Itineraries
Cranberry Country Family Loop
Journey Overview
Cranberry Country Family Loop is a three-day circuit from Marlinton through Cranberry Wilderness and Richwood, continuing through Cowen and Williams River Scenic Backway before returning via the Highland Scenic Highway. Families explore the unique highland plateau where northern bogs meet southern mountains, creating rare ecosystems found nowhere else in the region through accessible boardwalk trails at Cranberry Glades and Falls of Hills Creek. Rail trail biking, spectacular waterfalls, and small-town stops in Richwood and Cowen make this ideal for families with children of varying ages seeking outdoor adventure with flexible pacing.
Best Times to Visit
Late May through early October offers optimal conditions.
- Highland Scenic Highway is typically open May through October; winter snow closes the route
- Swimming pools at state parks operate Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Cranberry Glades boardwalk is accessible spring through fall; carnivorous plants bloom in late spring
- Fall foliage typically peaks in early to mid-October at these elevations
- Waterfalls run strongest in late spring and early summer alongside wildflower and rhododendron blooms.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marlinton to Richwood
Nature trails & beautiful Boardwalks
Morning
Breakfast in Marlinton
Begin the day in downtown Marlinton, the county seat of Pocahontas County and a hub for outdoor recreation in the region. Several options serve hearty meals suitable for fueling a day of adventure.
- Dirtbean: Coffee shop and cafe with breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
- Greenbrier Grille and Lodge: Full breakfast menu including pancakes, eggs, and country favorites overlooking the Greenbrier River.
- Rivertown Cafe: Historic building with creative breakfast options and upstairs shopping.
Option A: Greenbrier River Trail
Spend the morning on this former C&O Railroad corridor, the longest rail-trail in West Virginia, at 78 miles. The flat, hard-packed gravel surface makes it ideal for families with young children, strollers, or beginner cyclists. The Marlinton section features four paved miles through town with easy access to the historic railroad depot and water tower. Bikes can be rented from Greenbrier Bikes and Dirt Bean Cafe in downtown Marlinton.
Family Ride Options:
Short & Sweet (Ages 3-6): 2-4 miles round trip from Marlinton on the paved section; perfect for training wheels or bike trailers.
Seebert General Store Loop (Ages 7+): 20 miles round trip to Seebert, where the general store offers sandwiches and ice cream.
Sharps Tunnel Loop: 20 miles round trip to the historic 500-foot Sharps Tunnel and railroad bridge.
- Distance: Variable; 2-20 miles
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes – 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Option B: Downtown Overlook and Nature Trails
Explore downtown Marlinton’s historic railroad depot, local shops, outdoor play area at Discovery Junction, and the Pocahontas County Opera House.
Marlinton Overlook Trail
See the sun rise on the historic town of Marlinton from above along the downtown overlook trail. This trail features a steeper climb to the summit and offers benches along the way for rest, but it may not be suitable for younger children.
- Distance: 1-mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 300 feet
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Wyatt Nature Trail
This easy interpretive riverside nature trail outside Marlinton’s Stillwell Park offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the wild and wonderful plants and animals that call the Monongahela National Forest home. Accessible by car or a 1-mile walk south along the Greenbrier River Trail.
- Distance: 0.25 mile (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Midday
Grab Lunch in Marlinton or Prepare Picnic
- Greenbrier Grille and Lodge: Family-style dining overlooking the Greenbrier River; children enjoy watching ducks from the outdoor deck.
- Alfredo’s of Marlinton: Italian and Greek favorites including pizza, calzones, and family-sized portions.
- Dirtbean: Casual cafe with sandwiches, smoothies, and light fare
- Dari-Land: Mix of sweet frozen treats and hearty American food with outdoor seating across from the Discovery Junction play area.
Drive to Cranberry Glades via Highland Scenic Highway
From Marlinton, head west on WV-39/55 toward the Cranberry Wilderness. After approximately 20 miles, turn north onto the Highland Scenic Highway (WV-150). This nationally recognized scenic byway climbs to over 4,500 feet, offering dramatic mountain vistas and an immediate transition to high-elevation plateau. The route passes through Canadian-like boreal forest with red spruce and alpine meadows—often 10-15°F cooler than the valleys below.
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
This 750-acre mountain bog represents the largest wetland of its kind in West Virginia and the southernmost point for many northern plant species. The ecosystem dates back 10,000 years to the last ice age, creating conditions that mimic habitats found 500 miles farther north. The accessible boardwalk trail loops through four distinct glades where families can observe carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, sphagnum moss, wild cranberries, and rare orchids.
- Distance: 0.5-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 10 feet
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (wheelchair and stroller accessible)
Note: Stay on the boardwalk to protect the fragile ecosystem. Dogs are not permitted.
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Before or after the boardwalk, stop at this Forest Service visitor center for interactive exhibits on bog ecology, live animal displays (seasonal), clean restrooms, and Junior Ranger program materials. Hours vary; typically open Friday through Monday from May through October.
