Tucked into the Allegheny highlands of Hardy County, Lost River State Park is one of West Virginia’s most rewarding summer escapes.
Within the park’s borders, you’ll find miles of forested trails, a spring-fed swimming pool, opportunities for horse riding through the ridges, and the kind of unhurried mountain pace that makes weekends feel twice as long. It’s the sort of place that draws visitors back every summer for generations.
Snag yourself a rental cabin that puts you just minutes from the park entrance, then read on to learn how to make the most of your Lost River State Park summer.
Best Things to Do This Summer in Lost River State Park
The state park packs a full slate of activities into its 3,900-plus acres. Whether you come for an active weekend outdoors or a slower-paced family trip, there are plenty of activities to fill your days.
Go Swimming at the Spring-Fed Pool
The park’s outdoor swimming pool is fed by a natural spring, which keeps the water noticeably cool even on the hottest August afternoons.
A bathhouse is on-site, and the surrounding recreation area hosts naturalist-led summer programming for youth, making it a good destination for families with younger kids.
Weekends draw a crowd, especially in July. Arriving early in the morning or visiting on a weekday gives you the most relaxed experience at the pool.
Hike the Trails
The park’s trail network covers a wide range of terrain, from shaded valley walks to exposed ridgeline climbs.
Here are a few of the top trails to consider:
- White Oak Trail: The signature summer hike, climbing roughly four miles out-and-back to the Cranny Crow Overlook at 3,200 feet, where a stone shelter frames sweeping views across five counties.
- Covey Cove Trail: A half-mile moderate loop through pine-dusted ridgelines, also open to mountain bikers.
- Light Horse Harry Lee Trail: This easy trail winds past the park’s historic landmarks and is a good choice for a gentler afternoon walk.
For a full breakdown of the best routes and what to expect on each, don’t miss our guide to the best hiking trails at Lost River State Park.
Come equipped with torches for a nighttime hike if you’re interested in stargazing. West Virginia is one of the best places in the country to see stars thanks to its clear skies.
Ride Horses Through the Woods
Guided horseback rides are one of the most popular summer activities at Lost River, and for good reason. The wooded equestrian trails follow ridgelines and cross streams in parts of the park that are hard to access on foot.
Hidden Trails Stables offers rides ranging from a quick half-hour introduction to a longer two-hour excursion through the hills, with pony rides available for young children.
Rides book up fast in summer, particularly on weekends. Definitely reach out to confirm availability before you arrive rather than showing up and hoping for an open slot.
Have a Lazy Picnic in the Park
Picnicking is often overlooked in a summer itinerary, but it usually ends up being one of the most memorable moments from a Lost River adventure.
The shaded picnic sites along the lower trails are especially comfortable on hot afternoons, and their proximity to the park’s pool and sports courts makes it easy to mix a midday meal with other activities.
Get Sporty in the Sun
Up for a little friendly competition? Lost River offers all kinds of sports and games to visitors looking to spice up an afternoon:
- Disc golf: An 18-hole course that winds through the park grounds, open to all skill levels.
- Pickleball: The former tennis courts on Recreation Hill are now active pickleball courts and draw regular players throughout the summer.
- Horseshoes and badminton: Available near the sports courts area, great for an easy group activity between hikes.
- Archery range: One of the more unique offerings at Lost River, open during park hours.
Build Your Trip Around a Summer Event
The park hosts a handful of organized events each summer that are worth building a trip around: think national hiking days, outdoor educational programs, and cycling races.
Even if you don’t want to participate yourself, events can bring a lively buzz to the park that families will enjoy. Check the official WV State Parks events calendar to see what’s going on this summer.
National Trails Day Hike
- Date: June 6, 2026
- Website: wvstateparks.com/event/national-trails-day-lost-river-state-park/
In celebration of National Trails Day, the park naturalist leads a guided hike. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the park’s trail system and ecology alongside a knowledgeable guide.
Lost River Classic Gravel Race
- Date: August 15, 2026
- Website: lostrivertrailscoalition.org/lost-river-classic/
The Lost River Classic is an annual gravel cycling event that draws riders from across the region. Race distances range from 28 to 85 miles. Even if you are not racing, the event brings a lively energy to the area and is worth knowing about if your trip overlaps.
Tips for Visiting Lost River State Park in Summer
Lost River State Park is a very tourist-friendly destination, but it doesn’t hurt to come prepared. Here are a few tips that will make your summer trip smoother:
- Book your cabin well in advance. Summer is peak season, and availability fills up faster than most first-time visitors expect.
- Arrive at the pool early if you’re visiting on a summer weekend. The pool is most relaxed on weekday mornings.
- Bring more water than you think you need and start hikes early to beat the midday heat. Trails are shaded, but the valley can climb into the upper 80s °F in July and August.
- Download offline maps and any trail guides before you leave your cabin. Cell service is limited throughout the park.
- Hit the trails early. The park opens at 6 AM, which makes early morning one of the best times for hiking. The light is good, the trails are quiet, and the temperature is comfortable before noon.
Plan Your Lost River Summer Trip
From far-flung ridgeline trails to the gentle rhythm of mornings on the cabin porch, Lost River State Park is one of those places that rewards a longer, slower stay. The more time you give these wooded mountains, the more likely you are to fall in love with them.
Book a Lost River cabin so you can be right at the heart of it all. Once you have the right base for your summer trip to Lost River, rest assured that everything else will fall right into place.