Randolph County
R andolph County is the largest county inWest Virginia, with an area of 1,400 square miles—nearly the size of Rhode Island. During the Civil War, an early Union victory in Randolph County set the stage forWest Virginia’s statehood. The July 1861 battle for control of the Staunton–Parkersburg Turnpike took place five miles west of Beverly. The Rich Mountain Battlefield site has more than 400 protected acres, including the battle site at the top of RichMountain, the Confederate Camp Garnett, and a section of the Staunton– Parkersburg Turnpike. The Monongahela National Forest is an expansive 921,000 acres in the east-central part of West Virginia. First established in 1920, the forest provides places to hike, bike, ride horseback, swim, fish, and do just about any other outdoor activity you can think of. The national forest has more than 800 miles of trails, with nearly 20 designated hiking trails at Spruce Knob alone. The Allegheny Highlands Trail is a rail- trail project that runs between Elkins and Hendricks, with 26 miles of trails perfect for biking enthusiasts. In the early 20th century, luxury passenger steam trains pulled into Elkins on a daily basis. Today, the Durbin&Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers mountain rail adventures for people of all ages. While in Elkins, tour the historic campus of Davis &Elkins College . Take in the college’s Graceland Inn or, better yet, spend the night. For entertainment, Gandy DancerTheatre provides Branson-style variety shows. For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong at The Vintage Restaurant andWine Bar , El Gran Sabor , or Smoke on theWater . For a scenic place to unwind at the end of the day, the Forks Inn offers fantastic food and stunning panoramic views. History buffs will appreciate the Beverly Heritage Center , where one can learn about the history of Randolph County through its interactive display. Venture to the tiny village of Helvetia for a historic journey to an old-world Swiss experience. Randolph County is an outdoor adventure paradise highlighted by charming communities rich in history, the arts, and an amazing dining scene, all surrounded by a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. elkinsrandolphwv.com
Bickle Knob
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