SNOWSHOE / POCAHONTAS COUNTY
Known for its "big mountain" vistas from the state's second highest peaks, Pocahontas County is also the birthplace of eight rivers including the Greenbrier, Gauley, Cheat and Tygart.
Snowshoe Mountain, the popular ski and golf resort perches on a 4,848-foot mountain. Snowshoe's status as one of the major ski mountains of the East is rivaled only by the challenging Hawthorne golf course carved into the mountain's base. Aside from ski and golf offerings, Snowshoe has built a diverse summer outdoor recreation program and a full schedule of special events.
The ski mountains of north-central Pocahontas open into the wide expanse of the Greenbrier Valley to the south, overlooking the town of Marlinton, county seat. The region's most popular rail-to-trail for biking begins here and follows the Greenbrier River, known for canoeing on lazy summer days and spring fly fishing. The 75-mile Greenbrier River Trail, designated as the West Virginia Millennium Legacy Trail, is perfect for biking and hiking families. Equestrian adventurers also find it appealing.
Railroad and logging history is replete through the area. Board an authentic Shay locamotive in the restored logging town of Cass and chug up to the top of the state's second highest mountain. In Marlinton, the Visitor's Center is located in a restored railroad depot. From Durbin visit many of the pristine areas only accessible on foot or by rail along three of the prettiest rivers in the East.
The Highland Scenic Highway (Rt. 150), one of the highest roads in the East, is the southern entryway into the Monongahela National Forest. The Cranberry Nature Center on Rt. 39/55 welcomes travelers into the southern National Forest areas of the Cranberry Backcountry and Cranberry Glades Botanical Area with information and exhibits.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Beartown State Park
Calvin Price State Forest
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
Droop Mountain State Park
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Falls of Hills Creek
Gaudineer Scenic Area
Green Bank National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Locust Creek Covered Bridge
Seneca State Forest
Snowshoe Mountain
Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (Route 250)
Watoga State Park
Big Mountain Country ------------------