GRANT
/ HARDY COUNTIES
Flying eagles, vintage
passenger trains and historic towns color the beautiful,
green South Branch Valley. Its the land of the Potomac
and the place where George Washington slept.
Southern
Sector
The North Fork of the South Branch follows State Route
28/Highland Trace 55 and empties into the South Branch of
the Potomac west of Petersburg, county seat of Grant. The
South Branch continues into Hardy County, passing through
the historic county seat of Moorefield, before
disappearing into the impenetrable "Trough" . . . a
unique geological area best explored by canoe or by
train! It then makes it way into Hampshire Country and to
the great Potomac.
Trophy bass and lazy
canoe trips color the South Branch. Anglers of all ages
learn here and make records here. Outfitters specialize
in magical river trips of choice.
The sister towns of
Petersburg and Moorefield sit in the center of the
picturesque South Branch Valley characterized by historic
farms and mansions and paralleled by misty, blue mountain
ridges. Warm, hospitable, friendly describe these towns
brimming with mountain heritage.
To the east in Hardy
County, the Lost River begins as a tiny run near the
villages of Lost City and Lost River, growing larger as
it passes by Lost River State Park then, near
Wardensville, disappears at Lost River Sinks only to
emerge again to become the Cacapon River in Hampshire
County, another popular canoeing and fishing spot.
State Route 259 follows
the river through Hardy County to SR 55/Wardensville
where it meets SR 29. Route 29 courses its way north
through Delray following the North River to Ice Mountain,
a nature conservancy known for its year-round ice-filled
mountain-top crevises. Along this route over 50,,000
acres in Hardy County belong to the George Washington
National Forest. A system of marked trails and forest
roads make for easy hiking and backpacking. Recreation
areas offer camping, fishing, and swimming
opportunities.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Echo Park
Fort Mulligan
Greenland Gap Nature Preserve
Historic Moorefield
Rock Cliff Recreation Area
Top Kick's Military Museum
Trout Pond Recreation Area
Wolf Gap Recreation Area
South
Branch Valley
(Southern Area)
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