Kumbrabow State Forest spans 9,474 acres on Rich Mountain, with elevations of more than 3,000 feet above sea level. Scenic hiking trails lead to overlooks of the surrounding mountains. Mill Creek is also part of this forest: the stream is home to native brook trout.
Mountain Trails, Rivers, and Seasons
The Dry Fork of the Cheat River rises in Randolph County between Rich Mountain and Little Middle Mountain. The river is known for smallmouth bass fishing, as well as brook trout, brook charr, and rainbow trout. At the Stuart Recreation Area, a 2-mile loop trail combines hiking and mountain biking, with opportunities to spot wildlife and birds along the way. The Shavers Fork in the same recreation area offers river swimming and catch-and-release trout fishing.
The longer trails also vary in length and use. One starting point of the 330-mile Allegheny Trail is in Randolph County at the Gaudineer Scenic Area; the trail offers opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping, and fishing. The Allegheny Highlands Trail runs 24.5 miles from the Elkins Depot Welcome Center toward Parsons, with panoramic views of the West Virginia landscape. In winter, the trail is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The 22-mile West Fork Rail Trail follows the West Fork River for most of its route through remote mountain scenery and is suitable for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Rich Mountain and the Region’s History
Rich Mountain is also connected with Civil War history: a Union victory took place there, helping George McClellan become commander of the Army of the Potomac. The Rich Mountain Battlefield Civil War Site memorial includes the battlefield, Confederate Camp Garnett, and a connecting section of the old Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike. At Hart Farm, historic markers and interpretive signs commemorate the site; there is also a 0.5-mile hiking trail.
The Beverly Heritage Center serves as an interpretive center for Rich Mountain Battlefield. Four carefully restored historic buildings make up the museum complex; permanent exhibits cover early settlement and transportation, the “Courthouse War,” the Civil War in West Virginia, and the Battle of Rich Mountain. There is also the “The 1st Campaign of the Civil War” exhibit and research facilities. Tours require an appointment. Group experiences at the 1841 Randolph County Jail can be arranged through the center as tours, living history programs, and demonstrations. Annual heritage events include Beverly Heritage Day and Old Fashioned Christmas; check event dates before your trip.
The Randolph County Museum is housed in the Blackman-Bosworth Store in Beverly. The building was constructed in 1827–28 and was among the first commercial brick buildings west of the Allegheny Mountains. An exhibit in the 1841 Randolph County Jail shows the jailer’s office as it might have looked in 1845: the historical depiction is explicitly a possible reconstruction.
Music, Townscapes, and Traditions
In Elkins, the Augusta Heritage Center focuses on traditional music, folklore, and folk arts from many regions and cultures. It offers intensive weeklong workshops. Pickin’ in the Park also takes place in Elkins: a weekly acoustic jam featuring bluegrass and old-time music. Visitors are welcome, as are beginners and experienced musicians. Since the schedule is seasonal, check the current dates before heading there.
The historic center of Elkins offers a different focus: the Downtown Elkins Historic District is a national historic district with 65 contributing buildings in the central business district. The Downtown Elkins Heritage Quilt Trail uses patterns that symbolize local history and heritage. The Davis & Elkins College campus also shapes the historic landscape: five of its landmarks are listed in the National Register, and four of them together form a National Historic District.
The Mountain Dance Trail celebrates community square dances and their heritage. Participating locations include Elkins and Helvetia, where scheduled dances for locals and visitors feature regional musicians and dance callers. Helvetia’s Fasnacht marks the end of winter and the start of Lent by burning Old Man Winter. Another evening option is the Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center: its two-hour Premier Show pairs music from the 1950s to today with a served meal. The repertoire and dates may vary.
The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad operates a historic depot in downtown Elkins. Its wilderness excursions travel through rural, steep canyon terrain, along clear, free-flowing rivers, and past historic sites. A remote waterfall is accessible only on foot or by train.
Discover more destinations: Beverly, Elkins, Huttonsville, Dryfork, Kanawha, Hampshire County, Ohio, Hardy County.
For the main travel overview: West Virginia.
