Howard's Lick Run Trail

This is a short, low-stress out-and-back (or point-to-point if you spot a shuttle car) that follows a gentle stream corridor in Lost River State Park near Mathias, West Virginia. At around 3 km (1.9 mi) with minimal elevation change (about 0 m / 0 ft overall), it’s well-suited to families, first-time hikers, and anyone looking for a quiet walk with lots of water-and-woods scenery. The tread is generally easy, but expect a few damp spots and occasional roots where the trail hugs the creek.

Getting to the trailhead (car + public transport realities)

By car: Aim for Lost River State Park (321 Park Drive, Mathias, WV 26812)—that’s the most reliable “known address” to navigate to, and it places you close to the park roads that access the Howard’s Lick Run area. (wvstateparks.com)
Once inside the park, the Howard’s Lick Run Trail is commonly accessed from a small pull-off along WV Route 12 (the main road through the park) where the trail begins near a small sign and a swinging bridge. (irp.cdn-website.com)

By public transport: There isn’t dependable public transit directly into Lost River State Park. The practical approach is to take intercity service toward the Eastern Panhandle / Shenandoah Valley region, then use a rideshare or taxi for the final rural leg into the park. Plan for limited cell coverage in places and pre-load your route in HiiKER before you arrive.

What the hike is like (surface, landmarks, and pacing)

From the WV-12 pull-off, you’ll quickly get the “signature” moment of the walk: a swinging footbridge crossing the run. (irp.cdn-website.com) After that, the trail settles into a calm, wooded streamside ramble. Because the route tracks the drainage, the grade stays mellow—your effort is more about steady walking than climbing.

For pacing, most hikers will cover 3 km (1.9 mi) in roughly 45–75 minutes depending on stops for photos, wildlife watching, and how muddy the edges of the run are.

Nature, wildlife, and what to watch for

This corridor sits in the Appalachian Mountains landscape around Lost River State Park, so you’ll be walking through mixed hardwood forest with a cool, shaded feel near the water. (naturalatlas.com) Along the run, look for: - Songbirds in the canopy and along the water’s edge, especially in spring and early summer. - Amphibians (salamanders/frogs) in damp leaf litter near seeps and small feeder trickles. - Deer sign and occasional sightings at quieter times of day.

Things to look out for on an “easy” creek trail: - Slippery footing on wet leaves, algae-darkened rocks, and muddy patches near the bank. - High water after storms: even if the trail itself is straightforward, streamside sections can get soggy or briefly flooded. - Ticks in warm months—use repellent and do a check after the hike.

Navigation and options

Even on a short route, it’s worth having the track downloaded in HiiKER so you can confirm you’re on the correct corridor if you encounter junctions or if leaf cover hides tread. In Lost River State Park, trails can connect into a broader network; Howard’s Lick Run Trail is described by the park as running from Howard’s Lick Run near the east entrance toward intersections with other named trails deeper in the park. (wvstateparks.com)

Historical context (region)

Lost River State Park sits in Hardy County in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, an area shaped by long Appalachian settlement patterns—small farming valleys, forest use, and later conservation/recreation development. The park’s trail system reflects that shift toward protected public land and outdoor access in a region that historically relied on timber and agriculture, with modern emphasis on low-impact recreation. (en.wikipedia.org)