Elkins West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elkins, West Virginia.
1. Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & DINING
The Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center offers visitors an exciting blend of musical performances, comedy shows, and delicious dining in the heart of Elkins. Guests can enjoy professional entertainment in an intimate setting that celebrates Appalachian culture and American music traditions. The venue provides a perfect evening activity for travelers looking to experience local entertainment after a day of outdoor adventures.
2. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the eastern United States with its unique high-altitude plateau featuring wind-carved boulders, stunted trees, and expansive meadows. Hikers can explore over 47 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems ranging from northern hardwood forests to red spruce groves and sphagnum bogs. The area's distinctive flora and fauna create an otherworldly experience that makes visitors feel as though they've stepped into a Canadian landscape rather than West Virginia.
3. Elkins Depot Welcome Center
HISTORIC RAILWAY HUB
The Elkins Depot Welcome Center serves as both a visitor information hub and a historic landmark in downtown Elkins. Housed in a beautifully restored train station, the center provides travelers with maps, brochures, and local insights to enhance their Randolph County experience. Visitors can learn about the area's rich railroad history while planning their adventures throughout the surrounding mountains and forests.
4. Bickel Knob
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Bickel Knob rewards outdoor enthusiasts with breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Appalachian mountains and valleys from its observation tower. The scenic drive to the summit takes visitors through lush forests that explode with vibrant colors during autumn foliage season. At the top, photographers and nature lovers can capture spectacular vistas while enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
5. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
HISTORIC STEAM TRAIN EXCURSIONS
The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers memorable rail journeys aboard historic steam locomotives departing from the Elkins depot. Passengers travel through the spectacular Monongahela National Forest while crossing the Greenbrier, Tygarts Valley, and Shaver's Fork Rivers on routes that showcase West Virginia's natural beauty. These narrated excursions provide a nostalgic way to experience the region's stunning landscapes while learning about local history and railroad heritage.
6. Monongahela National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
The Monongahela National Forest encompasses over 919,000 acres of pristine wilderness directly accessible from Elkins, offering endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy world-class hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing across diverse ecosystems ranging from dense forests to alpine meadows. The forest provides a four-season destination with activities including spring wildflower viewing, summer trout fishing, fall foliage tours, and winter cross-country skiing.
7. Augusta Heritage Center
APPALACHIAN CULTURAL PRESERVATION
The Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College preserves and celebrates the folk traditions and crafts of Appalachia through workshops, concerts, and educational programs. Visitors can experience authentic mountain music, dance, and crafts while learning from master artists who carry forward traditional skills. The center's summer workshops and festivals attract participants from around the world who come to immerse themselves in Appalachian culture.
8. Revelle's River Resort
RIVERSIDE RECREATION DESTINATION
Revelle's River Resort offers a complete outdoor experience along the banks of the Tygart Valley River with activities for the whole family. Guests can enjoy fishing, tubing, kayaking, and camping in a scenic natural setting just minutes from downtown Elkins. The resort provides both adventure and relaxation options with comfortable accommodations for those wanting to extend their stay amidst West Virginia's beautiful mountains.
9. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures
THRILLING WATER EXCURSIONS
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures delivers exhilarating water-based experiences for adventure seekers visiting the Elkins area. Thrill-seekers can choose from white water rafting, kayaking, tubing, and fishing trips guided by experienced locals who know the region's rivers intimately. The company provides all necessary equipment and safety instruction, making it easy for visitors of various skill levels to enjoy West Virginia's scenic waterways.
10. Shavers Fork Campground & Cabins
SCENIC RIVERSIDE ACCOMMODATIONS
Shavers Fork Campground & Cabins provides idyllic accommodations along the picturesque Shavers Fork River, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Elkins. Guests can choose between rustic camping sites, comfortable cabins, or RV hookups while enjoying immediate access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The property's peaceful riverside setting offers a true mountain escape with the convenience of being near Elkins' dining and attractions.
11. Mountain State Forest Festival
CELEBRATED AUTUMN TRADITION
The Mountain State Forest Festival stands as West Virginia's largest and oldest forest festival, drawing over 75,000 visitors to Elkins each autumn. This week-long celebration features parades, music performances, craft displays, lumberjack competitions, and the coronation of the Forest Festival Queen among the spectacular fall foliage. Visitors can immerse themselves in Appalachian culture while participating in forestry demonstrations and enjoying local cuisine in a festive atmosphere.
12. Ramps and Rails Annual Festival
UNIQUE CULINARY CELEBRATION
The Ramps and Rails Annual Festival celebrates the region's wild ramp harvest each April with a unique culinary event that attracts food enthusiasts to downtown Elkins. Visitors can sample an incredible variety of ramp-themed dishes prepared by local chefs who showcase this distinctive Appalachian ingredient. The festival pairs delicious food with train excursions aboard steam locomotives, creating a perfect blend of local flavors and railroad heritage.
13. Davis & Elkins College
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS
Davis & Elkins College features a beautiful historic campus with impressive architecture including the iconic Halliehurst and Graceland mansions that date back to the 1890s. Visitors can explore the grounds to admire these National Register of Historic Places buildings that reflect the region's timber and railroad heritage. The campus also hosts numerous cultural events, performances, and the renowned Augusta Heritage Center throughout the year.
14. Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar
SEASONAL FINE DINING
Vintage Restaurant and Wine Bar offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally to showcase the freshest ingredients in a cozy atmosphere. Visitors can sample an extensive wine selection alongside creative appetizers like portobello fries and pimiento cheese dip or indulge in expertly prepared entrées such as grilled veal steak and pan-seared duck breast. The restaurant provides a perfect culinary highlight for travelers seeking a casual yet refined dining option in downtown Elkins.
15. El Gran Sabor
AUTHENTIC VENEZUELAN CUISINE
El Gran Sabor surprises visitors with authentic Venezuelan cuisine nestled in the Appalachian mountains of Elkins. The restaurant's name literally translates to "The Great Flavor," accurately describing the vibrant dishes like their popular cachapas (sweet corn pancakes) and perfectly fried plantains. This unique dining destination offers travelers an unexpected culinary adventure that stands out among the traditional fare found elsewhere in the region.