Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Scenic mountain rail excursions departing from Elkins and Durbin.
Randolph County · Potomac Highlands
Things to Do in Elkins WV
Set in the mountains of the Potomac Highlands, Elkins blends railroad history, a college-town arts scene and doorstep access to the Monongahela National Forest. It is the perfect base for Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob and Cass.
Quick Info
- County
- Randolph County
- Best For
- Rail excursions, forests, folk arts, hiking
- Best Time to Visit
- May through October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- Off US-33 and US-219 in the Potomac Highlands, about 2 hours from Charleston and 2 hours 30 minutes from Washington, DC.
Steam Trains and Mountain Forests
Elkins grew as a railroad town, and trains still define it. Scenic excursions operated under the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad name depart from town, carrying passengers into remote mountain valleys that roads never reached.
The city also has a deep cultural streak. Davis & Elkins College hosts the Augusta Heritage Center, a nationally known school of Appalachian music, dance and craft that draws students and performers all summer.
Beyond town, the Monongahela National Forest spreads in every direction, with Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob and the Cranberry Wilderness all within an easy drive.
Best Things to Do
Top Elkins Experiences
Monongahela National Forest
Nearly a million acres of forest with trails, streams and picnic areas.
Davis & Elkins College
A picturesque hilltop campus with historic mansions and the Augusta Heritage Center.
Augusta Heritage Center
Workshops and concerts celebrating Appalachian music, dance and craft.
Seneca Rocks
A dramatic 900-foot quartzite fin and the East’s top trad-climbing destination.
Downtown Elkins
A restored main street with shops, the historic railroad depot and local eateries.
Stuart Recreation Area
A forested picnic and camping spot along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat.
Bickle Knob & Fire Tower
A short drive and walk to a historic fire tower with panoramic highland views.
Top Attractions
- Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad — scenic mountain rail adventures.
- Davis & Elkins College — Halliehurst and Graceland mansions.
- Augusta Heritage Center — Appalachian culture year-round.
- Monongahela National Forest — trails and wilderness on the doorstep.
- Seneca Rocks — the region’s landmark peak.
- Downtown Elkins — shops, dining and railroad heritage.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
From gentle forest loops to the rugged Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods trails.
Rock Climbing
Seneca Rocks is a legendary trad-climbing area with guided options.
Trout Fishing
The Shavers Fork and surrounding streams are famous for native brook trout.
Mountain Biking
Forest roads and growing trail networks suit gravel and fat-tire riders.
Canoeing & Kayaking
The region’s rivers range from calm floats to technical whitewater.
Camping
National forest campgrounds and backcountry sites are plentiful nearby.
Historic Attractions
The railroad built Elkins, and the historic Western Maryland Railway depot area remains the town’s railroad heart.
On the Davis & Elkins campus, the Halliehurst and Graceland mansions recall the wealth of the timber and coal era and are listed on the National Register.
The Randolph County Historical Society and downtown historic district add context to a walk through town.
Restaurants
The Sweet Shop
An Elkins institution and one of the oldest soda fountains in West Virginia.
El Gran Sabor
A beloved downtown spot for Latin-inspired dishes and live music.
CJ’s Pizza
A local favorite for pizza, subs and family dinners.
Mi Fiesta
Mexican plates and margaritas in a casual setting.
Mountain State Cafes
Coffee shops and bakeries for a pre-hike breakfast.
Railroad-Area Steakhouses
Hearty dinners for after a day in the mountains.
Places to Stay
- The Isaac Jackson Hotel — a historic downtown hotel with character.
- Tygart Hotel — a restored boutique stay in the heart of town.
- Holiday Inn Express & Hampton Inn — reliable, modern options.
- Monongahela forest cabins — rustic lodging near the trails.
- Canaan Valley & Snowshoe rentals — a base for highland adventures.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Seneca Rocks — about 45 minutes.
- Spruce Knob — about 1 hour.
- Cass Scenic Railroad — about 45 minutes.
- Blackwater Falls and Davis — about 1 hour.
- Dolly Sods Wilderness — about 1 hour.
- Snowshoe Mountain — about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is peak season for train excursions, outdoor recreation and the Augusta Heritage workshops. Fall is spectacular, with highland foliage and crisp hiking weather.
Spring brings wildflowers and rushing streams, while winter adds snowy scenery and access to nearby ski areas.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: ride a scenic train excursion on the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
- Late morning: walk the Davis & Elkins campus and the mansions.
- Lunch: a burger or soda-fountain treat downtown.
- Afternoon: drive to Seneca Rocks for the viewpoint and a short hike.
- Evening: return for dinner and live music in town.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: a morning train ride, an afternoon at Seneca Rocks, and an evening of Appalachian music downtown.
Day 2: explore the Monongahela National Forest, drive to Spruce Knob or Bickle Knob, then detour to Cass or Blackwater Falls.
Elkins on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elkins WV known for?
Scenic mountain train excursions, the Augusta Heritage Center and access to the Monongahela National Forest.
Where do the trains depart from?
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad excursions depart from the Elkins depot and from nearby Durbin.
How far is Elkins from Seneca Rocks?
Seneca Rocks is about 45 minutes from downtown Elkins.
Is Elkins good for a weekend trip?
Yes — it pairs a historic downtown with easy access to the state’s best mountain scenery and outdoor recreation.
When is the best time to visit Elkins?
Summer for train season and festivals, or early October for highland fall color.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Elkins guide is written to help you plan a memorable Potomac Highlands trip.
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