Hillsboro West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hillsboro, West Virginia.
1. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is the site of West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle, which took place on November 6, 1863, between federal forces led by Brigadier General William W. Averell and Confederate troops under Brigadier General John Echols. The park preserves this important historical location just south of Hillsboro, offering visitors a chance to explore the battlefield where this decisive engagement occurred. From the overlook, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while learning about this crucial chapter in West Virginia's Civil War history.
2. Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum
NOBEL LAUREATE'S CHILDHOOD HOME
The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum stands in loving memory of the Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author who helped shape the 20th century through her writing and humanitarian efforts. Built in 1857, this historic house serves as a museum featuring original family furniture and personal belongings of Pearl S. Buck. Visitors to this popular Hillsboro attraction can immerse themselves in the early environment that influenced one of America's most celebrated authors.
3. Falls of Hills Creek
CASCADING NATURAL WONDER
Falls of Hills Creek is a spectacular natural attraction featuring three distinct waterfalls cascading through the scenic landscape near Hillsboro. Visitors can follow a well-maintained trail that leads to views of the Upper (25 feet), Middle (45 feet), and Lower (63 feet) falls, each offering its own unique beauty. The Lower Falls, at 63 feet, stands as one of the highest waterfalls in West Virginia and rewards hikers who make the somewhat challenging descent with breathtaking views.
4. Watoga State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Watoga State Park encompasses over 10,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the mountains of Pocahontas County near Hillsboro. The park offers a wealth of recreational opportunities including hiking trails, swimming facilities, fishing spots, and boating on the park's lake. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse wildlife, lush forests, and scenic vistas that make this one of West Virginia's largest and most beloved state parks.
5. Beartown State Park
UNIQUE ROCK FORMATIONS
Beartown State Park features a fascinating natural area known for its unusual rock formations created by the erosion of Droop Mountain's sandstone over millions of years. Visitors can explore these curious geological wonders via a half-mile boardwalk that winds through massive boulders, deep crevasses, and overhanging cliffs. The park's otherworldly landscape, often shrouded in mist, creates an enchanting atmosphere that makes visitors feel as though they've entered a stone city designed by nature.
6. Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
RARE ECOSYSTEM PRESERVE
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area preserves a unique ecosystem featuring five boreal-type bogs that are typically found much further north in Canada. These specialized wetlands host rare plants including carnivorous species, orchids, and cranberries, offering visitors a glimpse into an ecosystem more commonly found in arctic regions. A half-mile accessible boardwalk allows nature enthusiasts to explore this ecological treasure without disturbing the delicate environment.
7. Greenbrier River Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL
The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad corridor transformed into one of the longest rail trails east of the Mississippi, passing near Hillsboro. This scenic pathway follows the Greenbrier River through some of West Virginia's most spectacular natural landscapes, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Along the route, travelers will encounter historic sites, small towns, and numerous access points to the Greenbrier River for fishing, swimming, and paddling.
8. Handmade West Virginia Market
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOWCASE
Handmade West Virginia Market showcases the rich craft traditions of the Mountain State through an impressive collection of locally made goods and artwork. Visitors can browse and purchase unique handcrafted items including textiles, woodwork, pottery, jewelry, and food products made by talented regional artisans. The market not only provides a shopping destination for authentic West Virginia crafts but also celebrates the cultural heritage and creativity that flourishes in the hills and valleys surrounding Hillsboro.
9. Locust Creek Bridge
HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE
Locust Creek Bridge is a picturesque covered bridge that stands as a reminder of West Virginia's architectural heritage near Hillsboro. This historic structure, with its classic design and weathered timbers, offers both photographers and history enthusiasts a glimpse into 19th-century transportation infrastructure. Visitors can walk through this charming bridge while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the gentle sounds of Locust Creek flowing below.
10. Little Levels Heritage Fair
CULTURAL CELEBRATION FESTIVAL
The Little Levels Heritage Fair is an annual celebration held on the last full weekend in June to coincide with Pearl S. Buck's birthday, honoring the area's rich cultural traditions. This beloved community event features diverse activities including kids' games, live music performances, local food vendors, handmade craft exhibitions, parades, rodeo events, and a special writer's workshop held at the Pearl Buck Birthplace. Each year, the fair adopts different themes that highlight various aspects of Hillsboro's heritage, creating a fresh and engaging experience for returning visitors.
11. The Yew Mountain Center
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION RETREAT
The Yew Mountain Center is an experiential education facility and nature preserve offering programs that connect people with the Appalachian landscape around Hillsboro. Visitors can participate in workshops, retreats, and educational activities focused on sustainable living, traditional skills, natural history, and environmental stewardship. The center's beautiful grounds provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and quiet reflection in a setting that showcases the natural beauty of West Virginia's mountains.
12. Highland Scenic Highway
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Highland Scenic Highway is a spectacular 43-mile National Scenic Byway that traverses the mountainous terrain of the Monongahela National Forest near Hillsboro. This elevated roadway reaches heights of over 4,500 feet, providing travelers with sweeping vistas of the Allegheny Highlands, lush forests, and mountain meadows through all four seasons. Numerous overlooks and picnic areas along the route invite motorists to pause and appreciate the pristine wilderness that characterizes this remote corner of West Virginia.
13. Calvin Price State Forest
PRISTINE WOODLAND RETREAT
Calvin Price State Forest encompasses over 9,000 acres of undeveloped woodland in Pocahontas County, offering visitors a chance to experience the region's natural beauty in its most primitive state. This managed forest provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation away from developed facilities and crowds. The forest's remote character and limited access points create a true wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
14. Monongahela National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
Monongahela National Forest spans over 919,000 acres across the Allegheny Mountains, including significant portions of Pocahontas County near Hillsboro. This vast wilderness area offers countless outdoor recreation options including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and winter sports across diverse ecosystems ranging from river valleys to mountain peaks. Within its boundaries, visitors will discover hidden waterfalls, spruce forests, rocky outcroppings, and meadows filled with wildflowers that showcase the remarkable biodiversity of Appalachia.
15. Brooks Memorial Arboretum
BOTANICAL TREE COLLECTION
Brooks Memorial Arboretum showcases a diverse collection of native and ornamental trees in a peaceful setting near Hillsboro. Visitors can stroll along winding paths that lead through carefully curated plantings, learning about the region's flora through informative displays and labels. The arboretum serves as both an educational resource and a tranquil retreat where nature enthusiasts can appreciate the beauty and diversity of woody plants throughout the changing seasons.