Beyond the 360: Cranberry Glades

Did you know there's an area in West Virginia where plant species are similar to those found in the Northern Tundra?

Cranberry Glades acts as a sanctuary for some of the most unique plants found in West Virginia. The botanical area spreads across 750 acres, housing five small boreal-type bogs. Carnivorous plants, or insect-eating plants, can be found among the bogs in the Cranberry Glades. Cruise the half-mile wooden boardwalk that runs through Cranberry Glades to get up close and personal with some of the regions most unique vegetation.

When you're finished taking in the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, head west on Route 39 to the extraordinary Falls of Hills Creek. With three separate cascading waterfalls to view, you can choose how far you would like to hike in. Take a quick stroll to the first waterfall, or head on a deeper hike toward the third set of waterfalls - regardless, all three are equally as stunning!

After taking in the falls, head back toward the Glades and continue east on Route 39 until you see the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. Operated by the US Forest Service, this educational center provides an opportunity for those both young and old to enjoy the different live snake exhibits and interesting stuffed, replica animals that showcase the variety of different mammals that call the Monongahela National Forest home.

After a busy day exploring the Monongahela National Forest - you will surely be hungry!

Head to the Pretty Penny Cafe, just off Route 219 in Hillsboro, for casual family dining, or grab a pizza and soft serve ice cream, and dine riverside at Jack Horner's Corner in Seebert.

Bikes, boats and tubes can all be rented at Jack Horner's Corner in Seebert as well. With easy access to both the Greenbrier River and the Greenbrier River Trail State Park, you have options to bike, kayak or canoe.

There are also endless lodging options to accommodate your family and friend's needs. Stay riverside by booking with Pocahontas Cabins or The Lodge on the Greenbrier River. Try staying with Greenbrier River Cabins, where the Greenbrier River Trail runs through your backyard, while the Greenbrier River flows through the front. Or, head to Watoga State Park, where you can choose between staying in a modern cabin, a rustic cabin or camping in one of their three campgrounds!

Be sure to check out all of our other lodging establishments as well by clicking here.