Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

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Explore the breathtaking beauty awaiting you in West Virginia! If you’re seeking a perfect blend of scenic drives, tranquil nature walks, and exhilarating hikes, look no further than the Cranberry Mountain region. From the educational exhibits at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center to the stunning vistas along the Highland Scenic Highway, this area offers something for everyone.

Let’s dive into this one-day itinerary that highlights must-see destinations, including the enchanting Cranberry Bog Boardwalk and the awe-inspiring Falls of Hills Creek. Get ready to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant ecosystems that make this part of West Virginia truly special.

Entrance Fee:

FREE

Lodging:

There is no lodging or camping available within the botanical area. The closest cities with hotels and similar accommodations are Lewisburg, WV, which is about 40 miles away, or Summersville, which is about 50 miles away. If you’re looking for camping options, the nearest options are Monongahela National Forest, Watoga State Park, and Seneca State Forest.

As another option, this area is less than two hours from both New River Gorge and Seneca Rocks. During one of our trips through West Virginia, we drove from the Seneca Rocks area to New River Gorge National Park and stopped to hike several trails in this area. After our visit, we continued to New River Gorge, where we camped for the remainder of our trip.

Dining:

There are no food options inside the park, but picnic tables are available near both trailheads. Additionally, picnic tables are located at the scenic overlooks along the Highland Scenic Drive. Limited food options are available in the cities of Hillsboro (10 miles east) and Richwood (20 miles west). For a wider variety of choices, you can visit Lewisburg or Summersville.

Must Know Before You Go:

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is open seasonally. Typically, April through October, Thursday through Monday, 9:00 am-4:30 pm.
The 23-mile Parkway section of the scenic drive is not maintained during the winter months, and restrooms are closed at that time.
Wear footwear with decent traction on both trails.
While sightings are rare, black bears are found throughout West Virginia. Please review wildlife safety before heading out.
Please print or grab a map before heading out on any trail. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
As always, please follow Leave No Trace principles.

One Day Itinerary

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is located at the intersection of WV- 39/55 and WV-150. The center features educational exhibits, live snakes, a wildflower garden, and a short nature trail with interpretive signs. Visitors can also find restrooms and a gift shop on-site.

The nature center is open from April through October, Thursday to Monday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Please note that it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, even during the open season.

Cranberry Bog Boardwalk

Distance: 0.7 miles round-trip

Trail Route: One-way loop

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 10 ft

Trail Access: Park in the small lot off of Forest Road 102.

Pet Friendly: No

Just 5 miles from the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, off of Forest Road 102, is a large lot for the Cranberry Bog Boardwalk. There are restrooms off the parking lot and a large picnic area across the street.

This loop should be walked clockwise, staying on the boardwalk the entire route. Along the trail, you will find informational signs that provide insights about the impressive ecosystem you are exploring. The views are beautiful throughout the entire winding path, offering plenty to see as you navigate through the surrounding wetlands. We visited in the fall, and the colors along the trail and on the bordering mountains were stunning. However, I can’t wait to return in the spring when the flowers are in bloom!

Falls of Hills Creek

Distance: 1.8 miles round-trip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: +300 ft

Trail Access: Park in the lot at the end of Hill Creek Falls Road via WV-39

Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash- however, the stairs to the last waterfall may be tricky with a pup’s paws.

This trail is just about 5 miles west on WV-39/55 from the Cranberry Bog Trail. And again, there are restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead.

Our crew has enjoyed many hiking adventures in West Virginia over the years, but this next trail is undoubtedly one of our favorites. In the spring and summer, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant wildflower blooms, and in the fall, you’ll experience a stunning display of yellows and oranges as the leaves float to the forest floor.

There are three breathtaking waterfalls along the path: Upper Falls (25 ft), Middle Falls (45 ft), and Lower Falls (63 ft). Although the descent to Lower Falls is steep, I assure you that the climb back up is well worth it.

The trail to Upper Falls is paved, though it offers limited views of the waterfall itself. Beyond that point, you’ll encounter approximately 400 stairs leading down to two observation platforms that offer incredible views of both Middle and Lower Falls.

If you would like it shortened this trail slightly, on the way back up, at the top of the last set of steep stairs, there will be a trail junction just before Upper Falls. Take the trail to the left. It is a more direct path to the parking area.

Highland Scenic Highway

The National Scenic Byway (WV 39/55 and 150) stretches for 43 miles from Richwood to US 219, located about 7 miles north of Marlinton, West Virginia. A 23-mile section of WV-150, known as the Parkway, features four magnificent scenic overlooks of the Allegheny Highlands and reaches an elevation of 4,500 feet. This scenic drive is a must-see throughout most of the year. From the blooming flowers in spring to the wildflowers in summer and vibrant fall foliage, the Parkway offers stunning views in every season. Each overlook is equipped with restrooms and picnic tables for visitors’ convenience. However, it is important to note that this section of the scenic highway is not recommended for winter travel due to hazardous conditions.

If you have more time along this scenic route, consider hiking the following trails: the Red Spruce Trail (2 miles, 400 feet elevation gain), the High Rocks Trail (3.2 miles, over 300 feet elevation gain), the Honeycomb Rocks Trail (0.5 miles, 50 feet elevation gain), or the Gauley Mountain Trail (10.3 miles, over 600 feet elevation gain).

I hope you have an incredible adventure!

Looking for another West Virginia itinerary? Check out our Beartown State Park Itinerary!