Elkins Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Elkins, located in the beautiful region of West Virginia in the United States, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural experiences. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this charming city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

One of the main attractions in Elkins is the breathtaking Monongahela National Forest, which spans over 900,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Hiking trails meander through lush green forests, leading to cascading waterfalls and panoramic vistas that will leave visitors in awe. Outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and birdwatching abound, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate the soul.

For history enthusiasts, Elkins is home to the famous Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Step back in time as you board a vintage steam locomotive and embark on a scenic journey through the picturesque mountains and valleys. The railroad also offers special themed excursions, such as murder mystery dinners and holiday-themed rides, adding a touch of excitement to your visit.

Culture thrives in Elkins, with its vibrant arts scene and rich musical heritage. The town is renowned for its annual Augusta Heritage Festival, a celebration of traditional music, dance, and crafts that attracts artists from all over the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in workshops and performances, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry that is woven into the fabric of Elkins.

As you explore the city, be sure to visit the historic downtown district, where Victorian-era buildings house quaint shops, art galleries, and delightful eateries. Indulge in the local cuisine, which features mouthwatering Appalachian dishes influenced by the region's farming and culinary traditions.

Alternative names: Population: 7.2 thous.Area: 3.63 mi²Elevation: 1926 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°55'33"N, 79°50'57"W

Location

West VirginiaUnited States

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Elkins Top Attractions

Elkins Attractions - What to See and Explore

Elkins offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church, West Virginia Railroad Museum, Davis & Elkins College, Randolph County Courthouse and Jail. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church
Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian church at 450 Randolph Avenue in Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia, United States. It was originally built in 1894 and 1895 after designs prepared by the Baltimore architect Charles E. Cassell.
Museum
West Virginia Railroad Museum
The West Virginia Railroad Museum is a railroad museum development located at 2 Railroad Avenue, WV 26241. The museum opened in 2014.
Universities and schools
Davis & Elkins College
Davis & Elkins College is a small private liberal arts college in Elkins, West Virginia.

Romanesque revival architecture • Romanesque architecture
Randolph County Courthouse and Jail
Randolph County Courthouse and Jail is a historic courthouse and jail located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. The two buildings were built between 1902 and 1904.
38°55'51"N • 79°50'57"W
Graceland
Graceland is a historic house on the campus of Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia. It was the summer home of Henry Gassaway Davis, a United States Senator from 1871–1883, and a major force in West Virginia's coal industry in the late 19th century.
38°55'42"N • 79°50'42"W
Warfield-Dye Residence
Warfield-Dye Residence, also known as "Wayside," or "Warfield House," is a historic home located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. It was built in 1900–1901, and is a large 2 ¹⁄₂-story brick-and-wood-shingle dwelling in the Queen Anne style. It is topped by a hipped roof with dormers and two-story bay.
Georgian architecture
Gov. H. Guy Kump House
Gov. H. Guy Kump House is a historic home located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. It was designed by noted Washington, D.C.-architect Clarence L. Harding and built in 1924–1925, as a home for West Virginia Governor Herman G. Kump and his wife Edna Hall Scott Kump.
Georgian architecture
Albert and Liberal Arts Halls
Albert and Liberal Arts Halls are a set of two historic buildings located on the campus of Davis & Elkins College at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia.
38°55'20"N • 79°50'52"W
Riverside School
Riverside School is a historic school building located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. It was built between 1902 and 1905, as a one-story, rectangular red brick structure, measuring 56 feet, 6 inches, by 34 feet.
38°55'25"N • 79°50'58"W
Dr. John C. Irons House
Dr. John C. Irons House, also known as the Dr. S. G. Moore Home, is a historic home located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia.
38°55'18"N • 79°51'14"W
Baldwin-Chandlee Supply Company-Valley Supply Company
Baldwin-Chandlee Supply Company-Valley Supply Company is a historic commercial building located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. It is a two-story, twelve bay brick building in three sections.
38°55'23"N • 79°51'5"W
Elkins Milling Company
Elkins Milling Company, also known as Darden's Mill, is a historic grist mill located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. It is a three-story timber frame structure, eight bays long and three bays deep. It was built in 1902, and expanded and at various points in the 20th century.
Shingle style architecture
Pinecrest
"Pinecrest", also known as the Richard C. Kerens House and Kerens-Spears House, is a historic home located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. It was built in 1892, as a summer home for Richard C. Kerens. It is a large sandstone dwelling in a modified Shingle Style.
38°55'51"N • 79°50'50"W
Senator Stephen Benton Elkins House
Senator Stephen Benton Elkins House, also known as Halliehurst, is an historic mansion located at Elkins, Randolph County, West Virginia. It was designed by architect Charles T. Mott and built in 1890, as a summer home for U.S. Senator Stephen Benton Elkins. It consists of a three-story main block with hipped roof and service wing.

Day trips

Elkins – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Elkins, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Seneca Rocks (Monongahela National Forest), Elakala Falls (Monongahela National Forest), Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (Monongahela National Forest).

27 milesE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cliff
Seneca Rocks, Monongahela National Forest
Seneca Rocks is a large crag and local landmark in Pendleton County in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, United States. The south peak is one of a small number of peaks inaccessible except by technical rock climbing techniques on the East Coast of the United States.
23 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Elakala Falls, Monongahela National Forest
The Elakala Falls are a series of four waterfalls of Shays Run as it descends into the Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia. They are within Blackwater Falls State Park and are quite popular among photographers, with the ease of access for the first waterfall, and the relatively low traffic of the other waterfalls in the series.
37 milesS
Museum
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Monongahela National Forest
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a state park and heritage railroad located in Cass, Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It consists of the Cass Scenic Railroad, an 11-mile long heritage railway owned by the West Virginia State Rail Authority and operated by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
23 milesSE
Natural attraction, Mountain, Park
Spruce Mountain, Monongahela National Forest
Spruce Mountain, in eastern West Virginia, USA, is the highest ridge of the Allegheny Mountains. The "whale-backed" ridge extends for only about 16 miles, from northeast to southwest, but several of its peaks exceed 4,500 feet in elevation.
31 milesE
Nature, Natural attraction, Canyon
Smoke Hole Canyon, Monongahela National Forest
Smoke Hole Canyon — traditionally called The Smoke Holes and later simply Smoke Hole — is a rugged 20 miles long gorge carved by the South Branch Potomac River in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, United States.

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Best Time To Visit Elkins

Learn when is the best time to travel to Elkins weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July, August and October are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and October. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Elkins?

The top attractions to visit in Elkins are:

What is the best time to visit Elkins?

June, July, August and October are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.