Almost Heaven: Fall in Randolph County, West Virginia

West Virginia is known by many names. The Mountain State. Best Virginia. West by God Virginia. Almost Heaven. Here in West Virginia’s largest county, we just call it home. As the leaves fall and the temperatures begin to drop, Randolph County, West Virginia offers a comfortable escape for sweater season, with seasonal festivities for the whole family and outdoor adventure opportunities for the daring.

Embrace autumn’s traditional harvest time by taking the family to one of our local farms like the Charm Farm to enjoy seasonal treats and bring home your own pumpkin. Snyder Farms even has tractor rides and a corn maze. Our local cafes and restaurants come alive with fall flavors too. Find pumpkin flavored drinks at The Crossing Coffee Bar or TipTop Coffee. Try specially flavored moonshines at Boars Nest Distillery, and even pumpkin-spiced beer at Big Timber Brewing. Taste fall produce on seasonal menus at eateries like Smoke on the Water, Oxley House Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, or The Forks.

At the Autumn on the Dry Fork festival held annually in early October you can taste fresh apple cider and apple butter made the old-fashioned way. We celebrate all things fall during the first weekend in October at Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia, which features daily live entertainment. You can find all kinds of food trucks at these and many other events with everything from Filipino eggrolls and Venezuelan cachapas to burgers and barbecue.

Families can enjoy even more entertainment at many of our downtown businesses. Newly opened this summer, the Railyard Event & Conference Center is Randolph County's newest destination for entertainment. In addition to their in-house Signature Shows, their theater will host a variety of touring acts in music, comedy, and other live performances. Cut loose with weekly karaoke at Fox Hops Brewery or Jimbo’s Place, or join in a time-tested tradition at a monthly square dance hosted by Elkins Barn Dance Collective.

Hiking, biking, driving, by rail or by water - there are a variety of trails to travel to take in our magnificent fall foliage. See our scenic vistas and spectacular colors with a backroads drive to Bickle Knob Observation Tower, or ride the rails aboard the New Tygart Flyer excursion train to the picturesque High Falls of Cheat. A drive on the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike National Scenic Byway or the Seneca Skyway loop will take you through small but historic communities like Beverly, where you can hear spooky local tales at the annual Lantern Tours at the Beverly Heritage Center.

Play or stay amidst our spectacular fall leaves in our vast public lands with historic cabins in Kumbrabow State Forest and primitive camping in the Monongahela National Forest. Or find local options for glamping and modern vacation rentals on your favorite online rental site. The Trails at Files Creek and Laurel River Club B&B offer a variety of amenities, all perfect for a comfy bed as the temperature drops and fall turns to winter.

During the first weekend in December Randolph County transforms into a winter wonderland during the annual Christmas Parade in Elkins, and during Old Fashioned Christmas in Beverly where you can experience Christmas traditions across time and make your own crafts. You might even meet Santa! Enjoy elaborate Christmas light displays in Elkins and Mill Creek throughout the month of December. Find the perfect gift at one of our many holiday markets and bazaars like the Holiday Artist Market at the Arts Center, Christmas Community Bazaar at the Phil Gainer Center, or any of our many local shops. Discover handmade art, vintage clothing, local delicacies, and much more.