Every year, we anxiously wait for the first signs of spring – birds singing, trees budding, wildflowers growing, peepers peeping, and of course, we can’t forget misty mornings and warmer days. Springtime in Randolph County is like none other. It’s perhaps the best time of year to wet a line, dust off your hiking boots, hop back on your mountain bike, or experience the thrill of whitewater in the Appalachian Mountains. Spring can be one of the most beautiful times to travel and we can’t think of a better way to shake off those winter blues, than to visit us in our special part of West Virginia with these enjoyable outdoor activities:
Hiking
Hiking in the spring can result in an incredible experience. Nature truly comes alive. Gone are the shivering cold temperatures and in are the dewy cool mornings and pleasantly warm days. Accommodations like campsites or cabins tend to not fill up as quickly and the trails are less crowded making for a special experience to be one on one with the outdoors. In these precious moments take time to slow down to look for the picturesque wildflowers and distinctive mushrooms that sprout up from the woodland floor. Become aware of your surroundings by listening to the birds singing in the canopy of the budding trees. So, stretch those stiff winter muscles and take a hike! We promise it’ll be worth it.
Fishing
There’s nothing quite like waking up at the crack of dawn, feeling the fresh breeze of the mountains, and stepping into a swollen river anticipating a big catch. If you’ve got fishing fever, Randolph County should be your next outdoor recreation destination. Known as the Base Camp of the Monongahela National Forest, our terrain has a variety of deep lakes, pristine streams, and navigable rivers flowing through it. Every spring, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocks over 50,000 golden trout giving anglers from across the country a chance to reel in this prized possession. In addition, the WVDNR also stocks rainbow, brook, brown, and tiger trout throughout the season. You will have plenty of opportunity to catch a fish in our waterways, and you will be surrounded by some of the most picturesque landscapes in the state. Whether fishing alone or with a guide, it’s time for you to get hooked on fishing in Randolph County.
Biking
It’s time to step outside, revel in the bright days ahead, and get rolling for a bike ride. Spring is a great time of year to go two-wheeling. After the dismal winter months, taking to the outdoors atop a bike may be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your mind and body. Randolph County is the epicenter of biking in West Virginia. It’s the perfect launch pad to experience some of the best riding the state has to offer. Just 30 minutes away you’ll find Tucker County, considered the mountain bike capital of West Virginia with over 100 miles of singletrack trails. About 50 minutes to the south of Elkins, is the International Mountain Bike Association Silver Ride Center. This ride center includes over 375 miles of world-class singletrack including the nationally-recognized Snowshoe Bike Park which opens in May. Not only are we perfectly situated in the middle of these well-known areas, but Randolph County also has several family-friendly rail trails, hundreds of miles of gravel roads meandering through the forest, and newly constructed singletrack trails at Mower Tract.
Rafting
With the days getting warmer, the snow has melted away and water levels on the Cheat River are rising. During spring, runoff from snowmelt in combination with our rainy season makes for the most exciting time of rafting season for whitewater. Cooler temperatures welcome smaller crowds at Blackwater Outdoor Adventures (BOA), just 30 minutes away from downtown Elkins. Rafting season typically runs from April to early September, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the river. If whitewater isn’t your thing, try SUP’ing or a leisurely float down the flatwater part of the river on a kayak, canoe, or tube. All of these family-fun activities are offered at BOA.
#RandolphWV Travel Tip: Spring is what you make it. Weather in Randolph County, or anywhere in the state, is unpredictable. As we locals like to say, “plan for any season” when visiting us because you might experience rain, snow, and sunshine – all in one weekend. Be prepared and bring layers as well as an extra pair of shoes and socks to change into after your adventures. An enjoyable trip over the mountains and through the woods is waiting you!