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The higher elevations of West Virginia’s mountains provide the perfect escape from stifling summer temps. Beat the heat and retreat to the mountains of Randolph County, West Virginia. Book a stay in a riverside cabin or a full-amenity hotel and stay cool with our variety of summertime activities.

Take advantage of our clear mountain waterways by casting your line and spending your time fishing at these hotspots around the county. Rent a tube at Revelle’s River Resort or Shavers Fork Adventures and float down sparkling rivers (don’t forget sunscreen!), or simply go for a swim at Stuart Recreation Area. Looking for something a little more adrenaline inducing? Book a day trip with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures for a guided whitewater rafting experience.

Hunt for isolated waterfalls hidden in our mountains and feel their refreshing spray as they cascade over rocks. Some of our favorites within the vicinity of Elkins include Mill Creek Falls in Kumbrabow State Forest, the High Falls of Cheat (accessible by the New Tygart Flyer train excursion or a 7-mile round trip hike), and Blackwater Falls. Each waterfall is a little different and offers a variety of gorgeous scenes to photograph and enjoy.

Roll down the windows for a road trip and head up to higher elevations for a hike. Whether your goal is to summit up a steep mountain or more of a leisurely stroll with the pup, Randolph County has hundreds of miles of trails that are just your speed. Connect with nature and unplug from the digital world at Dolly Sods Wilderness or Spruce Knob Lake. Retire to the shaded trails of Otter Creek Wilderness or the canopy covered Gaudineer Scenic Area.

No matter the temperature outside, caves stay cool. Deep under the scenic beauty of the West Virginia mountains, Smoke Hole Caverns or Seneca Caverns both offer underground tours. Learn about the geology of the caverns and how they have been used throughout history as you descend into the mid-50’s degree temperature they maintain year-round. For a self-guided tour, discover Sinks of Gandy, a mile- long natural cave definitely worth exploring.

Photo Credit // RoadRunner Magazine

Warm, sunny weather and long days make summer an ideal time for motorcycling. Feel the cool mountain air sweep over you as you weave through our peaks and valleys on one of our many motorcycle routes. Make Elkins your basecamp for adventure and start out point to some of the finest motorcycle tours in the state. Be sure to check in at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center to pick up your free Randolph County motorcycle guide and find out why we are twisted by nature.

After your adventure concludes, it’s the perfect time to grab some ice cream or a cold drink at one of our many pubs in downtown Elkins. Unwind and relax with a cold craft beer on tap at Big Timber Brewing. The cooler evening temperatures make it ideal to opt for outdoor seating at a local restaurant or attend an outdoor evening concert at the Elkins Town Square Rotary Amphitheater.

With our numerous riverfront cabin rentals, Randolph County is the place for your ideal summer retreat. Beat the heat this summer by escaping to our mountains and cooling off in our rivers. We look forward to spending our summer with you!