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Recreation Region: Gauley Ranger District

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is fun for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and includes an exhibit hall with live native snakes, auditorium, a nature store, events and programs. The center also features native wildflower and pollinator gardens, two interpretive nature trails, and many activities for children. Be sure to walk the interpretive trail on the grounds. Signs point out tree species and give facts on the many uses of the trees. At the overlook enjoy a picnic lunch and the view of Stamping Creek, just down the mountain and the mountains of Virginia in the distance.

General Information

Contact Information

For information on the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, its events, programs or other information, contact the Nature Center at (304) 653-4826 during operating hours.

Additional Area Information

For information about all the exciting opportunities in the local area, check out the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Also check out the Richwood Area Chamber of Commerce for activities in nearby Nicholas County.

April 16 through mid-October.

  • Sunday – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Monday - 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday – CLOSED
  • Wednesday – CLOSED
  • Thursday - 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday - 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday - 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

A single story building with large trees growing in the background

Address: 932 Northfork Cherry Road Richwood, WV 26261
Phone: (304) 846-2695
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern time, unless otherwise posted. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 38.183539

Longitude: -80.252786

Directions

Located at the junction Route 150 and Route 39/55, 16 miles from Marlinton and 22 miles from Richwood.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Full-service restrooms are available when the Nature Center is open.

During the off season, restrooms are unavailable.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Viewing Plants Info

Native pollinator wildflower garden features 16 varieties of plants that attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.

Viewing Wildlife Info

Bird feeders, hummingbird feeders and native wildflower garden provide views of many species of birds, including ruby-throated hummingbird, purple finch, house finch, goldfinch and red crossbill.

Viewing Scenery Info

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center features views of the Highland Scenic Highway from the picture window, interpretive wildflower garden and nature trail.

Visitor Centers Info

Outdoor programs and tours are scheduled throughout the year. See Upcoming Events.

Picnicking - Single Info

Ten picnic tables are scattered throughout the nature center area, along the nature trail, with views of the Highland Scenic Highway.

A picnic shelter, along with picnic tables scattered throughout the nature center area and along the nature trail are available. The scattered picnic tables provide viewing of the hummingbirds, wildflower beds, Highland Scenic Highway, and Stamping Creek.

Day Hikes Info

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center Interpretive Trail: Loop 1, 800 feet; Loop 2, 2202 feet; Cowpasture Trail, 7 miles; Bruffy Reserve Trail; Pocahontas Trail. Maps and water available during hours of operation at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center.

Biking - Mountain Info

Trails such as Cowpasture, Bruffy Reserve Trail, Pocahontas Trail, etc are all available to bike. Biking in Cranberry Wilderness Area is not allowed. 

Last updated April 6, 2026