In the heart of Randolph County, where forested trails meet wide-open skies, The Trails at Files Creek has quietly become a haven for artists seeking clarity, solitude, and inspiration. Tucked just outside the historic town of Beverly, this 93-acre retreat offers more than handcrafted cabins and scenic overlooks — it provides space to create. Whether you’re a writer looking for quiet, a painter drawn to forest light, or a musician seeking a slower rhythm, the land invites you to settle in and listen to what stirs. We sat down with Max Cusimano, the visionary behind this creative escape, to learn how The Trails at Files Creek is nurturing art, connection, and creativity one retreat and getaway at a time.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: For those who aren’t familiar, can you tell us about The Trails at Files Creek and what makes it special within Randolph County?
Max: The Trails at Files Creek is a collection of handcrafted cabins tucked into 93 private acres in Randolph County, West Virginia.
We’re right outside the historic town of Beverly and next to the Monongahela National Forest, guests have easy access to both deep woods and open mountain views. Most people come here for the simple things — a quiet place to stay, trails to explore, and the chance to slow down without a schedule.
It’s great for solo getaways, couple’s trips, family stays, and small groups who want a peaceful base to reconnect with nature — and with each other — on their own terms.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: How did the concept for Files Creek evolve—especially the idea of combining nature, art, and group experiences?
Max: Files Creek started with a simple idea: to create a place where nature and creativity could come together.
At first, we thought a lot about hosting retreats, but over time, we realized most people just wanted the space itself. They didn’t need a full schedule or big programs — they needed quiet trails, open skies, and a comfortable place to land.
Today, we focus on offering beautiful cabins and wide-open space. If people want to come together for a small gathering or creative project, the land makes it easy — but there’s no pressure. It’s really about letting each guest find their own rhythm here.
Group Retreats
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What kinds of groups have found success here—corporate teams, wellness retreats, family reunions, creative workshops?
Max: We’ve been lucky to host some great group experiences so far at Files Creek. Most have been pretty laid-back — like the nature-based retreats with Wonder & Grow, where people spent winter nights around the fire, walked barefoot through the hills in summer, and watched the sunrise from the mountaintop.
We also recently hosted our first business retreat — just a one-day getaway for a local team who needed a break from the office. It went really well, and it was great to see how a change of scenery sparked fresh energy and ideas.
Most groups who come here aren’t looking for a packed schedule. They want space — time to hike, gather for meals, hang out by the fire, and enjoy the land.
As we keep growing, we’re excited to welcome even more groups — whether it’s a company offsite, a family reunion, a few artists working on projects, or just friends getting away for a few days.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What are some of the most popular amenities or features that make Files Creek ideal for group gatherings?
Max: The land itself is the biggest draw — private trails, meadows, creeks, and mountaintop views. Groups can hike straight from their cabins without ever getting in a car.
The cabins are simple, comfortable, and handcrafted — with full kitchens, tiled bathrooms, and big windows that bring the outdoors in. They’re spaced out enough for privacy but close enough for gathering when people want to.
We’ve also got a mountaintop event area with open views, perfect for casual group dinners, yoga, or just hanging out. And there are fire pits, picnic spots, and seating areas scattered across the property for easy, spontaneous meetups.
For groups who want to add a little more, we can connect them with local partners. We know some great yoga instructors, private chefs, photographers, and nature guides who are familiar with the land and can help make a retreat or group gathering even more special.
Artist Retreats
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What inspired the creation of a dedicated space for artists and creatives?
Max: Even before the cabins were built, the idea was to host creative retreats here.
Over time, we noticed that artists, writers, and musicians weren’t just coming here to relax — they were creating. The stillness, the forest textures, the slower pace — it all seems to open up something deeper.
That’s what led to the Pine Ridge Artist Retreat — a week-long stay where creatives can live in one of our cabins, wander the trails, and work on whatever they feel called to, without pressure or distraction. It’s our way of giving a little back to the people who give so much through their art.
We’ve had all kinds of artists stay at Files Creek — writers, painters, musicians, photographers, filmmakers. Some come to finish a project. Others come just to slow down, recharge, and see what shows up. Whether you bring a camera, a paintbrush, a notebook, or an instrument, the space is here for you.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: How does the setting at Files Creek help foster creativity and focus?
