There’s just something about a view that stretches across miles and miles of mountain terrain. Those kinds of views put things in perspective. They soothe the soul. They inspire the mind. Although you have to work for it, the view from this little-known overlook in West Virginia is no exception – it stretches across two states, five counties, and hundreds of miles.
At the top of the world (or at least at 2,877 feet above sea level) in West Virginia’s Lost River State Park is a view of the Appalachian Mountains that stretches for miles.
Katy Pitts/Alltrails
This spectacular vista, viewable from the memorably monikered Cranny Crow Overlook, is perched at the apex of the four-mile out-and-back White Oak Trail.
Tama Day/Alltrails
From this phenomenal perch, hikers can see five counties spread across two states - West Virginia and Virginia.
Megan Ross/Alltrails The counties visible are Hardy County, West Virginia; Grant County, West Virginia; Pendleton County, West Virginia; Rockingham County, Virginia; and Shenandoah County, Virginia.
There’s even a picturesque stone shelter at the overlook that just adds to the location’s charm and provides a nice spot to hole up if an afternoon rain burst catches you unaware and far from your car.
Joaquin Cortez/Alltrails
But while you can expect plenty of beautiful vistas along the journey to Cranny Crow Overlook, don’t expect it all to be smooth, level going to get there. The trail is rated moderately difficult for elevation gain.
Andrew Sharrock/Alltrails
But the pay off at the end is worth the work it takes to get up here.
Jay Wilkins/Alltrails Adventurous hikers can continue on past the Cranny Crow shelter to Cheeks Rocks or can use the Virginia View Trail to make the return trip a bit of a loop instead of a simple out-and-back.
To learn more about accessing the view from Cranny Crow Overlook, visit the hike on the Alltrails website. Hardy County, home of Cranny Crow Overlook, also boasts another unique West Virginia wonder: the state’s only natural lake. Have you visited either of these hidden West Virginia gems?
Katy Pitts/Alltrails
Tama Day/Alltrails
Megan Ross/Alltrails
The counties visible are Hardy County, West Virginia; Grant County, West Virginia; Pendleton County, West Virginia; Rockingham County, Virginia; and Shenandoah County, Virginia.
Joaquin Cortez/Alltrails
Andrew Sharrock/Alltrails
Jay Wilkins/Alltrails
Adventurous hikers can continue on past the Cranny Crow shelter to Cheeks Rocks or can use the Virginia View Trail to make the return trip a bit of a loop instead of a simple out-and-back.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Cranny Crow Overlook, Lost River SP, WV, Mathias, WV 26812, USA
