Four Seasons of Fun in Randolph County, WV

As West Virginia’s largest county, Randolph offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities and four seasons of fun for any interest, from rugged trails and backcountry camping to cozy cabins and scenic drives. Find solitude with a rural retreat, or enjoy unique festivities in our small towns that are big in history. Here you can find the best of Appalachian culture, where world-class entertainment and international flavor meet down-home hospitality.

Elkins is the home of the Monongahela National Forest, which features nearly a million acres of land open for biking, fishing, camping, foraging, and more. The Mon Forest is home to many large trail systems that you can mix and match for an easy day hike, trail run, or a longer backpacking trip. Off-trail camping is allowed in most wilderness areas, while car and RV camping is free on a first-come, first-serve basis in dispersed camping areas. Camp, hike, or fish in Otter Creek Wilderness or near West Virginia’s highest peak at Spruce Knob Lake and Campground. Try some of the state’s best mountain biking at the Mower Basin Trails. Fish in our pristine high-elevation rivers and streams like Shavers Fork and the Elk River. Local catches are served up seasonally at Ellie May’s Restaurant and The Lodge at Alpena.

In summer, our festival season is in full swing with more events than one person can attend. But that means there’s something for everyone, including live music, craft vendors, parades, and lots of food! You can find all kinds of food trucks at many of our summer events with everything from Filipino eggrolls and Venezuelan cachapas to burgers and barbecue.

Beyond our lineup of annual events, foodies can discover a larger variety any time of the year at our many restaurants. Enjoy elevated Appalachian cuisine at the Forks or the Oxley House with rotating menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients. You can even find fresh fare from around the world, like Brazilian-style steak and Venezuelan appetizers at El Toro Steakhouse, fresh sushi at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, or a multitude of Mexican restaurants like the new Tequila Taco Bar. The Hutte restaurant in Helvetia is a one-of-a-kind experience with an ambiance as charming as its food. Find folk art, antique furniture, and old photos tucked into every nook and cranny of this old house turned eatery as you enjoy homemade Swiss-Appalachian favorites like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and applesauce.

Want to grab a beer with your bites? Fox Hops Brewing has classic microbrews and a kitchen offering their unique spin on traditional bar food like “totchos” and a PB&J burger! Big Timber Brewing features award-winning craft brews, plus hard seltzers and a delicious non-alcoholic root beer! Stop by the taproom for live music, food trucks, and other happenings. You can enjoy a freshly made cocktail or a local beer from many of our restaurants, like Jimbo’s Place or Beander’s.

Unwind after a long day (or night) with your choice of lodging options. Delve into local history as you relax in any of our historic homes available to rent like the Laura Jackson Arnold House or Laurel River Club B&B, or the C.C.C.-era Middle Mountain Cabins. Enjoy more modern amenities tucked away in a secluded spot at the Czar Haus or The Trails at Files Creek. If you don’t want to be far from the excitement of downtown Elkins, there are familiar hotel options and the charming boutique Tygart Hotel.
Wherever you choose, you can be sure to find a cozy place to enjoy the views or easy access to endless outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway.

Plan your adventure today at elkinsrandolphwv.com •