Your 2025 Mountain State Maple Days Preview
The sweetest time of the year is back in Pocahontas County! Mountain State Maple Days returns on February 15 and March 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual celebration invites you to explore the rich traditions of maple syrup production as family farms across the county open their doors for tours, tastings and delicious experiences. It’s the perfect winter outing for anyone who loves the taste and tradition of this pure, golden syrup.
Tapping Into Tradition
With one of the largest concentrations of maple trees in the country, generations of Pocahontas County locals have tapped into this sweet resource to craft delectable syrup and other maple treats.
The origins of maple syrup are as mysterious as they are fascinating. Although no one knows exactly how it was discovered, many believe Native American cultures in Northeastern North America first unlocked its potential. One popular story tells of a chief practicing his tomahawk throws. By chance, he struck a maple tree, releasing sap that was later tasted and found to be tasty and, fortunately, nonfatal!
The sugar water harvest typically lasts about six weeks, spanning February and March. As the season progresses, the sap darkens in color and deepens in flavor. During Mountain State Maple Days, farm tours provide a firsthand look at the syrup-making process, from tapping the trees to boiling the sap into syrup. Visitors can also sample maple-infused treats like maple candy, popcorn and cotton candy while enjoying the scenic beauty of Pocahontas County.
Participating Farms
This year, several farms are participating in Mountain State Maple Days, each offering a unique experience.
Fort Warwick Farm
Located off Route 28 near Green Bank
Step back in time at Fort Warwick Farm, where traditional syrup production methods and family traditions have stood the test of time. Enjoy a guided sugar camp tour and sample their delicious creations.
Yew Mountain Center
9494 Lobelia Road, off US Route 219 South of Hillsboro
Take a scenic drive to Yew Mountain Center, where you can explore sugar bush tours, learn tapping techniques and enjoy both sweet and savory maple treats. Don’t miss their educational activities for kids and the made-to-order fluffy pancakes drenched in rich, golden maple syrup!
Hillsboro Maple Works
Located in Hillsboro
Get an in-depth look at the syrup-making process at Hillsboro Maple Works. From sap collection and reverse osmosis to wood-fired boiling and the final stages of finishing and canning, this immersive experience covers it all.
Maple Magic at High Rocks
195 Thompson Road, Hillsboro
As part of the Folk Arts and Culture Workshop Series, attend Maple Magic at High Rocks to learn how to make maple syrup and enjoy it on homemade buckwheat pancakes! Space is limited for this free community workshop, so reserve your spot by calling (304) 653-4891.
Maple Days Dining Specials
As you tour the farms, treat yourself to special maple-inspired menus at local eateries. Kickstart your morning with all-you-can-eat regular or buckwheat pancakes at Handmade WV (made using Arbaugh Farm Flour and topped with Hillsboro Maple Works syrup) or Station 2 Restaurant (topped with Cassell’s Sugar Shack syrup). At Dirtbean Ohana, savor maple-infused treats like dirty maple chai and maple lattes, paired with French toast drizzled with maple syrup. For a unique caffeine kick, Snowshoe Hare offers a signature maple latte aptly named The Snowshoe Hare. Or head to the Greenbrier Grille for maple-inspired dishes and maple donuts.
For dinner, try a maple bourbon pulled pork sandwich at Dari-Land or a maple-brined pork belly burger at Rivertown Cafe, served with sweet potato soup topped with maple crème and maple pecan cookies. Dari-Land also has maple glazed donuts, donut holes and maple cold foam for coffee. The menu at Locust Hill Restaurant features smoked chicken and turkey with maple barbecue sauce, while Hillsboro Public House offers maple syrup and bourbon steak tips with asparagus, mashed potatoes and a maple glazed salad with ginger vinaigrette and candied nuts.
Satisfy your appetite at Simply Sweet Cafe with maple chili and slaw hot dogs, maple cinnamon rolls, maple chai lattes and maple cookie frappes. End on a sweet note at Mountain State Cakes Bakery with maple donuts, cinnamon rolls, cookies and cookie sandwiches.
Maple Days Special Events
Wrap up your sugary adventures with special events! On February 15, the Pocahontas County Farmers Market Maple Days Fundraiser will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Green Bank Fire Department, featuring all-you-can-eat buckwheat pancakes. On March 15, the Durbin Lions Club Pancake Supper will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Arbovale Community Center, serving pancakes, sausage and local maple syrup.
Opry Night on February 15 at the Pocahontas County Opera House promises an evening of lively entertainment. Then, come back on March 15 to catch a performance by The State Birds. For those who love winter sports, Snowshoe Mountain Resort has Presidents’ Day Weekend activities and a College Weekend & Pond Skim event on March 15. Additionally, Pocahontas County Restaurant Week from March 8-15 celebrates the local food scene with special menu items at participating restaurants. Visitors can even pick up a free Pocahontas County Maple Cookbook to bring home the flavors of Nature’s Mountain Playground.
Maple Days Lodging Specials
Those planning to make a weekend of it can take advantage of exclusive lodging deals. Locust Hill Inn &Cabin is offering 20% off lodging, along with a complimentary hot breakfast. Moore House Inn & Cabins, Morning Glory Inn and Old Clark Inn are all providing a 10% discount on entire stays.
Sweet Souvenirs
Take a piece of the sweetness home with you. Purchase local syrup at Handmade WV, Snowshoe Hare, The Levels Depot, Frostmore Farm Maple Stand, Pocahontas County Artisans Depot in Marlinton and WV Market at Snowshoe Village. These souvenirs are a wonderful way to savor the experience long after your visit.
Learn more about Mountain State Maple Days and plan your trip! Request a free copy of our Adventure Guide for more travel inspiration.