Towns

Elkins

Randolph County

Gateway to the Otter Creek Wilds

From its unexpectedly cool downtown coffee shops and breweries to its rail trails and wilderness areas, Elkins packs above its weight in outdoor adventures.

At a Glance

Home to Davis & Elkins College and the region’s largest downtown, Elkins serves as the primary hub for exploring West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. The historic Main Street’s coffee shops, breweries, and boutiques sit minutes from trailheads into Otter Creek and Laurel Fork Wilderness Areas, while the Allegheny Highlands Trail departs directly from downtown. Families can ride the Tygart Flyer to High Falls of Cheat, climb Bickle Knob’s fire tower, or catch an Augusta Heritage Center square dance, while mountain bikers tackle Mower Basin’s internationally-recognized trail system. From the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center to wilderness backpacking, Elkins blends small-town charm with access to some of the state’s most challenging terrain

Places to Play

Allegheny Highlands Trail

A 26-mile rail-trail from Elkins to Hendricks offering paved and gravel sections for biking, walking, and accessible recreation.

Mower Basin Trail System

Internationally recognized mountain bike destination with 30+ miles of stacked loops and dispersed camping near Durbin.

Otter Creek Wilderness

20,000 acres of primitive wilderness with 45+ miles of trails and creek-side camping near Parsons and Elkins

Itineraries

Blackwater Canyon Heritage Loop

Three-day heritage driving loop through Tucker and Randolph Counties exploring three centuries of Appalachian history.

Blackwater Canyon Scenic Loop

Three-day hiking loop from Elkins to Davis featuring challenging summits, canyon overlooks, and high-elevation ecosystems.

Blackwater Canyon Family Loop

Three-day family loop linking Elkins, Thomas, and Davis with waterfalls, wetland boardwalks, and accessible nature trails.

Laurel Fork Heritage Loop

Three-day heritage circuit from Elkins exploring railroads, Civil War battlefields, and forest conservation history.

Laurel Fork Scenic Loop

Three-day highland circuit from Elkins featuring observation towers, Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks, and challenging backcountry trails.

Laurel Fork Family Loop

Family-friendly three-day loop featuring scenic trains, easy nature trails, discovery centers, and small-town charm from Elkins.

Stay

From classic pub favorites paired with local craft brews to international cuisines and fine dining experiences, Elkins is historic in more ways than one. Stay close to it all in boutique downtown hotels or enjoy West Virginia’s remote character in riverside lodges and cozy bed-and-breakfasts that capture the spirit of the mountains only minutes away.

History

Founded in 1890 by Senator Henry Gassaway Davis and his son-in-law Stephen B. Elkins, the city of Elkins was designed from the start as a key rail and industrial center, and soon became an international crossroads in the heart of Appalachia.

As timber, coal, and rail lines expanded, Elkins evolved into a rest stop for presidents, diplomats, and dignitaries traveling through the region, earning a reputation far beyond its size. Its tree-lined streets, grand architecture, and classy hotels reflected both prosperity and national influence.

Over time, the city transitioned from a resource-based economy to a cultural hub, becoming known for its vibrant arts and music scene, including the world-renowned Augusta Heritage Festival and the historic Davis and Elkins College. Today, Elkins remains a gateway to the highlands and serves as the headquarters for the Monongahela National Forest, blending history, creativity, and public land stewardship into a thriving modern mountain town.

Depot, Elkins, W. Va., ca. 1910. Utz, Edward. West Virginia and Regional History Collection, West Virginia University Libraries.

Did you know?

Center Stage

Home of the Augusta Heritage Center and Mountain State Forest Festival, Elkins is internationally recognized for its traditional arts scene and music workshops.

Deal with It

Built during the New Deal era, the neoclassical style headquarters of the Monongahela National Forest is located in downtown Elkins.

Digging for Drinks

While Elkins is known for its brews, local legends say that underneath Elkins, a network of tunnels was built to connect speakeasies and rumrunners during prohibition.