Hampshire County: Natural Wonders and History

In Hampshire County, experiences range from wooded ridges and an unusual cold-air sink to buildings and sites from several eras. There are also marked trails, rivers, and a scenic train excursion. When planning a trip, you might first consider whether nature, history, water, or a train ride should shape your stay.

For a general sense of location, visitor information lists Washington, D.C., Fairfax, Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland, as each being less than a two-hour drive from Hampshire County.

Forests, ridges, and a cold talus slope

The Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area covers 10,676 acres and ranges in elevation from 1,000 to 3,050 feet. The terrain is mostly covered by mixed stands of oak and hickory, as well as Virginia pine. The elevation range and forest composition give the area a distinctive profile, rather than describing the landscape simply as forested.

In the 8,457-acre Short Mountain Wildlife Management Area, two ridges form a long, horseshoe-shaped basin with an adjacent wetland. Here, too, mixed stands of oak and Virginia pine characterize the landscape. In contrast to the elevation range at Nathaniel Mountain, the basin’s distinctive shape is the main feature here.

Another natural feature is the 149-acre Ice Mountain Preserve. At the foot of its talus slope are about 60 openings that release cold air. In the cooler months, cold air sinks into the talus, where masses of ice form. The preserve also protects boreal plants and provides habitat for breeding Neotropical birds. This combination of a cold-air sink effect, plant life, and bird habitat makes the site a notable natural feature of the region.

Water is also part of the picture: Hampshire County’s rivers are used for swimming and are rich in fish. At the Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area, Edwards Run Pond covers one acre and is stocked seasonally with trout. Boating is not permitted there. Seasonal stocking and the boating restriction give this body of water a different character from the rivers.

Historic traces in Hampshire County

The founding of Hampshire County in 1754 marked the western boundary of the Colony of Virginia at the time. The county’s visitor attractions are shaped by the history of the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. Travelers encounter these eras at different sites and in different forms.

In Romney, Taggart Hall was built in the 1790s as a half-timbered house in the form known as a “half-house.” The house is considered a suitable starting point for a historical walking tour of Romney. Also in Romney is the Wilson-Woodrow-Mytinger House, built around 1770 and the city’s oldest surviving building. Built in 1870, Literary Hall served as a library and debate center for the Literary Society of Romney.

Other historic sites offer different perspectives. The Fort Edwards Foundation Museum is located at a frontier fort from the French and Indian War and contains extensive collections of books, maps, and other historical objects. Fort Mill Ridge includes Civil War trenches, trails, and interpretive signs. An iron furnace in Bloomery operated from 1833 to 1881. Together, these examples show the variety of historical attractions, from a house in Romney and museum collections to military and industrial traces.

Excursions, trails, and different trip themes

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad offers a three-hour, approximately 35-mile round trip through the Trough to Sycamore Bridge; no intermediate stop is scheduled. As a scenic excursion train, it also offers insight into the history and wild, rugged landscape of West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands. The ride has a clearly defined time commitment, while a historical walking tour in Romney offers a different focus. Scenic, marked trails are also part of Hampshire County’s visitor attractions.

When choosing a vacation rental, the kind of outing you want can be a helpful first filter: a historical walking tour in Romney, seasonal trout stocking at Edwards Run Pond, and a three-hour train excursion each offer a different focus. Consider which of these experiences matters most for your trip, and use that to guide your search for a place to stay in Hampshire County.

Discover more destinations

Discover Springfield, discover Purgitsville, and discover Romney. Discover more destinations: Marion, Wayne County, Grant County, Lewis County, and Hardy County.

For the main travel overview: West Virginia.