Snowshoe in Pocahontas County is a wonderful little getaway and an excellent base camp when in the area of a Snowshoe cabin. The settlement was in 1821, and was named after the famous Native American princess, Pocahontas. Like the Princess, Snowshoe and the surrounding area are extremely beautiful. There is much to see and do in Pocahontas County, and there is no dearth of landmarks that should be part of your visiting itinerary. What's even better is that most of these landmarks are within close proximity to any Snowshoe vacation home.
Civil War Battle Sites
The southern part of Pocahontas County is the location of the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, the site of the last Civil War battle fought in West Virginia in 1863. Civil War enthusiasts flock to the area to take in the history and relive a time that changed the course of American history. There are a number of camps and sites to be explored here. The site was purchased by the State in 1928 with the intention of converting it into a memorial site for the men who died during the war. The park was also restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps as a site of historic value. They incorporated signs, trails and an observation tower to help visitors navigate the park with ease. When here, also visit the Civil War Museum established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Railroad buffs can explore the Cass Scenic Railroad and the Cass Depot from the town's early logging era. The railway runs along a beautiful 11-mile route on the Back Allegheny Mountain. Visitors can ride a vintage steam locomotive car and experience the joys of Old World train travel right up to the mountaintop. You can also enjoy the many facilities at the railroad station: shops, villages, restaurants, trails and more. Other logging era train depots in the county include the Durbin Depot, the Clover Lick Depot and the Marlinton Depot.
Natural Highlights around Snowshoe
Snowshoe and Pocahontas County boast historic and scenic routes, and visitors have a number of options open to them: You can explore the Cranberry Glades and its wonderful alpine bogs and meadows; the Cranberry Wilderness and the picturesque backcountry; the rock formations of Seneca Rocks; the Gauley River and Blackwater Falls; the Monongahela National Forest; and the Falls of Hills Creek, the region's highest waterfall. These are some of the natural landmarks in the region.
Pearl S. Buck Birthplace
Nobel Prize-winning writer Pearl S. Buck, known for her award-winning "The Good Earth," grew up in Pocahontas County. Her childhood home is now a literary and historical museum. The home was built in 1857, and it continues to display original furnishings and artifacts from the time. The museum also displays her career's work and life. Literature lovers can take guided tours of the home through the year.
For more Snowshoe landmarks, check out open listings for a Snowshoe vacation home at VacationHomes. You can browse through these listings based on location, price and amenities.