One of the best things about West Virginia still being underestimated as a place of tourism is that we West Virginians can still escape to unspoiled little places right here at home without being overrun by tourists. One of our favorite and tiny little towns in the Mountain State is located in Pocahontas County and it certainly has a LOT to see and do. Take a peek at the small town of Hillsboro (population, 250) and discover some hidden goodness you may not have known was here…
- Droop Mountain
TripAdvisor/144blaked Every West Virginian should visit the first state park in the Mountain State. Not only was it the site of the Battle of Droop Mountain during the Civil War, it also involves another lesser known piece of history. While serving in the WV House of Delegates, a former private in the Union Army during the Civil War (John D. Sutton) was instrumental in getting the state to create a park commemorating the battle. Droop Mountain State Park opened in 1928. Pay a visit and check it out at 683 Droop Park Rd., Hillsboro, WV 24946.
- The Birthplace of Pearl S Buck
Google Maps/Pearl S Buck Birthplace Museum We take exceptional pride in the Mountain State in being the place with legendary writer, Pearl S. Buck, was born. The old homestead is now a museum and more than worth the drive all the way to Hillsboro just to take a tour. The house and museum is open for tours seasonally from May through November, Thursday through Saturday. During the remainder of the year, the house is easily visible from the road. It’s located along Route 219 at 8129 Seneca Trail, Hillsboro, WV 24946.
- Lunch!
TripAdvisor/Chillicats Dine right on Hillsboro’s understated main street (a.k.a. Seneca Trail) at the Pretty Penny Cafe, opened in 1958. Inside, you’ll find a bright and roomy dining room with hardwood floors and a menu with American fare to please even the pickiest eaters. The Pretty Penny is open seasonally Thursday through Saturday from the spring to the fall. Learn more here. It’s located at 7484 Seneca Trail.
- Locust Creek Covered Bridge
TripAdvisor/Connie F No trip to Hillsboro would be complete without driving 10 minutes to the south to walk across the only remaining historic covered bridge in Pocahontas County. The original bridge here was built in 1870 for a cost of $1,250. The bridge on this site today is the third covered bridge built at this crossing. It was completed in 1901 and, surprisingly, was open to vehicular traffic through 1990 when the state finally bypassed the bridge with a new concrete crossing nearby. Find it at this spot on a Google map.
- Gesundheit Institute
Google Maps/Daniel Waples
Google Maps/Edward Cotton Although not an official touristy-type spot, the renowned Gesundheit Institute in Hillsboro is an official Patch Adams location that was a former communal home for holistic wellness from 1971 to 1983. Today, the facility hosts people who are interested in learning and volunteering with the Patch Adams organization. Learn more, at this link, and find it on a map at this link.
- Hillsboro House Bed & Breakfast
Google Maps/Chris Clark Located on Hillsboro’s main street, (a.k.a. Seneca Trail), this Victorian home is the perfect spot to escape for a weekend. Aside from the above must-do activities right in Hillsboro, it’s also very near to Cass Scenic Railroad, Beartown State Park, Watoga State Park, and more! It’s located at 7431 Seneca Trail. Learn more at this link.
The town of Hillsboro, West Virginia is filled with understated beauty, history, and so much to see and do that you’ll be amazed you haven’t discovered it sooner!
TripAdvisor/144blaked
Every West Virginian should visit the first state park in the Mountain State. Not only was it the site of the Battle of Droop Mountain during the Civil War, it also involves another lesser known piece of history. While serving in the WV House of Delegates, a former private in the Union Army during the Civil War (John D. Sutton) was instrumental in getting the state to create a park commemorating the battle. Droop Mountain State Park opened in 1928. Pay a visit and check it out at 683 Droop Park Rd., Hillsboro, WV 24946.
Google Maps/Pearl S Buck Birthplace Museum
We take exceptional pride in the Mountain State in being the place with legendary writer, Pearl S. Buck, was born. The old homestead is now a museum and more than worth the drive all the way to Hillsboro just to take a tour. The house and museum is open for tours seasonally from May through November, Thursday through Saturday. During the remainder of the year, the house is easily visible from the road. It’s located along Route 219 at 8129 Seneca Trail, Hillsboro, WV 24946.
TripAdvisor/Chillicats
Dine right on Hillsboro’s understated main street (a.k.a. Seneca Trail) at the Pretty Penny Cafe, opened in 1958. Inside, you’ll find a bright and roomy dining room with hardwood floors and a menu with American fare to please even the pickiest eaters. The Pretty Penny is open seasonally Thursday through Saturday from the spring to the fall. Learn more here. It’s located at 7484 Seneca Trail.
TripAdvisor/Connie F
No trip to Hillsboro would be complete without driving 10 minutes to the south to walk across the only remaining historic covered bridge in Pocahontas County. The original bridge here was built in 1870 for a cost of $1,250. The bridge on this site today is the third covered bridge built at this crossing. It was completed in 1901 and, surprisingly, was open to vehicular traffic through 1990 when the state finally bypassed the bridge with a new concrete crossing nearby. Find it at this spot on a Google map.
Google Maps/Daniel Waples
Google Maps/Edward Cotton
Although not an official touristy-type spot, the renowned Gesundheit Institute in Hillsboro is an official Patch Adams location that was a former communal home for holistic wellness from 1971 to 1983. Today, the facility hosts people who are interested in learning and volunteering with the Patch Adams organization. Learn more, at this link, and find it on a map at this link.
Google Maps/Chris Clark
Located on Hillsboro’s main street, (a.k.a. Seneca Trail), this Victorian home is the perfect spot to escape for a weekend. Aside from the above must-do activities right in Hillsboro, it’s also very near to Cass Scenic Railroad, Beartown State Park, Watoga State Park, and more! It’s located at 7431 Seneca Trail. Learn more at this link.
For more underrated tiny towns in the Mountain State, keep reading here!
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