Monongahela National Forest
Nearly a million acres of public land, with its headquarters and some of its wildest country right here in the county.
Potomac Highlands · Monongahela National Forest
Things to Do in Randolph County WV
Randolph County is the high-country heart of West Virginia — home to Elkins, the headquarters of the Monongahela National Forest, and mile after mile of mountain water, spruce forest and small-town Appalachian charm. Here is your guide to the Potomac Highlands.
Quick Info
- County Seat
- Elkins
- Best For
- Trout fishing, national forest, mountain towns, scenic railroads
- Best Time to Visit
- May through October, with peak fall color in early October
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
- Getting There
- Elkins sits at the crossroads of US-33 and US-219, roughly two hours from Morgantown and about three hours from Charleston.
Base Camp in the Potomac Highlands
Randolph County sits at the center of West Virginia's high country, where the Allegheny Plateau rises into some of the state's most remote and beautiful terrain. The city of Elkins anchors the county and serves as the headquarters for the Monongahela National Forest, making it the natural base camp for exploring the region.
From town, the mountains rise quickly. Within an hour you can be casting to wild trout on the Shavers Fork, walking through rows of red spruce, standing on the windswept plateau of Dolly Sods, or looking out from the rocky crest of the Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.
The county also holds a surprising amount of history. Beverly was one of West Virginia's earliest county seats and the site of one of the Civil War's first significant battles in the region, while the stone streets of Elkins reflect the railroad and timber wealth that built the town in the late 1800s.
Best Things to Do
Top Randolph County Experiences
Spruce Knob & Seneca Rocks
The Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area delivers West Virginia's highest summit and its most famous crag.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
A subalpine plateau of bogs, heath and open views that feels transported from far northern Canada.
Trout Fishing
The Shavers Fork, Elk River and Gandy Creek make this one of the state's premier fly-fishing destinations.
Scenic Railroad Excursions
Heritage trains depart from Elkins and climb into the mountains on some of the region's most scenic routes.
Bickle Knob Tower
A restored fire tower near Elkins with sweeping views over the Monongahela highlands.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
From gentle forest paths to rugged wilderness routes, the Monongahela's trails start right outside Elkins.
Camping
Developed campgrounds like Stuart Recreation Area and remote backcountry sites put you deep in the spruce forest.
Trout Streams
Cold, clean water and wild brook trout draw anglers from across the East each spring and fall.
Scenic Drives
US-219 and US-33 wind through the highlands, with overlooks, trailheads and small towns along the way.
Kumbrabow State Forest
A quiet, high-elevation state forest south of Huttonsville with trails, cabins and backroads camping.
Historic Towns
Elkins, Beverly and the Swiss settlement of Helvetia give the county a rich cultural counterpoint to its wildlands.
Historic Attractions
Historic Beverly was the county seat for much of the 1800s and preserves one of West Virginia's oldest courthouses. Nearby, Rich Mountain Battlefield marks the July 1861 engagement that helped put western Virginia on the road to statehood.
In Elkins, the Downtown Historic District and the grand halls of Davis & Elkins College recall the railroad and timber era that shaped the town. The Augusta Heritage Center keeps Appalachian music, dance and craft traditions alive with workshops and concerts.
Northwest of town, the village of Helvetia was founded by Swiss immigrants in the 1860s and still celebrates its heritage with food, music and old-world festivals.
Where to Eat & Stay
Downtown Elkins Dining
A walkable main street of cafes, pubs and family restaurants that has grown alongside the town's outdoor scene.
Historic Inns & B&Bs
Restored homes and small inns around Elkins and Beverly offer a character-filled alternative to chain hotels.
Cabins & Forest Lodging
Cabins in and around the national forest, plus state forest cabins at Kumbrabow, keep you close to the trails.
Campgrounds
Stuart Recreation Area and dispersed sites along the forest roads are popular with anglers and paddlers.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Spruce Knob — the highest point in West Virginia, about an hour south.
- Seneca Rocks — dramatic quartzite crags and a classic overlook, about 45 minutes away.
- Dolly Sods Wilderness — windswept high country to the northeast.
- Blackwater Falls State Park — a signature waterfall and Canaan Valley, about an hour north.
- Snowshoe Mountain — four-season resort skiing and biking, about 1.5 hours south.
- Cass Scenic Railroad — steam-powered mountain railroading in neighboring Pocahontas County.
Best Time to Visit
Spring brings high, cold water and hungry trout, along with wildflowers in the forest. Summer is prime time for camping, hiking and fishing, with the coolest temperatures up on the Allegheny highlands.
Fall is spectacular — the county's hardwood forests turn in late September and peak in early October, timed perfectly with Elkins' Mountain State Forest Festival. Winter quiets the backroads but rewards visitors with snowy spruce forests and nearby skiing.
Always check current road and forest conditions before heading out, especially on the high-elevation routes.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: drive the forest roads to Bickle Knob tower for a high-country panorama.
- Late morning: fish or hike along the Shavers Fork at Stuart Recreation Area.
- Lunch: return to Elkins for downtown cafes and shops.
- Afternoon: visit Historic Beverly and the Rich Mountain battlefield.
- Evening: catch live Appalachian music downtown and a sunset over the mountains.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: explore Elkins and the Monongahela National Forest, then drive south to Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks for the region's best views.
Day 2: head northeast to Dolly Sods or north to Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley, finishing with dinner back in Elkins.
Randolph County on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the county seat of Randolph County WV?
Elkins is the county seat and the largest town in Randolph County.
What is Randolph County WV known for?
The Monongahela National Forest, trout fishing, the high country around Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods, historic Elkins and Beverly, and scenic railroad excursions.
How many days do you need in Randolph County?
Two to three days lets you combine Elkins and the national forest with Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks and Dolly Sods.
When is the best time to visit?
May through October for hiking, fishing and scenic drives, with early October the peak for fall foliage.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia's destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Randolph County guide is built to help you plan a better Potomac Highlands trip.
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