Mountain State Maple Days and More: Plan A Sweet Getaway to Pocahontas County

Tap into tradition during the annual Mountain State Maple Days on February 21 and March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This celebration invites visitors to learn about local maple syrup production as family farms across the region open their doors for tours, tastings and demonstrations. Extend your visit beyond the sugar camps and plan a winter getaway filled with sweet treats, lively events, outdoor adventure and Appalachian flavor in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

Visit Local Sugar Camps 

Start your weekend by visiting the farms participating in Mountain State Maple Days. This year, six Pocahontas County farms are opening their doors for the public, including Fort Warwick Farm, Frostmore Farms, Hand Me Down Homestead (March 21 only), Hillsboro Maple Works, Starry Night Farms and Yew Mountain Center. 

Each farm offers a unique opportunity to explore the process of making maple syrup, from time-honored traditions to modern techniques. The tours are free, and each farm will have maple syrup and other maple-infused treats available for purchase. 

Earn Prizes Along The Way

Make your Mountain State Maple Days experience even more memorable with the new Regional Maple Passport! With this interactive passport, explore maple-themed festivities during Mountain State Maple Days and throughout Maple Month and earn prizes by visiting participating locations. 

Stop at three sites to receive a free Maple Days sticker, or visit five to earn an exclusive Maple Days pin. Prizes can be redeemed at county visitor centers in Marlinton, Franklin, Petersburg or Elkins. Download the passport through the Driftscape app (with offline mode available) or use your web browser. 

Dine At Local Restaurants 

As you tour the farms, savor maple-inspired specials at local restaurants throughout the county. Enjoy breakfast favorites like buckwheat cakes at Station 2 Restaurant, or warm up with maple drinks and baked treats at Snowshoe Hare and Simply Sweet Cafe. For sweet and savory options, stop by the Starlight Cafe at Green Bank Observatory. Or check out maple specials at Rustic Roots Bar & Grill. 

The second Maple Days weekend also overlaps with Pocahontas County Restaurant Week, running March 14-21. Restaurants will offer specials featuring seasonal produce and Appalachian-inspired dishes. For a farm-to-table meal, visit the Hillsboro Pub for fresh flavors and maple-forward menu items. 

Enjoy Live Music and Local Events

Maple Month also includes additional entertainment across the county. The Pocahontas County Opera House is hosting two special performances. On February 28, Opry Night features traditional old-time music from two Appalachian-rooted duos. On March 14, Minor Swing takes the stage for an evening of lively Roma jazz.

It’s also the final stretch of winter events at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, with competitions and activities scheduled throughout the month.

Get Outside Between Maple Stops

Balance out the sweets by heading outdoors and exploring the area’s winter scenery. Take a hike on a gentle-grade rail trail like the Greenbrier River Trail, which follows the river for a peaceful, remote walk, or choose the West Fork Trail near Durbin for an easy out-and-back route.

Hit the slopes before the season ends at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, home to more than 60 skiing and snowboarding trails for all skill levels. For more winter fun, visit the Coca-Cola Tubing Park, featuring a six-story, eight-lane tubing hill. 

From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to winter fishing and stargazing, there are plenty of ways to round out your trip.

Plan Your Trip

Choose a comfortable base camp with the wide range of lodging options in Pocahontas County, including cozy cabins and vacation rentals, welcoming bed-and-breakfasts and full-service hotels.

Request a free Adventure Guide to start planning your Mountain State Maple Days getaway.