Little Swiss Village Route
Randolph County, West Virginia is filled with numerous hairpin curves and breathtaking rolling terrain. There is no better way to explore the state than riding on two wheels.
The Little Swiss Village Route takes you to back in time to small Swiss village in a high mountain valley called Helvetia. The original Swiss and German settlers arrived in 1869 and many of their descendants remain. This route meanders through the mountains of West Virginia with many different attractions to stop at along the way. From a state park and wildlife center to the largest, oldest covered bridge in the state, you’ll want to make this route your next adventure.
From Elkins take U.S. Route 250 towards the town of Mill Creek. Go about 17 miles and turn right onto Adolph Road just as you are getting into Mill Creek. Although the sign to Helvetia says 20 miles, be prepared for many turns and switchbacks as you make your way towards the village.
Once you make your way into Helvetia, we highly recommend stopping at the nationally known restaurant, The Hutte. This restaurant alone is worth the entire trip. Shop at the Swiss Roots shop while you are in town and buy a keepsake to remember your adventure.
** NOT PAVED: Head southwest on Pickens Rd. toward Old Helvetia Rd. Follow Hacker Valley Rd and Left Fork of Holly River Rod to WV-20N in Hacker Valley for 34 miles. Turn right onto WV-20. The entrance to Holly River State Park will be on the right.
**ALTERNATE PAVED ROUTE (not loop): Head northeast on Pickens Rd. towards Helvetia-Adolph Road. Turn left on Helvetia-Adolph Rd. Continue on Alexander-Adolph Rd. for 15.2 miles. Once you past the West Virginia State Wildlife Center, turn left onto WV-20 S towards Holly River State Park. This section is not a loop.
Turn right onto WV-20 towards Buckhannon. Go about 21 miles and The West Virginia Wildlife Center will be on the right. This is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and see a variety of West Virginia animals. Not to far away (around 12 miles) is the City of Buckhannon. If you haven’t eaten by now, take a stroll through its historic streets. This city, like Elkins, is known for its locally owned restaurants, specialty shops, and boutiques.
From Buckhannon head north on WV-20 towards US119 towards Philippi. Continue on this road 13.5 miles until you reach the Philippi Covered Bridge. Turn right onto N. Main Street to ride through one of the few covered bridges in the state.
Head west on N Main St. to Belington. Follow US-250 for 11 miles. This town houses the variety of excursion trains of the Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad at the historic depot and railyard. The Golden Rule Building is home to a ticketing office for the railroad, a small museum, and an artist market which will have outdoor seating.
Now its time to head back to Elkins. Continue to follow US-250S and turn left on US48 towards Elkins.
Download the Little Swiss Village Route brochure and #RideRandy.
