Although West Virginia is most famously known historically for the industry of coal mining, forestry and logging have also played significant historical roles in the Mountain State economy. It’s appropriate, then, that one of the oldest and largest forest festivals in the nation takes place each fall right here in West Virginia: the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins.

Every October for more than eighty years, folks who love the woods have flocked by the thousands to Elkins, West Virginia to participate in the time-honored tradition of the Mountain State Forest Festival.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism
That makes this forestry-themed festival one of the oldest festivals in the history of West Virginia.
Mountain State Forest Festival / Facebook
Timed to catch the peak fall colors, the Mountain State Forest Festival is a gloriously fun, week-long celebration of all things trees.
Mountain State Forest Festival / Facebook
Plus, there are always woodcrafts, parades, fair foods, carnival rides, live music, the crowning of Queen Silvia, lumberjack competitions, art shows, and so much more.
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism

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In fact, there's something here for everyone, from small children to elderly adults, and some years, this popular festival sees more than 200,000 participants!
Elkins-Randolph County Tourism
That makes the Mountain State Forest Festival not only one of the oldest festivals in the state, but also one of West Virginia's largest!
Mountain State Forest Festival / Facebook
If you love the mountainous forests of wild, wonderful West Virginia, then this is a massive fall tree party that you won't want to miss.
Mountain State Forest Festival / Facebook
Book accommodations early, though, because you know with that many fans, and all those beloved traditional parades and nation-wide competitions, places to stay in the small mountain town of Elkins fill up quickly!
Mountain State Forest Festival / Facebook

Learn more about this year’s dates and event schedule on the Mountain State Forest Festival website or Facebook page. If you’ve attended the Mountain State Forest Festival before, let us know: what’s your favorite part? Will we see you there this year? Speaking of accommodations in the Elkins area, there are some great ones!

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Featured Addresses
Mountain State Forest Festival, 101 Lough St, Elkins, WV 26241, USA