Description - Pocahontas County was established by the Colony of Virginia in 1821 and
named for the Indian Princess Pocahontas, a direct ancestor of then governor
Thomas Mann Randolph. Encompassing a land area of 943 square miles,
Pocahontas County is one of the largest in West Virginia, and with less than
9,000 inhabitants, among the least populated
The Monogahela National Forest covers most of Pocahontas County and
protects unspoiled views of the Appalachian Mountains. The Cranberry
Wilderness provides a rare opportunity to experiencing the Appalachians the
way the Native Americans and Pioneers did. Add to that some great state
parks and the Snowshoe Mountain Ski Area, and you have a phenominal
destination for the outdoor recreation enhtusiast!
Attractions
- The Monogahela National Forest and the Cranberry Wilderness provide a wide
range of outdoor recreation experiences and preserve most of Pocahontas
County as a truly "Wild and Scenic" destination. The Cranberry Glades
Botanical Area and nearby Cranberry Mountain Nature Center provide a
wonderful educational opportunity for botanists of all ages including the
ability to see rare insect-eating plants.
Beartown and Watoga State Parks and the Seneca and Calvin Price State
Forests provide additional recreation activities. The Cass Scenic Railroad
State Park and the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad provide some great
opportunities to ride a steam locomotive.
Snowshoe Mountain is a year-round resort where you can enjoy the
Southeast's best skiing and snow play in winter, or great outdoor recreaton
and special events throughout the year.
Camp Allegheny, Camp Bartow and Droop Mountain Battlefield preserve
historical sites from the Civil War. The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace preserves the
home of the first American woman to receive both the Pulitzer Prize and the
Nobel Prize for Literature.
Pocahantas County offers some spectacular scenic drives including the
Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway, Highland Scenic Highway and Staunton-
Parkersburg Turnpike.
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory provides an exciting glimpse
into humankinds quest to understand the cosmos. It contains the world's
largest fully steerable single aperture antenna.
Recreation - A wide variety of recreation and education activites are available in
Pocahontas County. This national treasure offers 500 miles of hiking/biking
trails, and a myriad of camping opportunities. View undisturbed Appalachian
vistas. Take a scenic train ride or drive a scenic byway. Visit a nature center,
Civil War site or the birthplace of Pearl S. Buck. Explore the universe at the
National Radio Astronomy Observatory. In the Winter, enjoy skiing and other
winter activities at Snowshoe Mountain. Climate - Temperatures in the highlands of the Allegheny Mountains are somewhat
more severe than the rest of the state. Temperatures during the winter
months typically range from 15 to 40 degrees F. Ample snow accumulation
provides for cross-country and downhill skiing opportunities.
Spring brings blooming trees and shrubs to the forested regions of the
state, as well as warmer temperatures. Expect mild temperatures between 45
and 70 degrees F.
Summers are normally hot with high humidity, especially at lower
elevations. Expect temperatures to range from 70 at night to 95 during the
dog days of August.
Fall brings cool, crisp air to West Virginia and spectacular
foliage color changes. Expect temperatures between 35, at night, to 70
degrees F, during the day. Location -
Pocahontas County is located on the Virginia border in the middle of the
state. Access is provided by US highways 250 and 33. The major gateway
cities are Marlinton in the south and Bartow in the north.
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