Whether you’re planning a fall weekend getaway for two or a week-long summer family vacation, Pocahontas County offers unforgettable experiences around every corner. Explore these curated itineraries featuring scenic railroads, mountain adventures, local dining, outdoor recreation, and the unique communities that make Pocahontas County a destination worth discovering.
Itinerary Idea #1: Fall 3-Day Weekend Vacation for the “Independent Explorer Couple”
Friday (Evening Arrival):
- Evening: Arrive in Pocahontas County and settle into your mountain accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a romantic inn, or a mountainside retreat, visit our Lodging page to find the perfect place to stay!
- Grab dinner and drinks at the Mountain Tavern in Marlinton.
- Night: After dinner, take a drive to Watoga State Park. As an International Dark Sky Park along with nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Calvin Price State Forest, Watoga offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the eastern United States. Visit our library locations for packs that include stargazing supplies.
Check out our Getting Here page containing our library locations and more information on traveling around Pocahontas County: https://pocahontascountywv.com/about/getting-here/
Saturday
- Morning: Start your day with breakfast and coffee at Rivertown Cafe in Marlinton before heading to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
- Board a historic steam locomotive and journey through vibrant mountain forests dressed in peak fall color. Along the way, learn about the area’s rich logging history and experience one of Pocahontas County’s most iconic attractions.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at Shay’s Restaurant in Cass. Spend the afternoon exploring the preserved company town, museum exhibits, and shop for souvenirs inside the Cass Company Store.
- Evening: Return to Marlinton and take a relaxing bike ride or walk on the Greenbrier River Trail as the autumn colors reflect off the river. Bring your own bikes, or rent a couple from Greenbrier Bikes in Marlinton. For dinner, if you’re a guest, give the Locust Hill Restaurant, located inside the Locust Hill Inn, a try!
Sunday (Evening Departure):
- Morning: Grab breakfast and coffee at The Dirtbean, then travel to Hillsboro and begin your day at the Cranberry Glades Nature Center. Afterwards, explore the boardwalk trail through Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, one of the most unique ecosystems in Appalachia.
- Afternoon: Continue to Falls of Hills Creek, where a short hike rewards visitors with spectacular views of cascading waterfalls. Enjoy lunch at Hillsboro Public House before heading to Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Visit the museum and climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains dressed in fall color.
- Evening: Depart Pocahontas County with unforgettable memories of scenic railroads, mountain landscapes, and small-town charm featuring the lower locations of the county!
Itinerary Idea #2: Summer 7-Day Week Vacation for the “Enthusiastic Immersive Family”
Sunday (Evening Arrival):
- Evening: Arrive in Pocahontas County and settle into your mountain accommodations. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly resort, mountain condo, or vacation rental, visit our Lodging page to find the perfect fit for your family.
- Grab dinner at The Pizza Slice in Snowshoe and spend the evening exploring the village.
Monday:
- Morning: Stop for breakfast and coffee at Starbucks and take a scenic lift ride to enjoy the spectacular view of the mountains.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Shavers Lake. Take out a stand-up paddleboard or canoe, lounge in hammocks, and play on the water jungle gym. Have lunch at The Boathouse.
- Evening: Play disc golf on the Fairy Diddle Disc Golf Course. Need a disc? Stop by the lake outpost to purchase yours and to get more information about the course. Have dinner at The Junction Ale House.
Tuesday:
- Morning: Start the day with a quick grab-and-go breakfast from Wildcat Grocery before heading to the Snowshoe Bike Park. New riders can sign up for a lesson, while experienced riders can hit the trails right away. With over 40 trails ranging from beginner-friendly routes to advanced downhill terrain, there is something for every member of the family.
- Afternoon: Take a break for lunch at Backcountry Hut Dogs. After lunch, continue exploring the mountain’s trail network. Families can spend the afternoon practicing skills, riding lift-accessed trails, and enjoying scenic mountain views.
- Evening: After a full day on the trails, relax with dinner at Appalachian Kitchen. Spend the evening strolling through Snowshoe Village, enjoying live music if available, or watching the sunset over the Allegheny Highlands before heading back to your accommodations.
Wednesday:
- Morning: Head to Durbin and stop at the Simply Sweet Cafe for breakfast and coffee.
- Afternoon: Durbin features direct access to the High Falls to Cheat Trail and West Virginia’s longest hiking route, the 311-mile Allegheny Trail. Spend the day hiking, or go fishing! Durbin, WV, offers excellent trout fishing in the Greenbrier River and its East Fork, which are frequently stocked from January to May, and also provides opportunities for warm-water species like smallmouth bass in the summer. Eat a packed lunch.
- Evening: Stop at Durbin’s Station 2 Restaurant for dinner. Grab ice cream and souvenirs inside the Rail & Trail Store.
Check out this link for the WV DNR’s fish stocking schedule: https://wvdnr.gov/fishing/fish-stocking/
Thursday:
- Morning: Head to Arbovale and have breakfast at the Bears Den.
- Afternoon: Schedule a visit with Fort Warwick in Green Bank to learn about a reconstructed historic site and museum that preserves the story of a frontier militia fort built in 1774. Explore archaeological discoveries, colonial artifacts, and learn about the settlers who lived and trained there during the Revolutionary War era. Eat a packed lunch.
- Evening: Visit the Green Bank Art Center to see an array of locally created items. Then, have dinner at Rustic Roots Bar & Grill. Today blends local culture, history, and art in a fun way.
Friday:
- Morning: Head back to Dunmore and stop for coffee and baked goods at Mountain State Cakes Bakery. Visit the Green Bank Observatory and take a tour of the Science Center. Learn how scientists explore our universe using the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at the Starlight Cafe and stop by the Galaxy Gift Shop for souvenirs.
- Evening: Travel back to Snowshoe and have dinner at The Foxfire Grille.
Saturday:
- Morning: Take a drive across the Highland Scenic Highway and enjoy the several scenic overlooks.
- Afternoon: Pack a picnic lunch, then spend time at the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. Experience the wildlife viewing opportunities and take short nature walks throughout the Monongahela National Forest.
- Evening: Head back to the Snowshoe area and grab dinner at Sunset Cantina.
Sunday (Morning Departure):
- Morning: Have breakfast at the Waffle Cabin in Snowshoe. Head home after a week immersed in the natural beauty, outdoor adventure, history, and scientific discovery that make the upper locations of Pocahontas County unique!