As winter loosens its grip on the mountains of West Virginia, the arrival of spring brings one of Appalachia’s most beloved traditions—ramp season. In Randolph County, the wild and pungent ramps make their grand debut, drawing food lovers, foragers, and festival goers alike. These garlicky, onion-like wild leeks thrive in the cool, shaded forests, making the region a prime destination for ramp enthusiasts looking to indulge in this seasonal delicacy.
The Flavor of the Mountains
Ramps are more than just a seasonal ingredient; they are a cherished part of Appalachian heritage. Their bold flavor—somewhere between garlic and green onions—adds a punch to any dish, from scrambled eggs and soups to fried potatoes and cornbread. For generations, families in Randolph County have ventured into the woods to harvest ramps, often making them the centerpiece of springtime meals and community gatherings.
Where to Experience Ramps in Randolph County
Randolph County is home to several ramp feasts and celebrations, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy this Appalachian delicacy. Here are some must-visit spots to get your fill of ramps:
- Pickens Ramp Supper on April 19, 2025 – Head to the Pickens American Legion Post 122 from 2pm to 7pm. Enjoy Ramps, fried potatoes, brown beans, coleslaw, applesauce, cornbread, dessert, and a drink. Adults: $20. Children (under 12): $10. Children under 5 are free!
- Helvetia Ramp Supper on April 26, 2025 – This small Swiss village is known for its rich heritage and warm hospitality, and its ramp dinner is no exception. Head to the Helvetia Community Hall and enjoy a fresh served meal from 2pm to 7pm. Adults: $25. Children (5-12): $10. Children under 4 are free!
- Elkins’ 15th Annual Ramps and Rail Festival on April 26, 2025 – A celebration from 10am to 4pm of local flavors and culture, over 60 vendors showcase delicious ramp dishes and crafts, alongside scenic train rides, live music, and Appalachian traditions.
Did we miss your Randolph County Ramp Event? We will add it now! Send us a message: elkinsrandolphtourism@gmail.com
Foraging for Ramps
For those looking to try their hand at foraging, Randolph County’s forests provide the perfect setting. Ramps grow in clusters along stream banks and under dense tree canopies, often found in undisturbed areas. If you choose to forage, be sure to follow sustainable harvesting practices—only take what you need and leave the roots intact to allow for regrowth.
Harvesting Ramps Responsibly in Monongahela National Forest
Digging and eating ramps in the spring is a traditional activity throughout Appalachia and especially in the gateway communities of Monongahela National Forest. Forest staff often get questions about how many ramps the public may gather from the National Forest for their personal use.
Collecting ramps for personal use is permitted on Monongahela National Forest. Personal use is defined as two gallons per person in possession at any one time, about the amount that fits in a typical plastic grocery bag. This equals about 180 whole plants, including roots and leaves. Individuals may not collect ramps on behalf of someone else. The Forest Service does not permit any commercial harvesting of ramps in Monongahela National Forest.
We encourage people who collect ramps in the Forest to follow these guidelines to ensure abundant ramps in the future:
- Collect ramps only in patches with more than 100 plants.
- If you find a patch that has already been harvested, move on to another area.
- When collecting ramps from a large clump, take only one-fifth of the plants. Leaving behind the majority of the plants will allow them to mature and go to seed, and the patch will recover faster.
- If digging bulbs, use a soil fork or a small hand trowel and a knife, rather than a large shovel. Shovels disturb the root system of neighboring ramps and other plants much more than these smaller tools. To dig ramps, loosen the soil with the soil fork or hand trowel and use the knife to cut the ramp roots beneath the bulb.
- After you dig up a ramp, cover the bare soil with leaves. This will reduce the likelihood of invasive species taking root.
By following these guidelines for harvesting ramps, we can ensure that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy ramps for generations to come.
Bringing Ramps Home
If you’d rather enjoy ramps from the comfort of your kitchen, local markets and roadside stands often sell freshly picked ramps in early spring. Whether you sauté them, pickle them, or blend them into a pesto, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this Appalachian treasure.
Celebrate the Season
Ramps are more than just a wild edible; they represent the renewal of the land and the deep-rooted traditions of Appalachia. Whether you’re tasting them for the first time at a community dinner or carrying on a family foraging tradition, ramp season in Randolph County is an experience that connects you to the heart of the mountains.
This spring, come savor the bold flavors and rich heritage of ramp season in Randolph County—where tradition is always on the table.