TrekUnity
When
October
Attendance
~100,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Dating to 1930, the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins is West Virginia's oldest and largest festival — a weeklong early-October celebration of Appalachian forest heritage with lumberjack competitions, a carnival, arts and crafts, banjo and fiddle music, coronations, and grand parades, set against the peak fall color of the Allegheny Highlands.
It's a deep-rooted mountain tradition, and it pairs beautifully with the scenic railroads, high peaks, and autumn foliage of the surrounding Monongahela National Forest.
Want to go? Turn Mountain State Forest Festival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Early October (about nine days)
Admission
Free grounds · some events & rides ticketed
Parking
Downtown and campus lots; the walkable town center hosts most events.
Nearest airport
North Central West Virginia (CKB) ~1 hr; Pittsburgh (PIT) ~2.5 hr
Typical weather
Crisp Appalachian fall — 50s–60s °F, cold nights; prime foliage weather.
Official website
Location
Elkins, WV
Where to stay
The Graceland Inn (Elkins)
Historic mansion inn on the Davis & Elkins campus.
Elkins motels
Simple options in town.
Mountain lodges
Cabins and lodges in the surrounding forest.
Where to eat & drink
Scottie's of Elkins
Local favorite for hearty fare.
Festival food
Classic fair fare and Appalachian treats.
Downtown Elkins cafés
Coffee and bites near the events.
Nearby attractions
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Scenic heritage-railroad rides.
Monongahela National Forest
High peaks, trails, and fall color.
Seneca Rocks
A dramatic crag ~1 hr away.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + town
- •Drive to Elkins
- •Afternoon: downtown + arts and crafts
- •Evening: banjo & fiddle music
2Festival day
- •Morning: lumberjack competitions
- •Afternoon: the Grand Feature Parade
- •Evening: carnival
3Forest + depart
- •Morning: scenic railroad or Monongahela drive
- •Head out
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Come for peak foliage — early October is stunning here.
- Ride a scenic heritage railroad through the mountains.
- Catch the lumberjack competitions and the grand parade.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Mountain State Forest Festival?
Early October, over about nine days, in Elkins, West Virginia.
How old is it?
It dates to 1930, making it West Virginia's oldest festival.
What else is nearby?
Scenic heritage railroads, the Monongahela National Forest, and Seneca Rocks — all gorgeous in fall.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Mountain State Forest Festival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.