Afternoon
Falls of Hills Creek
Located just five miles west of Cranberry Glades on WV-39/55, this trail leads to three spectacular waterfalls: 25, 45, and 63 feet tall. The lowest and most impressive falls ranks as the second-highest in West Virginia. The trail descends via boardwalks and stairs (approximately 400 total steps to the lowest falls).
Family Strategy: The upper falls is accessible via a paved 0.3-mile path, perfect for young children or those with limited mobility. Families with older children (8+) can continue to all three falls with breaks along the way. Remember: going down is easier than coming up, so budget extra time for the return climb.
- Distance: 1.4 mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 220 feet
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (due to stairs)
Night
Drive to Richwood
Continue south on WV-39/55 approximately 20 minutes to Richwood, a small lumber town at the edge of the Monongahela National Forest. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Cranberry Wilderness,’ the town sits at the confluence of the Cherry and Gauley Rivers.
Dinner in Richwood
- Oddfellers Fine Foods: Cozy gastropub featuring locally-sourced meals and homemade desserts in a renovated historic building.
- The Oakford Diner: Classic diner serving homestyle meals, soups, sandwiches, and homemade desserts
- CB’s Hole in the Wall: Pizza, pasta, subs, and wings in a casual full-service atmosphere
Lodging Options
- Four Seasons Lodge: Motel with 27 rooms on the banks of Cherry River; swimming hole at Rudolph Falls on-site.
- Vacation Rentals: Several cabin and cottage options including Cranberry Mountain Getaway and Logger’s Landing.
- Summit Lake Campground: Forest Service campground 10 miles east of Richwood; 33 semi-primitive sites (seasonal).
Day 2: Richwood to Cowen to Marlinton
Mountain lakes & highway honeycombs
Morning
Breakfast in Richwood
Start the day strong with breakfast in Richwood
- Oakford Diner: Hearty breakfasts including biscuits and gravy
- Rosewood Coffee: Warm small-town coffee shop with dozens of specialty lattes and local merch.
Summit Lake
Drive east on WV-39 approximately 10 miles to this 43-acre mountain lake at 3,392 feet elevation. The lake offers a peaceful setting to take in the morning fog. The trail circles the entire lake, offering shoreline access and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Distance: 2.0-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 60 feet
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Midday
Drive to Cowen
Return to Richwood and head north on WV-20 for 30 minutes to Cowen.
Lunch Options
- Hilltop Diner: Classic American diner with burgers, country-fried steaks, and milkshakes.
- Picnic Lunch: Stop by the local IGA to stock up on snacks and picnic supplies.
Big Ditch Lake Wildlife Management Area
If your kids loved the lake and need some more time in the sun, stop by Big Ditch Lake, right outside downtown Cowen. The lake offers picnic tables and an easy trail with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Distance: 2.0 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Afternoon
Drive to Williams River
Start your National Scenic Backroad adventure by turning right onto Williams River Road on the eastern side of Cowen. The backway spans nearly 30-miles at the edge of the Cranberry Wilderness and Tea Creek Backcountry, featuring several swim spots and scenic pull-offs to stretch your legs.
Return to Highland Scenic Highway
After completing your scenic backway drive, hop back on the Highland Scenic Highway for a few final easy hikes and scenic overlooks.
Option A: Scenic Highway North
Honeycomb Rocks Trail
This very short, easy trail leads you past fascinating honeycomb-like rock formations shaped by geology over time, making it a great stop for curious kids and adults alike. The gentle path and striking stone features bring nature’s creativity within easy reach of all ages.
- Distance: 0.5 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Tea Creek Interpretive Trail
A pleasant, easy walk that winds from open meadow into a boardwalk over wetland habitat, offering families the chance to spot birds, beaver activity, and meadow flowers while learning about the forest ecosystem.
- Distance: 1.2 mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 150 feet
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Option B: Scenic Highway South
Black Mountain Fire Interpretive Trail
This short, interpretive boardwalk trail at the Highland Scenic Highway’s Big Spruce Overlook lets kids and adults explore how the forest recovers after fire and learn about local ecology in an engaging setting with a beautiful overlook at either end of the trip.
- Distance: 0.25 mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 5 feet
- Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Cranberry Glades Overlook Trail
This short but comparatively steeper interpretive trail rises above the Highland Scenic Highway to offer a birds-eye view of your earlier adventure in the Cranberry Glades.
- Distance: 0.5 mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Estimated Time: 15-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Night
Dining Options in Marlinton:
- Greenbrier Grille and Lodge: Family-style dining overlooking the Greenbrier River; children enjoy watching ducks from the outdoor deck.
- Alfredo’s of Marlinton: Italian and Greek favorites including pizza, calzones, and family-sized portions.
