Lost River

End of the Lost River

The 31.1-mile Lost River — essentially the upper course of the Cacapon River — drains part of southern Hardy County in eastern West Virginia. The river flows into an underground channel southwest of Wardensville, at “The Sinks,” and reappears as the Cacapon River.

Throughout its course, the Lost flows alongside and through the northern reaches of the Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Formerly an estate of the Lee family, Lost River State Park is located nearby on Howards Lick Run, a tributary.

Lost River Communities

From source to mouth, the following select towns and villages are located on or near the the river.

Mathias, WV
Lost City, WV
Lost River, WV
Baker, WV
Wardensville, WV

Regional Information

Information on lodging, dining, and recreation on and near the Lost River may be found in our guide to travel in the Potomac Branches Region, in eastern West Virginia, through which the Lost and Cacapon rivers descend.