Max: There’s a natural rhythm to the land at Files Creek that makes you slow down without even trying. The quiet here isn’t empty — it’s full of little sounds: the wind through the pines, the crunch of leaves, the creeks running through the woods.
With no traffic, no constant noise, and 93 acres to wander, it’s easy to clear your head and settle into whatever you’re working on. The cabins help too — simple, comfortable spaces with big windows that keep you connected to the outside, even when you’re inside.
A lot of artists also find inspiration walking the trails, along the creeks, or tucked into little clearings in the woods. Indoors, the cabins themselves feel like creative spaces — full of natural light, simple woodwork, and big windows that frame the outdoors. There’s also a small gallery space with a big table that’s perfect for journaling, sketching, or laying out ideas, and a tiny studio cabin up on Apple Hill for anyone wanting a little extra solitude.
The mountaintop overlook is a favorite — especially for quiet mornings, sketching, or just taking in the views.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: Do you offer any structure to the artist retreats (like optional workshops or collaborative elements), or is it more self-guided?
Max: The Pine Ridge Artist Retreat is self-guided by design.
We’ve come to believe that artists know best what they need — whether that’s quiet, exploration, or a little creative flow. There’s no set schedule, but there are a few natural ways to connect — like gathering around the fire pit in the evenings or meeting up at the mountaintop for sunrise. Right now, we also offer a video production workshop that guests can sign up for through our website. It’s a great option for anyone wanting a little more structure while still enjoying the space and freedom Files Creek is known for.
Visitor Experience & Logistics
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: For someone planning a group or artist retreat, what should they expect in terms of accommodations and logistics?
Max: Groups can book a few cabins together — close enough to gather easily, but spaced out enough for privacy when needed. Most cabins have a queen bed, some also have a loft bed, and many feature big windows that look out over the forest and hills.
There’s a mountaintop event space that’s great for casual group meals, yoga, or just hanging out. We can also help arrange tent rentals for the mountaintop in case of rain, so groups can still enjoy the views no matter the weather.
Bathrooms are available both at the base and at the top of the mountain (the mountaintop one is a simple rustic outhouse). We’re happy to help with basics like coordinating check-in times and suggesting local add-ons like yoga instructors, private chefs, or guides.
We recommend booking six months in advance for larger group retreats, but there’s space to make things happen faster when needed.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What does a typical day at the Trails at Files Creek look like for a group or an artist?
Max: Mornings usually start slow — coffee at the kitchen table, a walk on the trails, or maybe watching the sunrise from the mountaintop overlook. For groups, mornings might also include a yoga session or a guided reflection to ease into the day.
Afternoons are wide open. Some guests spend time writing, painting, hiking, or just relaxing in their cabins or out on the land. Groups often gather for casual meals, nature walks, or downtime. After lunch, some groups, like the business retreat we recently hosted, have used the time for deeper conversations — reflecting together and talking about things like their core values.
Evenings usually bring people back together. Sometimes it’s as simple as a shared meal and conversation around the fire, and sometimes it includes a guest talk, a casual workshop, or a discussion led by someone from the group or a visiting expert.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What’s your vision for how The Trails at Files Creek can continue to grow as a destination for creativity, connection, and rejuvenation?
Max: There are plans to further develop the retreat offerings by introducing more structured programming, such as guided nature excursions, a video production workshop, culinary experiences, and wellness sessions.
Looking ahead, we’re open to adding a few more small, thoughtful workshops. But our main focus will stay the same: offering a peaceful setting where guests can explore, create, and reconnect at their own pace.
Parting Thoughts
In Elkins-Randolph County, inspiration doesn’t just live in the studio — it flows from the mountaintop views, the rustle of pines, and the vibrant local culture that surrounds you. Summer here is especially rich for creatives. Take in free outdoor concerts at Elkins Town Square, dive into traditional music and dance at Augusta Heritage Center’s workshops, or find daily renewal on the forest trails that crisscross the Monongahela National Forest. Whether you’re looking to create, reflect, or simply breathe, The Trails at Files Creek and the creative spirit of Randolph County are ready to welcome you!