Lost River, WV
Lost River, WV : One of My Favorite Places
Lost River, WV is mostly known for the fantastic Lost River State Park, but it has a lot of other nice things about it too. Lost River, WV is a peaceful, rural area up in the hills, where nature’s beauty is on full display. At the heart of this town is a stunning state park, offering wide forests, clear flowing rivers – including one that disappears(!), and with quiet lakes that are nearby and perfect for folks that like to get outdoors. You can hike along winding trails (like Cranny Crow) that lead to really nice views, fish in nearly pristine waters, or camp under the stars. There are also opportunities for wildlife watching, with eagles and migratory birds and deer frequently spotted in the area.
Lost River is small and has a welcoming nature that makes it feel really nice. The local people are friendly, always ready to help and offer recommendations for local spots to visit. The community is pretty close-knit but there are a lot of people who have homes or cabins in the area who did not grow up here.
For visitors, the area has a good selection of restaurants for a town this small. In this rural town, some restaurants might serve fresh, locally sourced dishes with vegetables from neighboring farms. From cozy Lost River Grill offering homemade pies and sandwiches to more upscale dining experiences like The Guesthouse there’s something to satisfy every taste. The meals are comforting and prepared with our local warm hospitality.
If you’re an out-of-town guest, there’s no shortage of ways to be entertained. Take a scenic drive through winding country roads, explore the state park, or visiting the nearby artisan shops. The area offers a refreshing change of pace. In the evenings, you might find live music at the Lost River Grill, The Guesthouse or someplace nearby. Or gather around a bonfire for a relaxed evening under the stars. Friendly locals are always eager to make newcomers feel at home.
My family is from this area, and I grew up in nearby Bergton,VA, so I know this place pretty well. I love going back here, and I do it as often as I can. Here are some of the places in the neighboring area:
Local Businesses and Restaurants Around Lost River WV
The area has a few really great places to eat. There’s nothing like this great collection anywhere else nearby.
The Lost River Grill, located nearby in Lost River, serves up hearty American fare and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. I’ve been eating here for years, and I have never been disappointed. I usually go for one of the specials. Half-price burgers on Tuesdays. This place also has a bar and sometimes live music.
There’s also The Guesthouse at Lost River, which provides a more upscale dining experience with a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. This place is world-class living and dining. It’s amazing that we have a place like this near us. Truly fantastic! Jesse and Gary make some funny Facebook videos too.
There’s a new pizza place in town – Lost and Found Pizza. It is excellent. You can eat outside on the back porch if you like. Usually pretty busy, especially on the weekends. Super conveniently located along Rt. 259 right where Howards Lick Road goes up to Lost River State Park.
The Teets family (local, well-respected farming family been in the area forever) recently opened a butcher shop (plus more) up on the hill across the road from their farm. This place is called the Lost River Butcher Block. You can get fresh cuts of meat from their huge farm plus other things like ice cream, pizza, toys, and clothes. The items for sale might remind you of the Cracker Barrel.
The Inn at Lost River and the General Store is another local place that has a great reputation. I’ve only been there a couple of times, but it was always good.
My cousins are involved in running the Lost River Farmer’s Market. Looks like they don’t have a website. You can get great food and wine. Relax and enjoy yourself. It’s up Mill Gap Road (the road going up to Trout Pond) a mile or two past the greenhouse on the left side before you get to The Guesthouse. I think they may only be open toward the end of the week. (Reminder to me) I should ask them about that sometime…
After we go to Trout Pond, we often stop in to Misty Valley Grocery and Hardware for an ice cream. My dad always tips in hopes of getting bigger scoops of Moose Tracks. I think they have about eight flavors in all. You can get a lot of your necessary supplies at Misty Valley. If you’re camping in the area, they would have a lot of the supplies you might need. They have gas, sandwiches and pop tarts too.
