With a name like Elkview, WV, you might expect to see some wildlife in this picturesque town. The best place for that might be the river that gives the place its name.
Floating on that river is one of many activities planned for this scenic area near the state’s capital. We’ll have a bite to eat, do some unique shopping, and maybe hop on a horse for a satisfying ride.
Are you ready to explore Elkview, West Virginia, and all it offers? Let’s go!
Where Is Elkview, WV?
This town of around 1,700 in the west-central part of West Virginia is part of the Charleston metro area. It’s just 12 miles northeast along Interstate 79 from Charleston’s capitol dome.
That’s just a 20-minute drive unless there’s a traffic jam. The city of Huntington, on the eastern shore of the Ohio River, is just 67 miles west of Elkview’s via Interstate 64.
About Elkview, WV
When you visit Elkview, you’ll see many things named after the Native Americans from the area. It’s located in Kanawha County and lies in the Kanawha Valley, on the edge of the Allegheny Mountains.
The Elk River is a tributary of the Kanawha River, which runs nearby. Both are part of the vast Mississippi River watershed, and many refer to the entire area as the Metro Valley Region.
You might have heard of Elkview because of a disastrous flood in 2016. Sadly, the tragedy claimed the lives of 23 people. Some news coverage focused on Elkview because a bridge washed out and left many people stranded at a shopping center.
Traveler’s Tip: Have you heard of Davis, WV? Read our seven awesome reasons to make Davis your next getaway.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Visit Elkview, WV?
When planning a trip to Elkview, WV, keep in mind that the weather is nicest in early summer and early fall. BestPlaces.net pinpoints May, June, and September as the best times to visit in terms of temperatures.
Not surprisingly, July is usually the hottest and most humid time of year, with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. Wintertime lows reach the mid-20s.
However, you’ll have a good chance of having clear skies because Elkview sees 175 sunny days a year. It gets around 46 inches of rain and 28 inches of snow per year.
What Is There to Do in Elkview WV?
Elkview is less than two square miles in size but has a lot to do in such a small area. We have big plans for experiencing the best of Elkview, WV, inside and out.
Go Fishing at Indian Lake
Address: 107 Indian Lake Dr., Elkview, WV 25071
If you’re craving seafood, there’s none fresher than the fish you haul in yourself. Our first excursion is a popular fishing hole just three miles south of town via Pinch Road.
About: Indian Lake is a small private lake regularly stocked with several fish species, including rainbow trout and channel catfish. You pay a certain amount to take home as many as you want or a smaller fee for catch-and-release.
It has benches along the shore, some of them covered. However, you may want to bring comfortable chairs for a more relaxing lakeside experience. The lake also regularly has tournament events that offer prize money when you catch a fish with a special tag.
Eat Breakfast at Tudor’s Biscuit World
Address: 1083 Main St., Elkview, WV 25071
The fresh-baked buttermilk biscuits are the star attraction at this busy breakfast spot. You can order them as part of a classic combination or on their own, loaded with your favorite fillings.
About: How do you like your biscuits? Tudor’s serves up nearly 20 variations. The version called the Mary B. contains bacon, egg, and cheese, while the Rocket has steak, egg, cheese, and potato.
The Shaved Ham Melt seems self-explanatory, and the Mountaineer combines country ham with potato, egg, and cheese. You can order a no-carb breakfast sampler, too. You won’t miss this place — it looks like a big barn.
Canoe the Elk River
Address: Lazy K Dr., Elkview, WV 25071
We’ll get out on the water to enjoy the beautiful outdoors surrounding Elkview, WV. Take a good look at the campground — you may want to come back for the night.
About: Lazy K’s Campground has full-hookup RV sites, and they can also set you up with outdoor fun. The livery side of their business has canoes and other watercraft for rent for you to enjoy the waterway.
You may not see any elk, but you’ll likely see other wildlife. This scenic stretch is part of the magnificent Elk River Water Trail, celebrated for its diverse flora and fauna.
Take Horseback Riding Lessons at Fiesta Farm
Address: 50 McNabb Dr., Elkview, WV 25071
You’re never too young to ride a horse. That’s the philosophy at Fiesta Farm, where affordable lessons for all ages offer a proper introduction to the sport.
About: Mike and Stephanie Lilly founded the training facility in 2000, and their favored breed is the American Saddlebred. Beginners learn the basics of grooming, saddling up, and riding by interacting with the farm’s gentler horses and ponies.
More experienced riders can master their skills while enjoying rides along the gorgeous grounds of the farm. You may wind up being as passionate about horses as the Lilly’s.
Shop at Made at the Cottage
Address: 5074 Elk River Rd., Elkview, WV 25071
If you’re looking for cool home decor or a one-of-kind gift, you may want to make it yourself. The staff at this fun and innovative shop can help you achieve that or point you toward their own unique merchandise.
About: Made at the Cottage specializes in what they call Chalk Couture. You use chalk paste and stencils to make silk screen transfers. With a little imagination and a few other basic materials, you can create decorative keepsakes that reveal your own personality.
They have regular workshops so you can hone your craft making. The cottage is also a boutique with an eclectic selection of clothing, jewelry, metal art, and bath and body products.
Where to Stay in Elkview, WV
After a full day of getting to know Elkview, you’ll need a place to call it a night. Here are two terrific options, including a secluded mountain retreat, where you can continue to enjoy the welcoming landscape.
Benedict Haid Farm
Address: 8 Hale St., Charleston, WV 25301
This historic farm on 650 acres of land has two memorable options for overnight accommodations. Benedict Haid Farm is set up wonderfully for short getaways for couples or small families.
About: The first option is the Haid House, a hand-hewn log structure built in the 1860s. It has two full bedrooms and 1.5 baths, and a modern kitchen and appliances, including heat and air. Extras include a sunroom, a large screened deck, a hot tub, and a grill.
The other is the Black Bear Lodge, a home from the Civil War era with a porch with a panoramic view. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Lazy K’s Campground
Address: Lazy K Dr., Elkview, WV 25071
You know Lazy K’s already from your canoeing excursion. Here’s what else they have to offer on their inviting and peaceful 70 acres.
About: Once you make it down the narrow winding road, you’ll find a spacious campground in a beautiful, thickly wooded area. It has 23 RV sites with water, electric, sewer, and gravel pads. You can also rent one of the several cabins.
The campground also has tent sites, a dump station, and picnic shelters. Pets are welcome, too, with a deposit, but you must keep them on a leash. And besides those canoes for rent, Lazy K’s has opportunities for fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and ATVing.
Add Elkview, WV, to Your Itinerary
With a population of over 200,000, it seems that many people consider greater Charleston, WV, a fantastic place to live. You can think of nearby Elkview as an opportunity to enjoy many of the same benefits without the big-city problems.
It isn’t exactly a suburb — it’s more like a smaller, nature-loving pocket of the same extended community. With a stopover in Elkview, you can enjoy the area’s charms and natural beauty at a slower pace. It’s just minutes from several major highways and an easy place to escape into the outdoors.
Would you consider putting Elkview on your to-do list?
