Town guide: Elkins
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Elkins is a mountain oasis rich with history, outdoor fun and beautiful art. One trip here and you’ll love this quaint mountain town on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest.
Dining
C.J. Maggie’s: There’s something for everyone at this all-American grill, which prides itself on fresh ingredients. They cut all their own steaks, stuff their own sausages and whip up their own soups and dressings.
Experience the essence of West Virginia at the Oxley House Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Located in the historic Tygart Hotel in Elkins, this dining spot showcases the best of Appalachian cuisine. Indulge in elevated dining while immersing yourself in the flavors of the region.
El Toro Steakhouse is a premier Latin American steakhouse offering the very best of Brazilian, Mexican and American grills under one roof. Here you can also try Venezuelan specialties like cachapas and plantains.
Entertainment
Randolph County Community Arts Center: This nonprofit located in a beautiful historic church highlights Randolph County’s vibrant arts community. The center hosts classes led by talented local artists for both adults and children. Learn to draw, create your own mug, make some jewelry or even hone your Jack-o-lantern carving skills!
Mountain State Forest Festival: Make sure to plan your trip around this festival, which is one of the largest celebrations in the state year after year. The first week of October turns Elkins into one giant party featuring some real mountain flavor for everyone — carnival rides, concerts, a lumberjack competition, art exhibits, parades, delicious local foods and a family-friendly block party.
Mountain Rail Adventures: A number of exciting rail adventures regularly depart from Elkins. There’s no better way to explore the splendor of nature’s scenery than chugging deep into our mountains via rail. Snake through valleys and peaks on the vintage New Tygart Flyer.
Shopping
Main Line Books: This charming small-town bookstore rivals the big-box giants with personalized service and hard-to-find local and regional reads, as well as national best-sellers.
Artists at Work: A one-stop shop for some of the region’s best artists. This space packs in the work of 23 local artists and designers, featuring everything from jewelry and pottery to baskets and watercolor paintings.
Recreation
Monongahela National Forest: Elkins is located on the brim of the expansive Monongahela National Forest. This recreational hotspot offers boundless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, biking, fishing, hunting and skiing.
In warm weather, Seneca Rocks is a world-class destination for rock climbing and hiking. The breathtaking rock formation juts nearly 900 feet into the sky above the North Fork River. When the mercury dips below freezing, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park and Snowshoe are perfect for some hair-raising winter sports, including downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
Places to stay/History
The Forks Inn: This cozy inn plopped atop Kelly Mountain offers breathtaking views of the area’s rolling landscape. A family comprising two generations renovated this wooden wonderland by hand. When you stay here, you have everything you need: beautiful scenery, modern amenities, a cozy bed and upscale dining right on site.
Davis & Elkins College: Don’t forget to take a stroll through this gorgeous hillside campus, featuring 6 historic landmarks. One of the campus’ most notable structures is a stone mansion called Graceland, which was the summer home of Senator Henry Gassaway Davis. Until 1970, the mansion was used as student housing. It has been fully restored and is now an inn.
This post was last updated on October 20, 2026
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