There’s H & T Farm Market in Lost City. I have not been there recently, but my mom says it is sort of a fun place packed with all kinds of stuff. Sure looks fun from the outside.
Just below H & T Farm Market in Lost City is Artists Marketplace of Lost River. I’m actually not sure if this place is called The Artist’s Marketplace of Lost River or Valley Vintage and Variety. Maybe they are two different places that share the same building. I have not been in here recently, so I’ll have to go check it out. I pass it all the time. I just haven’t stopped to go in. But I do like art, so I should stop.
You might see the N & S Diner or The Homeplace Restaurant advertised on the internet. This place closed a while back and has not reopened. That was too bad because it was a good cheap place that was popular with the locals. I heard they had trouble finding help, and it’s a lot of work to run a restaurant. They used to have live bluegrass every Friday night, and that place was usually packed.
(UPDATE) OK, this place has opened up again. It is now called the Farmer’s Table, Field to Fork. It is located at 13482 WV-259, Mathias, WV 26812. I can recommend the burgers. I’ve had them several times. It was really busy when I was there for Sunday lunch after church let out.
Things to Do Around Lost River WV
Lost River offers a variety of recreational activities, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lost River State Park is the major attraction. The park spans over 3,700 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. One of the park’s highlights is the Cranny Crow Overlook, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of five counties. The overlook structure burned down with the recent wildfires. I’m not sure if they have rebuilt anything on that site or not. It was just a rock bench with a roof and a log book for recording your thoughts. The park also has historic significance, with the Lee Cabin, built by Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee, father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Trout Pond, located within the George Washington National Forest, is the only natural lake in West Virginia. This pretty pond is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The surrounding area offers hiking trails with stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. Fishermen can enjoy catching stocked trout, and the peaceful setting is perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
The surrounding area of Lost River is rich in agricultural activity. Farms in the region produce a variety of crops and livestock, contributing to the local economy. Some of these farms (like maybe the Teets farm) also engage in agritourism, offering visitors the chance to experience farm life firsthand. This includes activities such as hayrides, pumpkin picking, rodeos, and sort of a farm-to-table dining experience with their butcher shop offerings.
Second in local popularity (only to the Bergton Fair or maybe the Tri-County Fair in Petersburg, WV), the Mathias Lawn Party is a summer highlight. Rides, food and music. And a big parade! Do not miss it.
If you like the vibe of Lost River, you are going to want to visit nearby Wardensville, WV. It’s another cool little town with a lot of great restaurants and things to do.
Outdoor Recreation
Fishing at Kimsey Run Lake is popular. It’s free to drop a line. Accessible for those with a disability, and it has a portable bathroom!
You could also go to Parker Hollow Lake. It’s a bit more remote, a little smaller, and no bathroom, but it’s a great place to fish or lazy kayak. I saw an eagle the last time I was there.
Camping, of course. See Trout Pond and Lost River State Park. They are both great, and I have camped or stayed in cabins at both quite a few times. There are some other campgrounds in the area too. There is Lost River Campground near Kimsey Run Lake and there is Horse-Friendly Big Ridge Campground near Lost River State Park. I have not stayed at either of these places.
Hiking. There are a lot of trails in the George Washington National Forest. A lot of trails around Lost River State Park. A lot of trails around Trout Pond. My favorite hike is a quick one from Hidden Trails Stables to Cranny Crow at Lost River State Park. There was a forest fire in the area, and I’ve seen photos that the rock and wood structure at Cranny Crow was burned – as well as a lot of the surrounding forest. Have not hiked it since the fire.
Go horseback riding at Hidden Trails Stables near Lost River State Park. There are a lot of riding and hiking trails in the area.
Hunting in Lost River, WV, is a popular activity that attracts enthusiasts from all over the region. The area’s vast forests and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for hunters. The George Washington National Forest, which surrounds Lost River, offers ample opportunities for hunting a variety of game, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and small game like squirrels and rabbits. The forest’s rugged terrain and dense woods provide a challenging and rewarding experience for hunters. It’s more than just a recreational activity; it is a way of life that is deeply rooted in the region’s history and culture.
