7/6/2011
MATHIAS, W.Va. – Lost River State Park is issuing an “open house” invitation for July 22 as a day set aside strictly for fun at one of West Virginia’s first state parks. “We hope to see family and friends come to the park for the entire day and rediscover Lost River,” said Mike Foster, superintendent. “We hope to meet some first-time visitors, but more importantly, we’re encouraging folks from our area to come out to enjoy some activities and the facilities.”
Foster has been superintendent at Lost River since July 2010. Colby Caldwell was promoted to assistant superintendent in November 2010after serving as superintendent at Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area. “If for no other reason, it is an wonderful opportunity for Colby and me to meet people from Hardy County and the region, enjoy a hot dog and maybe pitch some horseshoes.”
Open House activities at the 3,712 acre state vacation park include door prizes, a hot dog roast, free swimming, archery contest, and more. Door prizes will be awarded at the hot dog roast scheduled from 4 – 6 p.m. at the park’s upper shelter. Tickets for door prizes will be issued at the swimming pool from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Swimming at Lost River’s outdoor pool will be free from noon until 6 p.m. For this event only, the pool will be open for an evening swim from 6 – 8 p.m., also at no charge.
The Recreation Hall will be open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Game equipment rental fees will be waived for Open House. Games include volleyball, shuffleboard, and horseshoes. From 11 a.m. until noon there will be traditional school yard games including bean bag toss, potato sack race and egg-and-spoon races. The historic Lee House will be open from 1 -3 p.m. with interpretative tour available. An archery contest from 2 - 3 p.m. will be at the archery range on “game hill.” The park will supply bows and arrows for the contests. Privately-owned bows are not permitted. Hot dogs are free while they last at the 4 - 6 p.m. roast. Additional activities maybe added such as an evening campfire. Cabins are available for rent year-round. In summer months cabins are rented for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, or Monday – Thursday night rental periods. Weekly rentals are also available. Cabin availability is posted to
www.wvstateparks.com weekly at
www.wvstateparks.com/vacationcabinrentals.html.
The Hidden Trails Stables at Lost River State Park will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hidden Trails Stables, LLC, opened in 1996, and is owned and operated by Judy Mathias and her family. Hidden Trails creates a family atmosphere and Mathias and her trail guides take care of guests to ensure that everyone has a “down-home” good time. Hidden Trails Stables is one of four horseback riding facilities in West Virginia’s state parks. Other parks with horse stables include Pipestem and Cacapon resorts, and Babcock state parks. Picture of horses at Hidden Trails Stables and other Lost River stable information is online at
www.hiddentrailsstableswv.com/index.html.
A park steeped in Civilian Conservation Corps history, Lost River is a tribute to the work and dedication of the 200 men, aged 18 – 25, assigned to Camp Hardy. CCC Company 1524 began to work on clearing land installing infrastructure in 1933. Cabins constructed and still in use today continue to draw vacationers to the area for the peace and quiet found. Visitors can view stonework, blacksmithing products, and massive structures that stand the test of time.
Lost River State Park is located in Hardy County in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, 10 miles north of the Virginia State line and 23 miles south of Wardensville. Turn west off of WV 259 at Mathias, then follow the secondary road for four miles to the park entrance.
Contact Information
Mike Foster, Superintendent, Lost River State Park
304-897-5372
lostriversp@wv.gov