Whether you’re on your feet or on your seat, Autumn is the perfect season to experience Hardy County’s stories and trails. As the mountains turn brilliant shades of crimson, amber, and gold, the crisp air and sweeping vistas invite you to slow down and discover the easy side of wild, wonderful West Virginia.
Trails That Tell Stories
For hikers, Hardy County offers endless opportunities to wander beneath colorful canopies. At Trout Pond Recreational Area, home to West Virginia’s only natural lake. Okay, sometimes it’s just a puddle, but the beautiful limestone sinkhole is a small natural wonder in itself. Connected to underground aquifers, the water levels can change drastically, making it a geological anomaly in the state and well worth the visit. In addition Rockcliff Lake offers fishing, and swimming in warmer months, and numerous trails for all activity levels wind through serene woodlands throughout this protected spot.
Not far away, Lost River State Park offers 23 miles of hiking and equestrian trails that showcase the season at its best. The climb to Cranny Crow Overlook rewards you with panoramic views of five counties, and following the ridgeline to other overlooks you can see the mountain tops roll away in a patchwork of fall color. Wildlife is plentiful, and the park’s historic cabins add a rustic charm that makes every walk feel like a step back in time.
For those seeking a wilder adventure, the George Washington National Forest Lee Ranger District stretches into Hardy County with a vast network of trails. Here, you’ll find everything from leisurely paths to challenging backcountry routes, perfect for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders eager to explore the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in their autumn glory.
Scenic Drives and Rolling Rides
The Hardy County Barn Quilt Trail also invites travelers to explore scenic backroads dotted with brightly painted quilt squares adorning barns, businesses, and homes. Each design tells a story of heritage, artistry, and community, and the drive is especially stunning when framed by autumn foliage.
Cyclists, motorcyclists, and those looking for a scenic drive, will also find their trail here on the Ride the High 5, a regional collaboration including several loops of mountain roads over five counties that deliver sweeping curves, ridgeline views, and valleys alive with color. With over 700 miles across five routes, it’s an unforgettable ride in the crisp, clear days of fall.
Hardy County’s trails—whether by foot or by wheel—offer a rare balance: adventure and ease, discovery and comfort. You can challenge yourself with a steep ascent, meander along a quiet stream, or simply enjoy the view from your car window as the countryside glows with autumn light.
This fall, come walk, ride, or wander where the trails lead. Experience the beauty, the stories, and the freedom of the mountains. Experience the easy side of wild.
History Meets Nature
The Historic School House Trail links one and two-room schoolhouses with stories of Hardy County’s past, making it a trail where both footsteps and imagination wander.
Learn more and plan your visit at VisitHardyWV.com
