10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips from Elkins, West Virginia

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10 Easy Road Trips From Elkins, West Virginia You’ll Love

If you’re based in Elkins, WV and looking for quick adventures just outside Randolph County, you’re in luck. Within an hour or two, you can reach waterfalls, mountain overlooks, tiny towns, and some of the best hiking and scenic drives in the state. All of the ideas below are out-of-county road trips from Elkins, heading into these nearby counties:
  • Barbour County
  • Grant County
  • Pendleton County
  • Pocahontas County
  • Tucker County
  • Upshur County
  • Webster County
Fill your weekend, or just a free afternoon, with these 10 easy getaways.

1. Philippi Covered Bridge & Small-Town Stroll (Barbour County)

How about starting with a classic? The Philippi Covered Bridge in Barbour County is one of West Virginia’s most iconic spots and is only about 35–40 minutes from Elkins by car. This is a great half-day road trip when you want something simple:
  • Walk or drive across the historic covered bridge over the Tygart Valley River.
  • Stroll through downtown Philippi and pop into local shops.
  • Visit small local museums if they’re open during your visit.
I like this trip when I don’t feel like hiking but still want to get out of town. It feels like stepping back in time for a few hours. Tip: Bring your camera. The bridge looks great in any season, especially with fall colors or winter snow.

2. Explore Buckhannon’s Riverfront & Downtown (Upshur County)

About 40 minutes west of Elkins, you’ll find Buckhannon in Upshur County. It’s a friendly small town with a laid-back vibe that makes for a relaxing day trip. Things to do in Buckhannon:
  • Walk along the Buckhannon River and enjoy the riverfront park.
  • Check out local cafes and bakeries downtown.
  • Look for seasonal events and festivals on weekends.
If you enjoy slow, easy days with coffee, conversation, and a little exploring, this quick road trip from Elkins will hit the spot. Road trip bonus: The drive between Elkins and Buckhannon offers pretty country scenery almost the whole way.

3. Blackwater Falls State Park – A Classic WV Waterfall (Tucker County)

You can’t talk about day trips from Elkins without mentioning Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County. It’s about an hour north, and it’s one of the most famous places in the entire state. What to do there:
  • Walk the boardwalks to overlooks of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot waterfall.
  • Check out other viewpoints like Lindy Point for sweeping canyon views.
  • Hike short trails if you have extra time and energy.
In winter, the falls look magical with ice and snow. In summer, you get lush green forest. Every season has its own charm. Tip: Wear shoes with decent grip. The steps and boardwalk can be slick after rain or snow.

4. Canaan Valley: Hiking, Wildlife & Mountain Views (Tucker County)

Just beyond Blackwater Falls, you’ll reach Canaan Valley, also in Tucker County. From Elkins, it’s roughly an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, depending on your route. This is one of the best nearby spots for outdoor lovers:
  • Visit Canaan Valley Resort State Park for hiking trails and overlooks.
  • Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife in the open valley.
  • In winter, you can ski, snowboard, or snow tube.
On a clear day, the views feel huge, with rolling mountains and big skies. If you’re used to town life in Elkins, Canaan Valley feels like a mini escape to the high country. Idea: Combine Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls into one full-day loop road trip for a perfect “greatest hits” tour of Tucker County.

5. Seneca Rocks: Iconic Stone Cliff & River Views (Pendleton County)

If you’ve seen photos of West Virginia’s tall, jagged rock walls, there’s a good chance it was Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County. It’s an easy drive from Elkins, about 1 to 1.25 hours to the southeast. Things to do around Seneca Rocks:
  • Visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center for views and info on local history and geology.
  • Hike the well-marked trail (about 3 miles round trip) to the main overlook across from the rock fins.
  • Enjoy a picnic by the river and watch climbers on the rock face.
The hike is steady but not extreme. You’ll climb uphill, but there are switchbacks and benches. If you take your time, it’s doable for most reasonably active people. Tip: Bring water and maybe a snack. The overlook is a great reward and you’ll want to hang out there for a bit.

6. Spruce Knob: Highest Point in West Virginia (Pendleton County)

From Elkins, you can reach the roof of West Virginia in about 1.5 hours. Spruce Knob, also in Pendleton County, is the highest point in the state at 4,863 feet. Why it’s worth the drive:
  • You can practically drive to the top, then walk a short paved path to the stone observation tower.
  • The views stretch out over ridges and valleys for miles.
  • A loop trail at the summit takes you through spruce forest and rocky clearings.
On cool summer days, it feels noticeably colder and windier up there, almost like a different climate. Road tip: The last stretch is a narrow mountain road with curves and patches of gravel. Take it slow, and you’ll be fine.