Biking is a fun activity in and around Mathias, with various events held throughout the year. The Appalachian countryside provides a perfect backdrop for cycling enthusiasts. Organized rides and races often take place, attracting participants from around the region. The annual Lost River Classic is a notable event, featuring challenging routes that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
Softball with local competitive teams has been popular in the past. Not sure if this is still going on or not. There are fields at the Mathias Community Center. The Community center also had basketball courts and tennis courts, but I’m not sure of their condition today. They were getting a little rough. Lost River State Park had a tennis court or two up on Rec Hill above the pool. I have not been up on that hill in a few years though, so I’m not sure how they look now.
Sometimes you might see 4-wheelers/ATVs on the road around the area, especially near the mountains. Totally legal in West Virginia.
Phone Service
One thing to remember when you are in the Lost River, WV area is that there is limited or no cell service.
Places to Stay
The closest would be at the Lost River Grill and Motel in Lost River, WV.
The Guesthouse at Lost River, WV would be a more upscale option.
The Lost River Campground is up Kimsey Run Road off of Rt. 259. It has a pool and is very close to Kimsey Run Lake. There is also a new campground in the area that’s fairly close – Rivers Edge Campground in Bergton, VA.
Other potential camping sites would be at Trout Pond, WV and Lost River State Park in Lost River, WV. Lost River State Park has nice cabins to stay in, but reserve early, because they fill up fast.
There are various listings of Lost River / Mathias Air B& B sites. I don’t know anything about any of them.
Population and Demographics
The population of Lost River is small, with just a few hundred residents. This tight-knit community is characterized by its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The demographic makeup has a mix of ages ranging from young families to retirees. The small population fosters a sense of close community, where neighbors know each other and look out for one another. There’s also a large group of weekend folks who visit us as guests or have second homes in the area.
History and Early Inhabitants
The area around Mathias / Lost River was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Shawnee. These tribes utilized the abundant natural resources of the region, including its rivers and forests, for hunting, fishing, and gathering. European settlers began arriving in the 18th century, attracted by the fertile land and plentiful game. The community of Mathias itself was named after the Mathias family, early settlers who played a significant role in the development of the area.
Notable People
Although the Lost River / Mathias area is small, it has produced notable individuals who have contributed to the broader region. One such individual is Henry Mathias, a prominent figure in the early development of Hardy County. His contributions to local agriculture and community organization helped shape the area’s economic and social landscape. The John Mathias homestead has been restored and sits near the Mathias Community Center.
James Ward Wood was from a big farm down the road just a bit. He founded Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Washington and Lee University around 1865. His family is still in the area and still owns the active family farm there. I think the story of his life is fascinating. Robert E Lee wrote to Wood’s family that Wood wasn’t getting much out of college. So his college career was rather short-lived, but he made an impact while he was there. He was a politician and farmer, and I believe the original family home “Woodlawn” still stands today too. His gravesite is at Ivanhoe Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Lost River, West Virginia.
Speaking of Robert E. Lee, one of his relatives built a cabin (now called Lee Cabin) in what is now Lost River State Park. I have always heard it was Lee’s father, Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee. The senior Lee was a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War. But recently I heard that it might have been Lee’s brother who actually built the cabin. The father owned the land – thousand and thousands of acres in the area – and passed it along to his sons. There was a resort on the property – evidently sulfur springs were really cool back in the day. (The spring is still there – and it is still sulfur. We called it rotten-egg water when we were kids.) The resort burned down, but the cabin still stands. Amazing history of this place.
Closest Cities
Harrisonburg, VA to the South and Winchester, VA to the North would be the two closest larger cities. Moorefield, WV would be the closest town to the area.
Lost River provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, delightful dining experiences, and a welcoming community—making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.