In-state visitors coming from the mass of West Virginia to the west travel through Moorefield to get to the valley. From the east, which provides the vast majority of park visitors, Wardensville and the new W.Va. Route 55 are the gateway.

 

For those who give trendy titles to towns, Wardensville is definitely “emerging chic,” with a new municipal government and the cool downtown Lost River Brewery. The year-old Lost River Trading Post is the acknowledged center of ferment and change. It’s a combo cutting-edge gallery space, made-from-scratch bakery and shopping opportunity for everything from local arts to the largest collection of craft beers in town and must-have oddities.

 

The original wood floors are restored and polished, and the owners are enthusiasts ready with information and guidance on everything to do and see.