With close ties to its southern mountain heritage, tradition is the element that binds communities together. The small-town flavor is spiced with modern town parks that feature swimming pools, playing fields, volleyball, basketball, tennis courts and sheltered picnic areas. Lost River State Park, the George Washington National Forests, the Trout Pond Recreation Area, and Rock Cliff Lake. Residents and visitors alike look to the rivers for the finest fishing in the East, and in spring, whitewater and kayaking. In fall, hunting takes first place.
Hardy County is home to one of the largest white tail deer populations in West Virginia.
In Hardy County, values are learned early and reflected in the attitudes of the people who live and work here. Work begins early, with young people helping with farm chores before school. The people of Hardy County are an industrious force with a strong work ethic, and low absenteeism is apparent in every industry. The Hardy county public school system works closely with the East Hardy and South Branch Vocational Technical Centers to develop programs that encourage students to train for local industry needs. Education and work integrate into area festivals and community gatherings.