Elkins, WV

Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The ecosystem in this area is much more common to the North, such as Canada, so going to Dolly Sods gives visitors a mini-vacation within their visit. There are over 45 miles of trails in Dolly Sods, though there are many restrictions because of its preservation status. Groups of ten or more are prohibited, and those who want to camp must follow strict guidelines for the area. There is a ton to do though, such as hunting, picnicking, biking, fishing, and even climbing. Take note that many activities require you to leave Dolly Sods Wilderness Area and go elsewhere in the forest.

200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, Phone: 304-636-1800

When entering Elkins, be sure to stop by Elkins Depot Welcome Center for information on the area. Though in the center of town, your visit to the welcome center will be beneficial for your entire vacation. Built in 1908, this train depot is still used by the Durban & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. The Railroad has put together five adventures on historic trains through the mountains, river, and West Virginia countryside. The center also houses an exhibit, “the Town that Industry Built,” which shows the early history of the town of Elkins and the railroad. This exhibit can be viewed during your stop for free.

315 Railroad Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, Phone: 304-635-7803

One of the last remaining observation towers in Monongahela National Forest is the Bickle Knob Observation Tower. Once a fire tower for the National Forest, Bickle Knob replaced the fire tower with an observation deck. Though not handicap accessible, access to the observation tower is easy in warmer months. Once you climb to the top of the observation tower, you’ll be greeted with a 360-degree view of Monongahela and the surrounding mountains. The vistas are something that cannot be explained without seeing, and the four flights of stairs needed to reach the top are well worth the effort.

Bickle Knob Observation Tower, Forest Road 91, Elkins, WV, 26241, Phone: 304-478-2000

Allegheny Highlands Trail is a 24.5-mile trail that leads throughout many small towns and amazing scenery. The trail follows the old West Virginia Central and Pittsburg railway that was built in 1884. Today, guests to the area can hike or bike the trail. Many areas of the trail are paved for easy commuting, but some trails are more rugged and with steep inclines. For those interested in taking the whole trail, camping is allowed on the trail, though visitors are asked to keep their footprint to a minimum when hiking, biking, or camping. Visitors can also download geocaching sites on the Highlands Trail Foundation website.

Elkins, WV 26241

Recommended Activities for Families

With over 25 campgrounds spread throughout Monongahela National Forest, your family will be sure to find the perfect spot for camping. Monongahela National Forest is over 1,400 square miles that are federally protected. The climate of the area is much closer to Northern territories than it is West Virginia, so it offers a chance to experience the biodiversity not found elsewhere in the state. Along with camping, fishing and hunting are permitted in the forest, though visitors must be aware of the protected and endangered species. Fishers will be excited to find over 87 species throughout the streams and lakes.

Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, Phone: 304-636-1800

Free admission to Appalachian Forest Discovery Center makes this museum and welcome center even more appealing. This center is located only one block from the welcome center at the Elkins Depot. Located on the second floor of the old Darden’s Mill, the museum houses rotating exhibits along with the permanent exhibit: Discovering the Appalachian Forest. The Discovery Center focuses on four major themes when educating visitors and setting up exhibits: forestry, forest history, natural forest, and forest culture. Visitors will learn how the forest molded the surrounding communities while creating a unique heritage for its peoples.

1 S Railroad Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241, Phone: 304-636-6182

The B&O Railroad is much more than a Monopoly stop; it was a real railroad: the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In 1861, General McClellan ordered men to build a fort to protect the B&O Railroad during the Civil War. This fort, now available to visit, is Cheat Summit Fort. This fort is believed to be the earliest location of using telegraphs during the war and was essential for keeping Lee’s troops from taking over West Virginia. Today, only the skeleton of the camp still stands. Be advised that access to the fort may be affected by weather conditions.

200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241, Phone: 800-225-5982