West Virginia Maple Days offers tours of sugar camps

by Jeff Ishee

Mountain State Maple Days in West Virginia will return on March 21 with sugar camps, small‑town hospitality, and a new regional twist that’s drawing visitors deeper into West Virginia’s maple country. The statewide celebration marks the second of two official maple weekends, inviting travelers to explore farms, restaurants, and community events across Pendleton, Pocahontas, Grant, and Randolph counties.

Image credit - Jeff Ishee

This year’s event expands with the Regional Maple Passport, an interactive check‑in experience created by the four participating county tourism bureaus in partnership with Future Generations University. Visitors can use the Driftscape app to log stops at sugarhouses, maple‑themed eateries, and local businesses. Three check‑ins earn a commemorative sticker, while five unlock a limited‑edition pin redeemable at area visitor centers. Organizers say the passport encourages longer stays and cross‑county travel, strengthening rural economies during the late‑winter tourism lull.

To participate in the Regional Maple Passport, see the information here>> https://blog.future.edu/2026/02/04/wv-maple-passport-2026/

Sugar camps will open their doors from **10 a.m. to 4 p.m.**, offering demonstrations of traditional and modern syrup‑making, tastings, and family activities. In Pocahontas County, sites such as Fort Warwick Farm and the Yew Mountain Center will showcase tapping techniques, sugar bush tours, and maple treats.

With maple season at its peak, organizers expect a strong turnout as residents and visitors hit the road to “taste their way across the region” and celebrate one of West Virginia’s sweetest agricultural traditions.