10 Unforgettable Things To Do Near Elkins, West Virginia (Randolph County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Elkins, West Virginia (Randolph County)

If you’re looking for a laid-back mountain town with real character, Elkins, West Virginia should be on your list. Tucked into the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County, Elkins is a small town with big outdoor adventures, scenic train rides, live music, and friendly locals who are always ready to chat. Whether you’re planning a long weekend, a fall foliage road trip, or just passing through on Route 33, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Elkins, WV that show off the best of this mountain town.

1. Ride the Vintage Trains at the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

If you only do one thing in Elkins, make it this. The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad runs several scenic train excursions right from downtown Elkins. You’ll board at the historic depot and roll out into the mountains along clear rivers and thick forests. Popular rides include:
  • New Tygart Flyer – A 4-hour ride with a buffet-style lunch and a stop at a remote waterfall. Great for families.
  • Cheat Mountain Salamander – Longer trips that take you deeper into the Monongahela National Forest. Amazing in fall.
  • Special themed trips – Fall foliage rides, Polar Express–style holiday runs, and more.
The relaxed pace, the old-time rail cars, and the mountain views make this one of the top attractions in Elkins for visitors of all ages. If you love photography, you’ll want your camera ready the whole time.

2. Explore the Monongahela National Forest

Elkins sits right on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, so you’re never far from a trailhead, a creek, or a quiet overlook. Within a short drive you can:
  • Hike easy riverside trails or more challenging ridge routes
  • Fish for trout in cold, clear mountain streams
  • Pack a picnic and find a peaceful spot under the trees
If you’re not sure where to start, stop by the Cheat-Potomac Ranger Station near Elkins and ask for trail maps and suggestions. Rangers are usually happy to point you toward hikes that match your time and fitness level.

3. Visit Blackwater Falls State Park (Worth the Drive!)

Yes, it’s about an hour’s drive from Elkins, but Blackwater Falls State Park in neighboring Tucker County is one of the most iconic spots in West Virginia—and very doable as a day trip from town. Here you’ll find:
  • Blackwater Falls – A wide, amber-colored waterfall plunging into a rugged canyon.
  • Well-built boardwalks and stairs down to overlooks (expect some steps, but it’s manageable for many visitors).
  • Short family-friendly trails with big payoffs, especially in fall.
If you’re planning a West Virginia leaf-peeping trip, pairing Elkins with Blackwater Falls is a smart move. You get charming small town life plus some of the best scenery in the state.

4. Stroll Downtown Elkins and Davis & Elkins College

Elkins has a walkable downtown filled with historic brick buildings, local shops, and cozy places to eat. You won’t find big chains on every corner, and that’s part of the charm. A simple afternoon plan:
  • Grab coffee or a bakery treat at a local café.
  • Browse local art, crafts, and antiques in small shops.
  • Walk or drive up to Davis & Elkins College and explore the campus and its historic mansions.
The college grounds offer nice views of the town and surrounding hills. On a clear day, just wandering the campus feels like a peaceful little escape.

5. Step Back in Time at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center

Right in Elkins you’ll find the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center, part of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area. It’s small, but it’s packed with displays about local history, forests, logging, and mountain culture. Why it’s worth a stop:
  • Free or low-cost (always a plus when you’re traveling).
  • Kid-friendly exhibits about wildlife and forest life.
  • A good intro to what you’re seeing outside—the mountains tell a different story once you know the background.
If you like understanding the “why” behind a place, this is a great first-day stop in Elkins before you dive into hiking and exploring.

6. Enjoy Live Music and Local Culture at the Augusta Heritage Center

Elkins isn’t just about views and trails. It’s also a hub for traditional mountain music and arts. The Augusta Heritage Center, based at Davis & Elkins College, hosts:
  • Summer workshops in bluegrass, old-time music, dance, and crafts
  • Public concerts and dances featuring top-notch musicians
  • Events that celebrate Appalachian culture and heritage
If your trip lines up with one of their events, try to go—even if you don’t think of yourself as a “folk music” person. There’s something special about hearing banjos and fiddles echo off these hills where the music was born.

