The Lost River Valley in beautiful West Virginia offers a scenic retreat rich in natural beauty and Appalachian charm.
Things to Do
Eat
Guesthouse Kitchen & Bar
Enjoy an upscale dining experience at Guesthouse Lost River, featuring a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients. The cozy dining room and bar provide the perfect setting for a relaxed yet refined meal in the Lost River Valley. Open for lunch and dinner Friday & Saturday. Dinner reservations are recommended. (10 minute drive)
288 Settlers Valley Way, Lost River
Drifters Cafe
Located on Main Street in Wardensville, Drifters Café is a charming spot for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. It’s an ideal place to start your day or take a midday break while exploring the downtown area. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. (18 minute drive)
50 W. Main St. Wardensville
Lost + Found Pizza & Provisions
Situated in Mathias, WV, Lost & Found Pizza & Provisions is the Lost River Valley’s only hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza restaurant. Their pizza is delicious! They have a screened porch for dining with your pup and nice board game collection for playing while you eat. Provisions is a beer and wine shop attached to the restaurant featuring domestic and craft beer, a great wine selection, and snacks. Open daily for lunch and dinner. (18 minute drive)
13357 WV-259, Mathias
Lost River General Store & Cafe
Established in 1898, the Lost River General Store on the grounds of the Inn at Lost River, the General Store is a historic establishment that has been renovated to offer a modern take on the traditional country store. Made-to-order food includes coffee, breakfast, artisan beer & wine, baked goods, paninis, wraps, salads, BBQ, and hand-dipped ice cream from a local dairy. There is also a lovely selection of unique gifts, artwork , crafts, antiques, and more. Open Wednesday - Sunday 9-5 (12 minute drive)
6993 WV-259 Lost City
Mack’s Bingo Kitchen
Mack’s Bingo Kitchen is known for dishes prepared with seasonal and organic ingredients, offering a fresh and local dining experience. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal that highlights the flavors of the region. Mack’s menu includes delicious sandwiches, platters and shared plates as well as beer, wine and cocktails. Open for lunch Saturday & Sunday, and for dinner Thursday - Sunday. (16 minute drive)
155 Main St, Wardensville
Drifters Cafe
Located on Main Street in Wardensville, Drifters Café is a charming spot for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. It’s an ideal place to start your day or take a midday break while exploring the downtown area. Open daily. (18 minute drive)
50 W. Main St. Wardensville
Lost River Butcher Block @ Teets Cattle Company
A family-owned farm offering high-quality, locally raised beef and other meat straight from their on-site butcher shop. Pick up pre-packaged or custom cut meat and other retail offerings to cook at Honeylight Glamping and enjoy a true farm-to-table experience in the heart of West Virginia. Fresh BBQ and other hot food available on Saturdays for lunch. Outdoor seating and dog friendly! Open Monday - Saturday 10 - 5. (12 minute drive)
7271 WV-259, Lost River
Shop
Wardensville Garden Market
The Garden Market is a community-focused establishment offering a bakery with local delights, local organic produce, and delicious baked goods. Run by the nonprofit Farms Work Wonders, it supports youth through food, farm, and arts-based programs. Open Thursday - Monday 8-6. (18 minute drive)
28813 State Road 55, Wardensville
Lost River Trading Post
Experience a modern take on the traditional country store at Lost River Trading Post. Browse for one of a kind gifts,, crafts, antiques, and local products. The attached Grasshopper Gallery features artists from all over the Lost River Valley area. Grab a coffee and relax on the sunny porch with your pup! Don’t forget to take a photo with the famous orange cow out front! Open daily. (18 minute drive)
295 E. Main Street, Wardensville
Wordplay Bookstore
WordPlay is an independent bookstore offering a curated selection of new books for all ages, as well as puzzles, games, and hands-on activities for the whole family. It’s a welcoming space for readers and playful minds alike. Open Thursday - Monday 10-6 (18 minute drive)
50 W. Main Street, Wardensville
Dakota Glass Works
Dedicated to promoting and preserving the historic West Virginian art of glassblowing, Dakota Glass Works is a state-of-the-art studio and gallery. Visitors can watch live glass blowing demonstrations and explore unique handcrafted pieces. Open Friday - Sunday 11-4 (18 minute drive)
