“Wardensville is probably not what you’d expect, assuming you expected anything. This town of less than 300 people, 100 miles from Washington, D.C., is arguably not on most people’s radar—but it should be. ”
Arial view of Wardensville
Wardensville is located 100 miles from Washington, DC and 8 miles from the Virginia border. An incredible stopping off point for most WV destinations, it is located immediately west of the Great North Mountain range, which separates it from the Shenandoah Valley. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests border the town to its east and south.
It dates to the mid-1700s and the French and Indian War, when hostilities between English settlers and Native Americans led to the construction of several fortified outposts including Fort Warden at Trout Run on the Cacapon River. Years later Trout Run was renamed Wardensville after William Warden who built the fort. Today you can find several pre-Civil War era historic buildings in Wardensville, including the Cline Blacksmith Shop/Town Jail and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
“Antique stores, art galleries and even a craft brewery [coming soon] dot the streets of this small town. Lodging options in the area range from rustic cabins and campgrounds to romantic bed and breakfasts. Just a short drive away, Lost River State Park and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Wardensville is more than you’d hope to find in this Potomac Highland town.”