Get outside and bike and hike on your three-night vacation in Randolph County.

start your morning — ^{Images courtesy of the Elkins Randolph CVB}

Authentic adventures await with beautiful waterfalls, winding bike trails, and delicious food to fuel your outdoor getaway.

DAY 1

Start your morning off by grabbing a quick latte from TipTop before heading over to Scottie’s diner, a local favorite, for a big breakfast. Once you’ve had your fill, stop by the Elkins Depot Welcome Center for maps and information and to scout out the Allegheny Highlands Trail (AHT) Trailhead—it’s located adjacent to the Depot. If you need to, swing by Joey’s Bike Shop for biking gear or load up your own.

Before heading out, grab a fresh to-go lunch from The Crossing Coffee Bar for your trip. Then, hit the AHT for a long ride along the rail-trail. The trail follows the original route of the West Virginia Central & Pittsburg Railway built by Henry Gassaway Davis in 1884. This exceptionally scenic trail provides panoramic views of the West Virginia countryside as it passes through small towns and rural farmland, from the Welcome Center into Tucker County, the small town of Parsons, and beyond, into Hendricks.

After lunch, ride your bikes back to Elkins and enjoy some leisure time walking and shopping downtown. Curb your sweet tooth at Guilty Pleasures Sweet Shop or grab something for later. After a full day of exploring, head to El Gran Sabor to dine on authentic Venezuelan food, sip a margarita, and listen to live music every Wednesday and Friday evening.

THE NEW TYGART FLYER TRAIN EXCURSION

All aboard the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad’s Elkins excursion. Travel through the picturesque Monongahela National Forest to a remote waterfall and your destination: the High Falls of the Cheat River. This 4-hour round-trip excursion includes lunch and limitless views of the mountains. Tickets are available for the passenger coaches or the Parlor Car, the coveted upscale passenger car on the train designed for those who like to ride in style.

DAY 2

Fill up for the day ahead with a latte and sausage biscuits and gravy, a breakfast sandwich, fruit and yogurt, or a delicious pastry from Great Harvest Baking. Head south up the valley on U.S. 219 to Kumbrabow State Forest, West Virginia’s highest forest and the only state forest in the county. There you’ll find hiking trails and Mill Creek Falls, one cascade on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Make sure to snap some photos of this picturesque attraction.

Hike or bike some of the trails and explore the forest around you before traveling back through Beverly, a hidden treasure of history in West Virginia. Take a walk through the historic downtown with a self-guided tour brochure—you can pick one up at the Beverly Heritage Center, where you can learn more about local history and culture of Randolph County. For a fun challenge, experience the 1841 Randolph County Jail Escape Room.

Back in Elkins, meander through town and make sure to check out the many antique shops. For dinner, choose from one of our unique restaurants, like The Southern Kitchen for down-home cooking or Mia Fiesta for Mexican cuisine. Have a nightcap at our award-winning brewery: Big Timber Brewing Company.

DAY 3

Since you’ll be burning those calories today, indulge a bit this morning. Grab some donuts from Byrd’s House of Donuts. Yeast or cake, filled or maple-topped, you’ll be thinking about these donuts long after your vacation ends. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the High Falls before the trek back to your car. Drive to the Forest Service Road 44 High Falls Trail Trailhead. The High Falls Trail passes through old-growth forest and large hemlocks as it winds through the saddle on Shavers Mountain. This is a beautiful, yet challenging hike in the backcountry of the Monongahela National Forest. The 8.5-mile hike is not for the faint of heart due to the steady grade. Keep in mind: the High Falls is a stopping point for the New Tygart Flyer excursion train, so be careful hiking along the railroad tracks.

Looking to stay longer? This is a great place to backpack in and camp overnight near the rushing falls. There are a couple of good camping sites before you cross the ridge, and a few more at the bottom by the river.

Back in Elkins, relax on the porch into the evening at Smoke on the Water BBQ and enjoy some delicious smoked meats and a cool beverage. Scroll through your photos from the past few days and start planning your next getaway to Randolph County. Check out more itineraries for ideas!