Trip Highlights
Day 1
Beverly
Explore the town of Beverly's rich Civil War history
Breakfast
Begin your morning at Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe for a freshly made breakfast sandwich and coffee to fuel your historical tour of Beverly, West Virginia and Randolph County’s Civil War history!
Morning
- Your first stop is the Beverly Heritage Center open Wednesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. This museum also offers a plethora of visitor information including brochures and rack cards and a gift shop. Admission for the exhibit is $5 for adults, and under 12 is free. The museum shares compelling stories of Beverly and the First Campaign of the Civil War.
- See if you can escape – the 1841 Randolph County Jail Escape Room! The Escape Room experience is $20 per person with a group cap of 5 participants. Visitors will have a time limit of 1 hour to complete this escape room. Call ahead with questions regarding group size and pricing – 304-637-7424.
Lunch
If you’re visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday take a short jaunt down the road to Gingrolls and Pancit in Beverly and make sure to enjoy her award-winning lumpia (egg rolls) with pork, shrimp, or vegetarian and various Filipino cuisine options that will leave you wanting more. Don’t forget the Leche Flan for dessert.
Any other day of the week check out some of these delicious options.
Afternoon
- Lace up your walking shoes and discover the historic town of Beverly. Pick up your self-guided walking tour brochure at the Beverly Heritage Center and begin to experience the historic buildings within the downtown. From the Beverly Cemetery to the Lemuel Chenoweth House there’s history at every turn!
Pro Tip
Plan ahead to visit Beverly during one of their special events or living history days – including Beverly Heritage Day, typically in July. Historic Beverly comes alive with reenactors and costumed interpreters to enhance your visit.
Dinner
Head to The Southern Kitchen for Randolph County soul food, sip on a beverage, and relax the night away.
Day 2
Beverly and Elkins
Explore Rich Mountain Battlefield
Breakfast
Enter Tiptop for a fresh made smoked ham, egg, and cheese bagel and some caffeine to begin your day.
Morning
- Today you’ll be exploring Rich Mountain Battlefield‘s three historic sites across 440 acres.
- The Hart Farm – Perched atop Rich Mountain, the Hart family homestead was the central battleground during the conflict. Today, the Hart Farm site features historical markers and numerous interpretive signs that recount the story of the battle. Visitors can also enjoy a half-mile walking trail, explore Lander’s Rock, view the remnants of the Hart family’s spring house, and see graffiti carved by soldiers.
- Camp Garnett – Situated 1.5 miles west of the main battlefield, this site marks the location of the Confederate camp. Visitors can observe the remains of the defensive earthworks here.
- The Field of Fire – Located just west of Camp Garnett, this park and pavilion can be reserved for special events. It also features a hiking trail that connects directly to Camp Garnett.
How to get there
To reach Rich Mountain Battlefield from the East: (Beverly). Turn off Rt 250 west onto Rich Mountain Road in Beverly. Follow the RMBF signs 5 miles to the Battlefield, at the very top of the mountain pass. Continue following Rich Mountain Road another 1 1/2 miles further west to the bottom of the mountain to see the Camp Garnett area.
Lunch
- Daily specials are always available at Jimbo’s Place, located in downtown Elkins. Enjoy a chili dog, cheeseburger, and an ice cold beer during your lunch while you explore the historic buildings and charming shops along Third Street and Davis Avenue.
Afternoon
- This afternoon you will head into the historic downtown of the City of Elkins for some more historic exhibits and experiences. Take 219 North from Beverly, until you reach Elkins. Follow signs to the downtown and enjoy three-hour parking along the Main Street downtown, park at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center or City Hall parking lot for free All-Day parking.
- Be sure to stop in the Darden Mill and explore the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center and the West Virginia Railroad Museum – open Thursday – Sunday seasonally.
- The Elkins Depot Welcome Center has an exhibit inside the historic Depot, which is worth the time to check out. Make sure to pick up a historic downtown walking tour brochure along with additional maps and guides. The knowledgeable volunteers and staff will be happy to answer any of your questions.
- The Kump Education Center offers rotating exhibits for visitors, and the rich history of the Gov. Kump House (the family home of H. Guy Kump, a prominent attorney and the 19th Governor of West Virginia). Kump was best known for his work promoting public education and working with the federal government to promote public works projects throughout the state during the Great Depression. Call ahead to check for tour availability! Phone number: 304-637-7820
Dinner
Options are aplenty in downtown Elkins, from delicious International cuisine to American eateries that locals love to frequent – but consider dining in historic elegance at Graceland Inn for a truly unique experience. Tour the beautiful mansion while you wait to be seated or take a stroll once you finish your delicious meal.
Day 3
Southern Randolph County
Discover Camp Elkwater / Fort Marrow and Cheat Summit Fort
Breakfast
EATS Restaurant is an absolute must! Enjoy their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu along with buffet options, homemade pies, and renowned vanilla or raspberry soft serve ice cream.
Morning + Afternoon (packed lunch)
- Grab a to-go salad or sandwich from The Crossing Coffee Bar – you can’t go wrong with their ready-made options.
- Jump in your car and head South on 250/219 South and explore Cheat Summit Fort.
- Step back in time at Cheat Summit Fort, built in 1861 by General George B. McClellan to safeguard key routes and railroads. Discover the pivotal moments of the Civil War as you learn about the Confederacy’s failed attempt to capture the fort in September 1861, a key factor in Robert E. Lee’s western Virginia Campaign setback.
- Make the drive to Camp Elkwater | Fort Marrow. Follow US 219 south of Huttonsville for 7 miles and turn right onto Kumbrabow Road (County Route 219/16) at the sign for Kumbrabow State Forest. At the second switchback you will see a gravel pull-off and a Civil War Trails interpretive sign. Follow the dirt road to your right to reach the redoubt and cemetery.
- Built by General Joseph J. Reynolds’ troops in 1861, this fortification played a crucial role in blocking the Huttonsville-Huntersville Turnpike and defending upper Tygart Valley after the Union victory at Rich Mountain.
- In September 1861, Confederate General Robert E. Lee attempted to capture Camp Elkwater, leading to skirmishes where notable figures, including Lee’s aide John Augustine Washington, met their fate. Visit the well-preserved earthen redoubt on a hilltop overlooking the old turnpike, now U.S. Route 219.
- Explore the remnants of fortifications and a family cemetery that was once the center of the camp.
Dinner
Stop by the Mill Creek Drive-In, known as “The Freeze” to locals, and indulge in a cozy meal. Warm up with a bowl of their delicious broccoli and cheese or loaded potato soups on a chilly day. Enjoy daily specials, and if you’re craving something sweet, they’re known for their mouthwatering desserts and ice cream.