Winter blues in Randolph County

Beat the winter blues in Randolph County with seasonal festivities, outdoor opportunities for the daring, and indoor activities for the whole family. Start planning your winter getaway now!

As West Virginia’s largest county, Randolph offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. This expansive public lands paradise is home to four seasons of fun for any interest, from rugged trails and backcountry camping to cozy cabins and scenic drives.

Elkins is home to the headquarters of the Monongahela National Forest which features nearly a million acres of land open for biking, fishing, camping, hunting, foraging, and more. Many of the Mon Forest’s top destinations are accessible year-round and located in Randolph County, though many forest roads aren’t maintained in winter—so travel with caution. Camp, hike, or fish in Otter Creek Wilderness or near West Virginia’s highest peak at Spruce Lake and Campground. Try some of the state’s best mountain biking at the Mower Basin Trails. Off-trail camping is allowed in most Wilderness Areas, while car and RV camping is free on a first-come, first-served basis in dispersed camping areas like Lower Glady, Stonecoal, and the Mower Tract.

Trout fishing is available year-round thanks to our pristine high elevation streams and our state’s frequent stocking programs. You can find rainbow, golden rainbow, brook, tiger, and brown trout. While most rivers and streams are stocked in later winter and early spring, some like the Shavers Fork and Elk River are stocked frequently in the fall as well. Local catches are served up seasonally at Ellie May’s Restaurant, Alpine Lodge and Restaurant, or Smoke on the Water.

Winter is the perfect time for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the Allegheny Highlands Trail. This 26-mile rail trail runs all the way from Elkins into neighboring Tucker County along a former railroad grade. Warm up in downtown Elkins with a fresh hot chocolate at any one of our cafes like TipTop or the Crossing, or with a local beer from our microbreweries like Fox Hops or the award-winning Big Timber. Stay inside while you peruse unique goods at our local businesses or visit one of our historical museums. Discover handmade art, vintage clothing, local delicacies, natural history, and much more. From Randolph County, you’re just an hour’s drive from some of the top downhill skiing destinations in the state.

Enjoy winter scenery while riding in style on board the Elkins Winter Special. This scenic train excursion departs from Elkins and travels along the Tygart Valley River, with a stop on the return trip at the historic Golden Rule building in the railyard in Belington, where you can shop local wares and learn about the area’s railroad history. This 4-hour journey will run for a limited time in January and February, the ideal time of year for unobstructed views of several rivers and the former industrial towns along them, plus rapids and Wilmoth Falls. Don’t worry about the cold – these historic train cars are climate-controlled.

Tired of the cold? Celebrate the end of winter during the one-of-a-kind Fasnacht festival in Helvetia. This unique Swiss-Appalachian tradition is known for its amusing and intricate handmade masks, parade by lantern light, square dance, and the ceremonial burning of “Old Man Winter”. Stop by anytime of the year to find locally made crafts and cheese at Swiss Roots, or learn about local culture with a self-guided walking tour. Discover historic C.C.C. era cabins and a variety of trails at nearby Kumbrabow State Forest.

Wherever you choose, you can be sure to find a cozy place to enjoy the views while staying indoors or to escape with easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Plan your trip at elkinsrandolphwv.com