Welcome

Only two hours from the Beltway, the countryside of the Lost River region is especially appealing to those who love the outdoors: hikers, cyclists, or anyone who just wants to get away from the city for a spell.

The Lost River Barn is in a meadow at 2,735 feet. The barn was built in the ’30’s and was at one time part of a cattle farm.

It has since been converted to a house with five bedrooms and three and half baths. Both full bathrooms have Jacuzzi tubs. The common area has three big rooms. There is a gas fireplace and a video/dvd screen with an assortment of viewing options, as well as cable and wifi. There is also an ipod docking station and a cd/tape deck.The kitchen is fully equipped, pots pans and plates, stove, micro wave, toaster and coffee machine. There is also a gas grill on the back deck. Each bedroom has a full size bed and there are six additional pull out sleepers on site.Only two hours from the Beltway, the countryside of the Lost River region is especially appealing to those who love the outdoors: hikers, cyclists, or anyone who just wants to get away from the city for a spell.

The barn comes fully stocked with bed linens, towels, comforters, etc. A washer and dryer is also on the premises.Rates are $900 a weekend, for up to six people. Additional guests are $120 each. One additional night is $400 and next three is $150 per night.

Clean and well mannered dogs are welcome to come enjoy the barn with their people. Dog fee is $25 for one, $35 for two. No more than two dogs at a time please.Come enjoy the beauty of Hardy County and watch the wildlife (deer, wild turkey, humming birds, and the occasional black bear) while sipping your favorite beverage on the deck. There’s no better way to unwind and relax.

Contact

To contact us please email Jay Moglia. Due to frequent spamming of our contact form, please contact him directly. His email address is his last name followed by his first name, followed by an ampersand, followed by Yahoo, followed by a period, followed by com.

Activities

Hiking
‍Lost River State Park is just six miles down the road from the barn. Hike up to Cranny Crow and enjoy a spectacular view. The park has a network of trails, a spring fed pool, and horseback riding, among it’s offerings. An easy day trip from the barn, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area has peaks up to 4000 feet, magical views, and a great network of hiking trails.

‍Rafting, Canoeing, and Kayaking
Eagles Nest Outfitters runs rafting and kayak trips on the South Branch of the Potomac River. The Trough is a 6 mile long stretch of the South Branch of the Potomac River, north of Moorefield, West Virginia. This forested canyon between river and sawmill ridges is home to bald eagles and abounds in native fish and wildlife. With limited human access, the only access is by canoe or railroad. Canoes can be rented from the Trough General Store.

Directions

Lost River Barn
9580 Howards Lick Road
Mathias, WV 26812

‍We do not recommend following GoogleMaps and GPS. It charts the most direct route as the crow flies but will put you on mountainous dirt road passes. If you have the extra time and you’re into this, it’s doable and scenic, but it’s back woods, and will take significantly longer to get to the barn.

Take I-66 to I-81 south. You’ll only go a few miles on I-81.
Take exit 296 to 55 west. Go over mountain and come to town of Wardensville. (OBEY SPEED LIMIT)
Continue through Wardensville on 55. (On West side of town, 55 expands to a four-lane divided highway.)
Proceed approximately 7 miles, exit at Baker, turn LEFT off exit ramp, follow signs to Baker and Lost River State Park.
Go approximately 1 mile. LEFT at 259 south, (BP gas station at corner). There’s a sign for Lost River State Park.Go about 10 miles on 259.
Come to town of Mathias. There is a PURE gas station and a fire house.
Turn RIGHT on to Howards Lick Road.
You will see more signs to Lost River State Park.
From this point it is about ten miles to Lost River Barn.
You are pretty much going up now.
We’re a big grey barn with a red roof on RIGHT side of the road: 9580 Howards Lick Road

Links

Here’s some favorites places in the area, and links to friends and supporters.

‍Food
‍For local fine dining, it is tough to beat The Guest House at Lost River.The Lost River Grill and Motel has great burgers and other tasty and well-priced entrees. It’s right on 259 in the Lost River Valley. On the drive to or from the barn, stop by Lost River Brewing for food and some local music. Don’t miss stopping into the Lost River General Store while you’re out and about. They’ve got a little bit of everything from candles, and t-shirts to a great selection of beer, plus paninis, hand dipped ice cream and the most decadent brownies. You can also indulge in one or a few nights at their B&B, literally just a few steps from the General Store. Go enjoy the fine art and support the artists.

‍Arts and EntertainmentV
Visit Bibi and Lulu’s art studio. Lulu is a former 6-day racer from France who is an exceptional metal sculptor. Bibi’s paintings and tapestries will take blow your mind. Harriet’s stained glass art is out of this world. You’ve just got to check it out. Don’t forget to visit the Lost River Artisans Cooperative, filled with a range of quality items from hand thrown pottery; forged metal tools and art; fused glass; jewelery; and hand spun wool to locally made maple syrup and much more. There’s also a museum of local artifacts on the bottom floor of the cooperative, which is in an old barn.

‍Lodging
‍Is the barn booked the weekend you’re free to come out to the Valley Never fear, there are several other places to park yourself and enjoy Hardy County.
‍The Guest House Inn at Lost River
‍The Lost River Grill and Motel
‍Lost River State Park
‍South Branch Inn
‍Lost River Modern

Friends and Supporters
‍We love local filmmakers Ray and Rich Schmitt Besides filming the Lost River Classic, they have a number of films covering a range of topics.Lost River Barn features shea butter soap by Savannah Essentials. We discovered them years ago at their Eastern Market booth and we’ve been getting their soaps ever since.