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Lost River State Park in Mathias, West Virginia, is a peaceful mountain escape known for its scenic overlooks, historic cabins, and surprisingly dog-friendly accommodations.
We visited with Hazel and spent a weekend hiking to Cranny Crow Overlook, exploring forested trails, and staying in one of the park’s fully equipped cabins.
If you’re looking for a quiet West Virginia state park with hiking, history, and pet-friendly lodging, this is an excellent option.
Some quick notes for visiting Lost River State Park:
- Location: Mathias, WV
- Dog-Friendly: Yes
- Best For: Hiking and Scenic Overlook Cranny Crow, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, History and Sulphur Spring at Lee Cabin
- Time Needed: Full Day to Weekend
- Entry Fee: None
- Accommodations: 26 Cabins, with tent camping and RV spots being built (as of June 2026)
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and Fall
Lost River State Park's History and Location
Lost River State Park is located in Mathias, WV, just over 3.5 hours southeast of Pittsburgh.
The park is laid out over about 3,700 acres and opened in 1937. The area was near the site of the 1756 Battle of Lost River during the French and Indian War. It’s also the site of Civil War General Robert E. Lee’s father’s Lee Cabin, as well as Lee Sulphur Springs.
The Civilian Conservation Corps eventually moved in to build some of the park structures that still survive today.
Lost River State Park Accommodations - Including Dog-Friendly Options!
Lost River State Park has 26 vacation cabins, filled with amenities like air conditioning, full bathrooms, kitchen appliances, and even televisions!
Dog-friendly cabins include 1, 2, 5-7, 16-18, and 25, making those great options for you and your pets.
From the Park Office, the cabin area is located uphill on a winding road leading to a turnaround at the end.
We stayed in Cabin 17:
A long driveway leads up to Cabin 17, which is quite private.
We were really happy with the cabin and cleanliness, and even happier that Hazel was welcome.
It was very cozy with all the creature comforts you could ever want for the weekend- including wifi!
Our cabin had two bedrooms: one with a queen bed (below) and another with two twin beds. Linens and towels were provided for the weekend.
Out the front screen door, we had a fire ring, bench, and two-seater. Out the back screen door, we had a large deck, picnic table, and charcoal grill.
The only thing we weren’t as excited about was the extra-large guest…just a fishing spider we quickly captured and escorted safely outside!
Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding Trails at Lost River State Park
Lost River State Park boasts 23 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Some are exclusive to hiking and biking, while others are hiking and horseback riding.
About 20 different trails, ranging in length from a short .25 mile to a longer 3.5 miles (all one way), make up the network in the park.
You can see half the park on the cabin map I shared above, and this is the other half:
Hiking to Cranny Crow Overlook at Lost River State Park
For our main hiking day on Saturday, we decided to leave from Cabin 17 and hike to the Cranny Crow Overlook.
We set out down the long winding road to meet Howard’s Lick Run Trail, which begins behind Cabin 3.
Howard’s Lick Run Trail takes you behind some pavilions and along a nice dog-wading creek.
We continued along this flat trail across two roads before making a left onto an “unimproved road” on the trail map.
This started our steady, uphill climb to Cranny Crow Overlook! When I say uphill, I mean keep going. This section is a steady, continuous climb with very little flat terrain.
This unimproved road meets White Oak Trail, where you can make a right and begin the long ascent to the lookout.
You’ll be rewarded with slight break and a gorgeous view at a small trail shelter not quite halfway up to the overlook.
Keep going!
Then you’ll find a small trail split…
…before making your way finally to Cranny Crow Overlook!
You may want to take a seat to enjoy your first views after that long uphill.
After catching your breath, you can take in the gorgeous scenic views from the top and learn a little bit about the geology of the area.
Later in the day, I also explored the Fitness Trail.
This map outlines our hike in green, with the star at Cabin 17 and the Fitness Trail as the loop on the first map:
The out-and-back to Cranny Crow from Cabin 17 (minus the Fitness Trail) was about 7 miles.
Cranny Crow Overlook Hike Summary
- Distance: ~7 miles round trip (Cabin 17)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steady uphill)
- Dog-friendly: Yes (leash required)
- Highlights: forest trails, creek crossings, panoramic overlook
With a few water and treat stops, Hazel easily handled it- but was ready for a nap when we returned!
Lost River Nature and Wildlife
On our trip, Lost River State Park wildlife included deer, wild turkey, chipmunks, and a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers. In addition, we could hear owls.
We didn’t see any bear, but we looked!
This hasn’t been a great mushroom-spotting season, but we did see this guy:
Dog-Friendly PIT STOP! Lost + Found Pizza and Provisions
Before you make the turn to head into Lost River State Park, make a dog-friendly stop at Lost + Found Pizza and Provisions.
Hazel enjoyed the screened in porch area, along with a few treats from the friendly staff.
You can try a delicious wood-fired pizza and finish it off with a scrumptious hot cookie and ice cream dessert in the “Pizza” part of the building.
The “Provisions” area has all the beer, drink, and snack options you’ll need for your weekend.
Dog-Friendly PIT STOP! LREF Artists Market Place
For a unique West Viriginian artistry find and souvenir from your trip, make a stop at the Lost River Educational Foundation’s Artists Market Place (Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am – 5pm).
From rugs and crocheted pieces to intricate glass and stunning paintings, not to mention the little museum in the back, you’ll enjoy a stroll through the Market Place.
Not only that, they also allow well-behaved dogs (and pass out treats to boot!).
What to Bring to Lost River State Park
- Don’t forget your bug spray!
- Hiking shoes and socks for higher growth or rainy seasons
- Carry extra water for dogs.
- Bring binoculars for bird-watching. You’ll hear them everywhere!
- S’mores ingredients and toasting poles
Who Will Love Lost River State Park? The Wrap Up!
Lost River State Park is a quiet, forested escape in West Virginia that combines hiking, scenic overlooks, and historic CCC-era cabins with surprisingly dog-friendly accommodations.
It’s especially well-suited for:
- hikers and mountain bikers looking for moderate to strenuous mountain trails
- travelers seeking dog-friendly cabin stays in West Virginia
- visitors interested in scenic overlooks like Cranny Crow
- bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, as well as horseback riders
If you’re planning a weekend trip to Lost River State Park, West Virginia, we hope this guide covers what to expect on the trails, in the cabins, and around the park.
