Elk Garden West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elk Garden, West Virginia.
1. Thousand Acres Lakeside Golf Course
SCENIC LAKESIDE GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Thousand Acres Lakeside Golf Course offers visitors a picturesque golfing experience with stunning lake views in the heart of West Virginia's countryside. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy well-maintained fairways and challenging holes against the backdrop of beautiful natural scenery. The course provides a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy a day of recreation while taking in the serene environment of the Appalachian region.
2. Simon Pearce Factory Outlet
HANDCRAFTED GLASS AND POTTERY
Simon Pearce Factory Outlet showcases beautiful handcrafted glass and pottery pieces created by skilled artisans. Visitors can watch demonstrations of glassblowing techniques and browse through a wide selection of elegant home decor items and functional art. The outlet store offers the opportunity to purchase high-quality handmade goods at discounted prices while appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.
3. Allegany County Library - Westernport Branch
HISTORIC COMMUNITY LIBRARY
The Westernport Branch of the Allegany County Library System serves as a cultural and educational hub for residents and visitors in the region near Elk Garden. This historic library offers a welcoming environment with a diverse collection of books, digital resources, and community programs for all ages. Visitors can enjoy the architectural charm of the building while accessing information about local history and taking advantage of various library services.
4. Smoke Hole Caverns
ANCIENT UNDERGROUND WONDER
Smoke Hole Caverns features spectacular underground formations that have developed over millions of years in this natural limestone cave system. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated passageways where they can marvel at stunning stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and unusual rock formations. The caverns maintain a constant cool temperature year-round, providing a fascinating geological experience regardless of the season.
5. Allegheny Treenware
HANDCRAFTED WOODEN KITCHENWARE
Allegheny Treenware specializes in handcrafted wooden kitchenware made from locally sourced hardwoods using traditional woodworking techniques. Visitors can tour the workshop to see skilled artisans creating beautiful functional pieces such as spoons, cutting boards, and bowls. Each unique item represents the rich heritage of Appalachian craftsmanship and makes for a meaningful souvenir from West Virginia.
6. The Channels Natural Area Preserve
MYSTERIOUS SANDSTONE FORMATIONS
The Channels Natural Area Preserve features a rare geological wonder with maze-like sandstone formations created through millions of years of natural erosion. Hikers can explore the labyrinth of narrow passageways between towering rock walls that create slot canyons unlike anything else in the region. The preserve offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains at the summit, rewarding visitors who make the moderately challenging trek.
7. Big Cedar Creek Falls
PRISTINE CASCADING WATERFALL
Big Cedar Creek Falls showcases the natural beauty of the region with its impressive cascading waters surrounded by lush forest. Visitors can enjoy a relatively easy hiking trail that leads to this picturesque waterfall, making it accessible for families and casual nature enthusiasts. The peaceful setting provides excellent opportunities for photography, picnicking, and experiencing the tranquil sounds of rushing water in a scenic woodland environment.
8. Vincent's Vineyard
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Vincent's Vineyard offers wine enthusiasts a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming rural setting near the Elk Garden region. Visitors can tour the vineyard to learn about the winemaking process from grape cultivation to fermentation and aging techniques. The tasting room provides a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy various wine varieties while taking in views of the surrounding countryside.
9. Potomac State College
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Potomac State College of West Virginia University features beautiful historic buildings on a campus that has been educating students since 1901. Visitors can stroll through the grounds to admire the architecture and learn about the institution's role in higher education in the region. The college occasionally hosts cultural events, performances, and exhibitions that are open to the public.
10. Mineral County Historical Foundation Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Mineral County Historical Foundation Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the region through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays featuring mining equipment, household items, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Elk Garden and surrounding communities. The museum provides valuable insights into the coal mining heritage that shaped the economic and cultural development of the area.
11. New Creek Water Trail
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
New Creek Water Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region via kayak, canoe, or paddleboard along this scenic waterway. The trail features varying water conditions suitable for different skill levels, with peaceful stretches perfect for wildlife viewing and photography. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided aquatic journey through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Elk Garden.
12. Fort Ashby
COLONIAL MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Ashby stands as one of the few remaining frontier forts from the colonial era, originally constructed in 1755 during the French and Indian War. Visitors can explore the restored structure and learn about its strategic importance in early American military history through informative displays. The historic site provides a tangible connection to the past and offers insights into the challenges faced by settlers in the region during the 18th century.
13. Jennings Randolph Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Jennings Randolph Lake spans 952 acres along the North Branch of the Potomac River, offering numerous recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and swimming. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the surrounding public lands with hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds nestled within the scenic Appalachian highlands. The lake is known for excellent fishing, particularly for walleye, smallmouth bass, and trout, making it a popular destination for anglers throughout the year.
14. Mount Storm Lake
UNIQUE POWER PLANT LAKE
Mount Storm Lake serves as a cooling pond for the nearby power station while also providing a distinctive recreational venue for windsurfing, boating, and fishing near Elk Garden. The warm water discharge from the power plant creates unusual conditions where the lake rarely freezes, allowing for year-round water activities even in winter. Visitors can observe the interesting juxtaposition of industrial infrastructure alongside natural beauty while enjoying various water sports.
15. Blackwater Falls State Park
ICONIC WEST VIRGINIA WATERFALL
Blackwater Falls State Park features its namesake waterfall where the Blackwater River plunges five stories before continuing through an eight-mile gorge, creating one of West Virginia's most photographed natural landmarks. Visitors can access viewing platforms via wooden boardwalks that provide spectacular vistas of the amber-colored waters, which get their distinctive hue from tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The park offers additional recreational activities including hiking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing across its 2,358 acres of scenic terrain.