold about 14 people if you wanted. Again, I love the old ones.
You can hike some of the most beautiful trails and they are marked. The views are amazing. You can take a drive through the little streets outside the park where little houses line the streets with beautiful trees and people wave at you as you go by. When you are driving a local driver will wave--wave back. These people are so very kind and friendly.
Leave the cabin the way you found it, clean.
Trust me on this one, it is just a magical place.
Written 26 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tlr17
Bedford, VA30 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
This park is full of amazing trails for all different levels of hikers. We highly recommend hiking the 2900 feet to Cranny's Crow...the view was amazing!
Written 30 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mable0123
Ohio36 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We spent one week in one of the modern pet-friendly cabins in June, and had a great experience. We did some hiking and horseback riding in the park, and hiking in nearby Seneca Rocks, George Washington National Forest, and Shenendoah National Park. We also loved sitting on the front porch at our cabin with our two dogs to simply unwind and listen to nature. If you are looking for a place where the only road noise you will hear is the occasional car that passes to get to/from their cabin, you can connect with your loved ones and disconnect from the internet, and people wave to say "hi" when you pass them on the road, then look no further. We both work and live in the city, and our Lost River vacation gave us a chance to slow down and rejuvinate. We hope to return again.
Written 26 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nad130
Clearwater, FL18 contributions
Stayed for the weekend dec 2014. 2 BR cabin was exactly as expected and similar to other WV state park cabins. Kitchen was adequately supplied. Park amenities were not important to us as our purpose was serenity, plenty of firewood, and grilled ribs. The office staff were friendly and helpful although we are quite self sufficient. I needed very late Fri night checkin and staff made accommodations for us. Lots of trails, nice playground, and in season a pool. The price for off season was great. The ambiance was perfect. Bring your food, drinks, spices, and condiments. Beds, kitchen, towels, grill, deck, and lots of firewood provided. If you need room service or 24 hr concierge this is not the place for you. If quiet self sufficiency is your goal Lost River is a great option.
Written 15 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You could ride on the park roads and get a pretty good workout but all the trails are more suitable for hiking. Even the fairly level trails designated for horses were very rooty and kinda rocky.
Written 6 February 2024
No, not at all. It's a free state park. There are rental fees for the cabins and fees to swim if you are not staying in a cabin. There are also fees for the horse back riding.
Written 8 August 2018
ruthcoyner
Waynesboro, Virginia
Are any cabins available over the Labor Day weekend?
Written 22 June 2018
You'd need to check the website or call directly.
Written 29 July 2018
Do the cabins have a hair dryer? Need to know whether to bring one or not. Thanks.
Written 10 April 2018
Fawn F
Fairfax, Virginia
Which trail leads to Cranny Crow overlook, and how many miles round trip?
Thank you!
Written 11 May 2017
ErasmusOfIowa
Harrisonburg, Virginia
How bad is the traffic on the lower part of the parkway (from the southern end up to Grandfather Mtn or Blowing Rock) in October? How are weekends compared to weekends? Are there traffic jams and stuff? Can it be hard to find parking spaces on the overlooks?
Written 2 November 2015
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