Knapps Creek Trout Lodge offers a humble creekside retreat in the Mountains in West Virginia. We focus on
providing the opportunity to reconnect friends & family, and experience nature & fly fishing,
in comfort on the banks of the Creek.
About Us
Our Mission, Getting Here, Meet Our Team
Off the Beaten Trail
Located 4 hours southwest of Washington, D.C., you’ll find southern hospitality and pristine wilderness closer than you think.With lush vegetation and mountain-top overlooks along the way, it is well worth the drive.
We are not naive in thinking that our destination Lodge is an easy or convenient travel option.
We are confident that when you arrive, embraced by the flora, fauna, and long-standing heritage of this mountain community, you will wish you could stay longer.
Our Mission:
Knapp’s Creek Trout Lodge offers superior customer service and comfort along the banks of Knapp’s Creek and professional guided Fly Fishing trips and facilitating explorations including paddling, hiking, and biking. We aim to foster an appreciation for the outdoors, and an active lifestyle by tailoring to our guests’ needs to maximize positive shared experiences and value.
Meet Our Team
Mark & Anne
Anne Mitchell -Having graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology and a minor in Public Relations, Anne has gathered 10+ years of guest-driven experience. Having taught ski and snowboard lessons in West Virginia and Idaho and flatwater guiding in North Carolina's Outer Banks, her wealth of experience allows her to anticipate problems to keep things running smoothly! Anne acts as our primary hostess and guide.
Anne@knappscreektroutlodge.com
Mark Hengemihle - Hailing from Howard County, Maryland, Mark loves the bayside but has a softspot for the mountains. Having graduated from West Virginia University's School of Business, Mark has travelled the country and aquired experience in the tourism industry in WV, ID, WY, and NC. We are lucky that he has chosen Marlinton though he still finds time to head to the coast to catch some waves. Mark keeps the business side clean and assists with guided trips so guests can focus on enjoying the atmosphere!
MarkH@knappscreektroutlodge.com
We are proud of our past employers!
Coastal Explorations, Corolla, NC Twiddy Realty, Corolla, NC,
Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort, Snowshoe, WV, Grand Targhee Resort, Alta, WY,
High Mtn. Heli-skiing, Jackson Hole, WY, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole WY
Our Story
In 2013, Knapps Creek Trout Lodge, LLC, was just an idea of the Pocahontas County raised, WVU Alum, fly fisherman and trout enthusiast, Mark Mitchell. Having built an exterior renovation company and raised a family in Northern Virginia, Mark set his sights on a business nearer to his roots. Utilizing his childhood home, designed by his Mother and built in 1973, along Knapps Creek as an idyllic mountain retreat- offering the comforts of fluffy beds and big fires, home cooked meals that reflect local heritage, and fantastic fly fishing opportunities. A place where family and friends could gather to reconnect with each other and the natural landscape.
He called his daughter, Anne Mitchell, who had recently graduated from WVU with a BS in Sport & Exercise Psychology with an emphasis on positive outdoor recreation participation in 2012. Alongside, Mark Hengemihle, WVU College of Business 2013 and fellow outdoor enthusiast, they were located in Teton Valley, ID, after years traveling between West Virginia and the coasts of North Carolina, working in the outdoor tourism industry both as certified snowboard instructors and in the Summer, Anne as a kayak eco-tour guide with Coastal Explorations, Mark with the rental property company Twiddy Realty.
In his call, Mark M pitched the combination of their unique experiences to create Knapps Creek Trout Lodge; he would assist on putting the plan into action if they would lead the charge. Anne and Mark H returned back East in search of a new kind of adventure. In March 2015, Knapps Creek Trout Lodge opened to the public. Under the leadership of Mark M, the trio had formed a small contracting company and tackled local projects while building their own. Anne and the Marks worked to improve the amenities inside the Lodge, expand structures on the property, reestablish the gardens, and a spot in the community. After two years of advising, Mark Mitchell returned to his home in Fairfax, Virginia while Anne and Mark Hengemihle run the Lodge. He does still frequent the Lodge coming in on the country roads to hit the water and unwind.
KCTL provides the original mountain retreat while and collaborating with local producers to improve the quality of that experience. As we expand our guiding & day trip options, we focus on creating a friendly and welcoming fly fishing environment where youth, female, and male participants of all types can feel comfortable. We continuously strive to provide the right support necessary for guests to be successful relaxers & adventurers: whether it’s reading, resting, fishing, hiking, biking, or birding!
Please, come & see for yourself.