Imagine a backdrop where it’s just you, an open country road and the mountains of Appalachia in one place. This picture will come to life when West Virginia is your next destination to take some time for yourself this spring and summer. There is no better time to be a solo adventurer!
Here is how you can spend your 48 hours when you’re the one who’s making the plans. It won’t take you long to fall in love with the Potomac Highlands.
Day 1
Hike to Your Heart’s Content
What better way to start day one of your Potomac Highlands trip than going on a scenic outdoor quest? Head to Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest, a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System that spans over 17,000 acres. This spreads across Grant, Randolph and Tucker counties, so picking a spot to hike based on which town you plan to explore afterward is effortless. Strap on your hiking footwear for the 1.4-mile Beaver Dam Trail, or kick things up a notch on the 7.3-mile Red Creek Trail to Lion’s Head Rocks. Treat your eyes to some of the best views with an elevation change of more than 2,000 feet.
Grab a bite in Elkins
Get a taste of what makes Elkins “Unexpectedly Cool.” This railroad town is packed with local restaurants for all occasions and palates. Replenish the calories you burned earlier with casual American dishes at C.J. Maggie’s, or take your tastebuds to Latin America with unique flavors at El Gran Sabor. Are you in the mood to treat yourself? Treat yourself to a juicy steak, gourmet seafood and much more at The Forks Inn.
Shop local
Continue exploring Elkins and take a piece of the town with you before heading to your next spot in the Potomac Highlands. Artists At Work showcases the work of more than 20 of the region’s premier makers of fine art and fine craft. If you’re looking for fresh snacks to bring with you the next day, Elkins Farmers Market brings a diverse collection of the freshest produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, crafts and more.
Stay
There are plenty of spots to rest your head after day one of the solo adventure. Tygart Hotel In Elkins celebrates the rich tapestry of West Virginia’s cultural heritage, and its blend of history and luxury earned mentions from major travel publications, including Matador Network and National Geographic. The Forks Inn, a fine dining hub, also offers five beautiful guest rooms perfect for both large groups and solo guests.
Day 2
Explore the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope
After your restful first night, begin your second day by driving south to Green Bank, a National Radio Quiet Zone just over an hour away. Stop at the Green Bank Observatory to see the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Tour the campus and get an up-close view of the telescope and the smaller ones surrounding it. There is also a museum walk-through to learn more about the history of Green Bank and the telescope’s contributions to astronomy research.
Stroll Through History
From there, catch Route 66 west to the historic town of Cass. An old-time railroad town, Cass has streets lined with company houses that make a stroll through the town well worth your time. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is another fantastic spot to explore. In an area that’s popular for groups to go scenic train rides, you can venture solo and hike to the Bald Knob Fire Tower, go fishing, geocaching, golfing and biking. The Greenbrier River Trail is also easily accessible from Cass.
Explore a mountain
Take an adventurous 20-minute drive up to Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Snowshoe offers various outdoor activities depending on the season, from world-class skiing to thrilling mountain biking. If you’re still feeling winded from your adventures at Green Bank and Cass, you can relax at the spa or one of the resort’s pools. Take in the incredible panoramic mountain view from 4,848 feet above sea level. There is also an #Almost Heaven swing on the mountain for you to document and share your solo adventure on social media! Snowshoe has plenty of dinner options, including Appalachia Kitchen, Cheat Mountain Pizza, Hoots Bar and Grill and others in the village.
Catch some Zs
There are plenty of lodging options available nearby. If you wish to stay on Snowshoe Mountain, Allegheny Springs is your best bet if luxury is your priority. Mountain Lodge provides easy access to the village and has all the cozy amenities you need for a restful night. You can also find a cedar-sided mountain cabin in Slaty Fork, just 20 minutes away. Unique Airbnb rentals are plentiful in the area as well. No matter where you decide to rest your head, you’ll wake up rested and eager to plan your next trip to the Potomac Highlands soon.
How is your solo trip planning to the Potomac Highlands going? Request our FREE 2025 West Virginia Vacation Guide to learn more about these incredible destinations and others in the region!
By the Mountains, By Yourself in #AlmostHeaven
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This article: A Solo Traveler’s 48-Hour Adventure in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia has been curated from our friends at Visit West Virginia and the original in it's entirety can be found here: https://wvtourism.com/a-solo-travelers-48-hour-adventure-in-the-potomac-highlands-of-west-virginia/
