August 7th Memorial Ride

On Saturday June 26th 2021 we lost our friend and hero Jay Moglia, founder and longtime operator of the Lost River Barn aka the Raw Talent Ranch. Please join us for a memorial ride for Jay on Saturday August 7th, starting and ending at the Barn. 

We will leave at noon on a route TBD but incorporating at least two loops of different lengths & difficulty. There will be a catered BBQ afterward, and folks are encouraged to bring musical instruments or make use of some of Jay's which will be on site. The grounds of the Barn will be open for anyone who wants to camp there overnight on Friday or Saturday, but accommodations in the Barn itself are not available, being reserved for close family & friends. 

More info including links to GPS routes will be forthcoming. Please check back on this page for updates, or see the events linked below: 

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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.

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
Calleva’s Trough 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 recommend double-checking automated routes created by Google Maps or GPS devices. They may chart the most 'direct' route and put you on mountainous dirt road passes not suitable for all vehicles.

• 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.

‍Arts and Entertainment
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 Lost River
‍Inn at Lost River
‍The Lost River Grill and Motel
‍Lost River State Park
‍South Branch Inn
‍Lost River Modern

Friends and Supporters
‍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.