273 E. Main Street, Wardensville
Valley Vintage & Variety
Valley Vintage has an eclectic mix of old and new home goods and decor. Search for some vintage treasures or a souvenir from West Virginia. Open Thursday - Sunday 9 -4. (14 minute drive)
8937 WV- 259, Lost City
Hike
Rock Cliff Lake/Trout Pond Recreation Area
An easy wide trail starts behind Honeylight Glamping and leads to Rock Cliff Lake at Trout Pond Recreation Area. At the lake, there are easy trails that circle the lake and a small beach to take a dip in the clear mountain water. There is also trout fishing allowed (license required) and a children’s playground. (40 minute walk to the lake, 20 minutes to walk around it)
Rock Cliff Lake is a serene 17-acre lake perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Surrounded by hiking trails and a sandy beach, it’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the George Washington National Forest. For more information, click here. (8 minute drive)
814 Trout Pond Campground Rd, Lost City
Lost River State Park/Cranny Crow
Lost River State Park is a network of 20+ trails ranging from the easy Howard’s Lick or more moderate White Oak trail that leads to Cranny Crow. For trail information, click here. (27 minute drive)
One of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Lost River State Park, offering panoramic views of five counties. This moderately challenging hike leads to a beautiful scenic overlook, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
6849 Dove Hollow Rd, Mathias
Big Schloss/Wolf Gap
Straddling the Virginia-West Virginia border, the 4.5-mile Big Schloss Trail is one of the prettiest and most interesting hikes in the area. Aside from the spectacular 270-degree views at the summit, you get intermittent views along the way, and the trail itself is fanciful with its lichen-covered boulders and enchanted forest feel. The trail is very steep in the beginning, but levels out for most of the journey. Start the hike at Wolf Gap Recreation Area. (28 minute drive)
Wolf Gap Rd, Wardensville
Bike
The Lost River area offers a variety of mountain biking trails, from beginner-friendly paths to more technical terrain. Ride through lush forests and enjoy thrilling descents while taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains. (30 minute drive)
Lost River State Park has several mountain biking trails including:
Miller's Rock Trail 3.6 miles
Howard's Lick Trail 0.9 miles
East Ridge Trail 2.4 miles
Razorback Ridge Trail 1.1 miles
Red Fox Trail 0.3 miles
For more information, click here.
Ride
Hidden Trail Stables
Explore the beauty of West Virginia on horseback with Hidden Trails Stables. Guided trail rides on gentle horse take you through rolling hills, forests, and scenic overlooks in Lost River State Park for a true back-to-nature experience. Check website for hours and rates. (27 minute drive)
6849 Dove Hollow Rd, Mathias
Swim, Float or Fish
Rock Cliff Lake/Trout Pond Recreation Area
Rock Cliff Lake features a white-sand swim beach, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Bring a raft or pool float and relax in a refreshing mountain lake. This lake is stocked with trout every spring and you can drop a line from anywhere on the shore. In West Virginia, all anglers aged 15 and older are required to have a valid fishing license. If you plan to fish for trout, you'll also need a trout stamp. Licenses can be purchased online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. (8 minute drive)
814 Trout Pond Campground Rd, Lost City
Breezewood Adventures
Local outfitter and guides, Breezewood Adventures offers canoe and kayak rentals, shuttles and guided boating or fishing trips on the South Branch of the Potomac River. Spend a day on the water with your entire group, or just for the avid anglers! (45 minute drive)
3709 US Hwy 220 South, Moorefield
Cacapon River
The Cacapon is a winding, scenic river ideal for kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Bring your own canoe, kayak or SUP, and spend a relaxing day floating on the gentle currents, or find a quiet spot along the shore to unwind and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. There are plenty of boat launches near Honeylight Glamping. Click here for a map. Look near Wardensville/Hardy County for the closest launch points.
Golf
Valley View Golf Club
The 18-hole "Valley View" course at the Valley View Golf Club facility in Moorefield, West Virginia features 6129 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. This public course is open to all sill levels and there is a pro shop and snack bar and grill onsite. (45 minute drive)
4638 US Hwy 220S, Moorefield