7. Seneca Caverns or Smoke Hole Caverns Adventure (Pendleton & Grant Counties)

Love the idea of exploring underground? Two well-known show caves are just a road trip away from Elkins:
  • Seneca Caverns – in Pendleton County.
  • Smoke Hole Caverns – in Grant County.
Both offer guided tours where you’ll walk through cool, damp passageways full of strange rock formations. What to expect:
  • Guided tours with history and geology stories.
  • Comfortable walking, but with some steps and uneven ground.
  • Cool temperatures underground—usually in the 50s—so bring a light jacket.
This is a fun choice on hot summer days, rainy weekends, or when you want something a little different from the usual hikes and overlooks. Family tip: Kids often love the “hidden world” feeling of the caverns, especially when guides point out shapes in the rocks.

8. Dolly Sods Scenic Area: Wild, Windy & Unforgettable (Grant & Tucker Counties)

If you’re in the mood for a wilder road trip from Elkins, point your car toward Dolly Sods Wilderness, mainly in Grant County with some in Tucker County. It’s about 1.5 hours away, depending on your route. Dolly Sods feels almost like another planet:
  • Open, rocky plains with low shrubs and stunted trees.
  • Views that stretch forever, especially along Forest Road 75.
  • Plenty of hiking trails, from short walks to longer treks.
The weather can change quickly, and the wind can be strong. That raw, open feel is part of what makes Dolly Sods memorable. Important: Some roads are rough gravel with potholes. Check current conditions and go slow. It’s not a place to rush.

9. Webster County Forest Roads & Camp Caesar Area (Webster County)

For a quieter, less crowded escape, head southwest from Elkins into Webster County. Depending on your exact destination, you’re looking at around 1 to 1.5 hours of driving. Around the Camp Caesar/upper Gauley area you’ll find:
  • Curvy mountain roads with thick forest and old farms.
  • Public lands with hiking, fishing, and stream access.
  • Peaceful spots for picnics and roadside breaks.
This is a good choice when you’re not chasing “Instagram famous” views, but just want that quiet, classic West Virginia backroad feel. Tip: Cell service can be patchy in Webster County. Download maps ahead of time and keep a paper map in the car if you have one.

10. Pocahontas County: Scenic Route to Cass & the Greenbrier River Area

East of Randolph County, you’ll roll into Pocahontas County, sometimes called the “Birthplace of Rivers.” It’s one of the best counties near Elkins for a full-day scenic drive. You can mix and match a few highlights:
  • Drive toward Cass and the famous Cass Scenic Railroad (note: the train itself is in Pocahontas County, but the drive there from Elkins is part of the fun).
  • Follow the Greenbrier River in stretches where road and river run side by side.
  • Stop at roadside pull-offs to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.
Even if you’re just cruising and not doing every attraction, the simple act of driving in Pocahontas County—with its farms, ridges, and quiet valleys—is deeply relaxing. Driving tip: Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Deer love these roads as much as we do.

Planning Your Road Trips From Elkins

To make these Elkins day trips smoother and more enjoyable, keep a few simple things in mind:
  • Fuel up in town. Some areas have long stretches with no gas stations.
  • Pack snacks and water. Especially if you’re hiking or exploring caverns.
  • Check the weather. Mountain weather changes fast—layers are your friend.
  • Download offline maps. Cell service can get spotty in the hills.
One nice thing about living in or visiting Elkins is how central it is. In less than two hours, you can stand at waterfalls, poke around in caves, drive to the state’s highest peak, or wander through quiet small towns.

Share Your Favorite Elkins Road Trip

Have you taken any of these short road trips from Elkins, WV? Maybe you’ve watched the sunset at Blackwater Falls, climbed to the overlook at Seneca Rocks, or wandered the streets of Buckhannon or Philippi. I’d love to hear your stories.
  • Which nearby county is your favorite to explore?
  • Did I miss a hidden gem you think should be on this list?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments, and feel free to share this post with friends or family planning a trip to Elkins or north-central West Virginia. The more ideas we trade, the better our next road trips will be.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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