7. Drive the Scenic Byways Around Elkins

Sometimes the best thing to do near Elkins is simply…drive. The area is crisscrossed with West Virginia scenic byways that wind past farms, rivers, and mountain views. A few ideas:
  • US Route 33 – Head east toward Seneca Rocks for sweeping ridgeline views and pull-offs.
  • Route 219 – A classic north-south mountain route with rolling landscapes.
In fall, these roads explode with color—reds, oranges, and golds as far as you can see. Even in summer, the cool mountain air and curves can turn a simple drive into a highlight of your trip. Tip: Fill your tank in Elkins, pack some snacks, and turn your GPS off for a bit. Just follow the road.

8. Go Fishing, Kayaking, or Just Relax by the River

Elkins and Randolph County are surrounded by water—rivers, creeks, and lakes that make it easy to get outside, even if you’re not a hardcore hiker. Popular spots near Elkins include:
  • Shavers Fork of the Cheat River – Known for trout fishing and peaceful views.
  • Nearby lakes and streams stocked by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
You can:
  • Cast a line from the bank or a small boat.
  • Float a stretch of river in a kayak or tube (check local outfitters or bring your own gear).
  • Just pull off at a river access point, set up a camp chair, and listen to the water.
Even if your idea of “outdoorsy” is sitting with a book while someone else fishes, you’ll love the peaceful river vibes around Elkins.

9. Discover Local Flavor at Elkins Festivals and Events

For a small town, Elkins knows how to throw a festival. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
  • Mountain State Forest Festival – A long-running fall festival with parades, lumberjack events, arts and crafts, a carnival, and more.
  • Music and cultural events tied to Davis & Elkins College and the Augusta Heritage Center.
These events are a great way to:
  • Try local foods (think BBQ, apple butter, and fair favorites).
  • Hear live music and see traditional dance.
  • Meet locals and get a feel for life in Randolph County.
If you can, time your trip around the Forest Festival in early fall. Hotels do fill up, so book ahead.

10. Take a Day Trip to Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob

If you’re ready for a bigger adventure, Elkins makes a convenient base for the Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob area, generally about an hour to an hour and a half away, depending on your route. Here’s why it’s worth the drive:
  • Seneca Rocks – A dramatic rock fin rising almost 900 feet above the river. There’s a steady uphill trail (about 1.5 miles one way) to an overlook. You don’t need to be an athlete, just take your time and bring water.
  • Spruce Knob – The highest point in West Virginia at about 4,863 feet. You can drive almost to the top, then walk a short path to the observation tower for sweeping views.
Pair this day trip with a scenic train ride or a lazy river day, and you’ve got a well-rounded West Virginia getaway built around Elkins.

Planning Your Trip to Elkins, WV

To quickly recap, here are some of the best things to do in and near Elkins, West Virginia:
  • Ride scenic trains with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
  • Hike, fish, and explore the Monongahela National Forest
  • Visit Blackwater Falls State Park as a day trip
  • Wander downtown Elkins and Davis & Elkins College
  • Learn about the region at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center
  • Experience traditional music at the Augusta Heritage Center
  • Drive mountain byways for epic views, especially in fall
  • Relax by local rivers and streams
  • Join in local festivals and events like the Mountain State Forest Festival
  • Take a longer day trip to Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob
Elkins is the kind of place where you can do a lot—or do almost nothing at all. You can fill every day with hikes, drives, and activities, or you can slow down, grab a seat on a porch, and just enjoy mountain town life.

Share Your Elkins Experience

Have you been to Elkins, West Virginia or anywhere else in Randolph County?
  • What was your favorite thing to do near Elkins?
  • Did you try the scenic train, a hike, or a local festival?
  • Any hidden gems I didn’t mention?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—I’d love to hear how you spent your time in this West Virginia mountain town. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a trip to Elkins or looking for new places to explore in West Virginia. It might just inspire their next adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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