- Dirtbean: Casual cafe with sandwiches, smoothies, and light fare
- Dari-Land: Mix of sweet frozen treats and hearty American food with outdoor seating across from the Discovery Junction play area.
Lodging Options:
- Watoga State Park: Cabins and campgrounds within the park; CCC-era cabins offer historic charm.
- Vacation Rentals & B&Bs: Wide array of downtown rentals on the riverside.
- Greenbrier Grille and Lodge: Simple rooms above the restaurant with river views.
- Marlinton Motor Inn: Basic motel accommodations in town.
- Seneca State Forest: Rustic pioneer cabins and campground; about 20 minutes from Marlinton.
Day 3: Marlinton Area
boat trips & bear towns
Morning
Breakfast in Marlinton
Return to an earlier favorite from Day 1 or try something new while exploring Marlinton’s walkable downtown.
Watoga State Park
Drive 8 miles south of Marlinton on US-219 to West Virginia’s largest state park, encompassing 10,100 acres. The park offers an excellent swimming pool (seasonal), an 11-acre lake for fishing and paddling, playgrounds, and a network of easy to moderate trails. The name ‘Watoga’ derives from a Cherokee word meaning ‘river of islands,’ describing the nearby Greenbrier River.
Option A: Arrowhead Trail
This family-friendly loop trail passes through mature forest with interpretive signage about the park’s natural and cultural history. The moderate terrain includes some elevation change but remains accessible for most hikers.
- Distance: 2.2-mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Option B: Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak to Float on Watoga Lake
Option C: Watoga Lake Trail
This mostly level trail encircles the scenic 11-acre lake, offering easy walking for families and chances to spot wildlife, including beavers, deer, and various waterfowl. The lakeside path is perfect for children who want to explore at their own pace.
- Distance: 1.5 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 70 feet
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Midday
Beartown State Park
From Watoga, drive south on US-219 approximately 10 miles to this unique geological wonder. A 0.5-mile boardwalk winds through massive Droop sandstone formations carved 300 million years ago- giant boulders, narrow crevasses, and overhanging rock shelters create an otherworldly landscape. Children delight in exploring the maze-like passageways and searching for animal shapes in the rock formations.
Beartown Boardwalk
- Distance: 0.5 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: 60 feet
- Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy (boardwalk with stairs; accessible viewing platform available)
Lunch Options
Return to Marlinton for lunch, or pack a picnic to enjoy at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, located between Beartown and Marlinton.
Afternoon
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park (Optional)
West Virginia’s first state park commemorates the largest Civil War battle fought in the state (November 6, 1863). Families can explore easy walking trails, climb the observation tower for panoramic views, and visit the small museum housed in a CCC-era cabin. The park offers an excellent picnic area.
Swimming at Greenbrier River
Return to Marlinton for an afternoon swim at one of the river’s many access points along the Greenbrier River Trail. The clear, cold mountain water provides perfect relief on warm summer days. Multiple spots offer shallow areas suitable for children, though water shoes are recommended due to rocky bottoms. Ask locals for current favorite swimming holes.
Night
Final Evening in Marlinton
Celebrate the end of the trip with a final dinner at one of Marlinton’s restaurants. End the evening with a stroll through downtown Marlinton or stargazing—the area’s minimal light pollution reveals spectacular night skies.
MAP
Planning Notes
Navigation & Cell Service
Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent throughout much of this route, particularly on the Highland Scenic Highway, around Cranberry Glades, and in Holly River State Park. Download offline maps before departing and carry paper maps. The Marlinton area generally has better coverage than remote forest locations.
Weather Considerations
High-elevation areas like Cranberry Glades (3,400 feet) and Summit Lake (3,392 feet) are significantly cooler than surrounding valleys—often 10-20°F cooler. Pack layers regardless of season. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; plan strenuous hikes for morning hours.
Road Conditions
The Highland Scenic Highway (WV-150) is closed in winter due to snow. Forest roads to Summit Lake and other recreation areas are paved but narrow and winding. Roads to Holly River State Park wind through steep mountain terrain—drive cautiously, especially with larger vehicles.
Seasonal Considerations
Many facilities in this region operate seasonally. Swimming pools at state parks, the Holly River Restaurant, and some lodging options are only available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cranberry Glades boardwalk and Falls of Hills Creek remain accessible spring through fall but close in winter.
Wildlife
Black bears are present throughout the region; practice proper food storage when camping. The high-elevation bogs support species typically found much farther north. Ticks are common—check family members after outdoor activities.
Water Safety
Always supervise children near rivers and lakes. Greenbrier River currents can be swift after rain. Water shoes are recommended for rocky river bottoms. Never dive in natural swimming areas due to submerged rocks.
Leave No Trace
The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is a particularly sensitive ecosystem—staying on the boardwalk is essential to protect rare plants. Pack out all trash throughout the route, and respect wilderness regulations in the Monongahela National Forest.