West Virginia : Safety by City
- Beckley
- Cheat Lake
- Clarksburg
- Elkins
- Fairmont
- Hinton
- Huntington
- Lewisburg
- Martinsburg
- Morgantown
- Parkersburg
- Shepherdstown
- Snowshoe
- Weirton
- Wheeling
- White Sulphur Springs
Visiting Elkins, West Virginia, offers a glimpse into a charming Appalachian town known for its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and rich history.
As one of the Mon Forest Towns—communities near the Monongahela National Forest—Elkins is a gateway to outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and exploring the expansive wilderness.
The Mon Forest Towns initiative connects visitors to these communities, promoting sustainable tourism and celebrating each town’s unique character and heritage, including Elkins.
Founded in 1890 by Senators Stephen B. Elkins and Henry Gassaway Davis, Elkins was a bustling hub during the coal and timber boom of the early 20th century.
Its strategic location along the railroads helped it thrive, and remnants of this era are still visible in its historic downtown, including the beautifully restored Elkins Depot Welcome Center.
First-time visitors will find a town that blends the old with the new.
The vibrant downtown area is dotted with art galleries, local shops, and restaurants serving up Appalachian and international cuisine.
Cultural attractions like the American Mountain Theater and the Randolph County Community Arts Center showcase local talent and heritage.
Surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest, Elkins is an ideal base for exploring the outdoors.
The forest offers over 900,000 acres of protected land, featuring lush trails, scenic vistas, and abundant wildlife.
Whether you’re embarking on a scenic train ride, attending a music festival, or simply enjoying the small-town atmosphere, Elkins is as much a mountain town as a Mon Town that regularly makes the list of Best Small Towns in America.
Warnings & Dangers in Elkins
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There’s a low risk in Elkins, but that’s assuming you plan to use vigilant personal safety tactics, understand wilderness safety, and know the weather risks. Preparedness goes a long way here.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation in Elkins is limited but includes options like the Mountain Transit Authority (MTA) buses, which provide regional service connecting Elkins to nearby towns. There are no local bus routes within the city, so most visitors rely on personal vehicles, bicycles, or walking to get around town. Even if you could get a taxi or rideshare, those costs would add up quickly.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
The risk is low, but the few incidents that have been reported throughout the county were due to a crime of opportunity. It’s especially important to limit what you have in your vehicle when parking at a trailhead. Don’t leave food or valuables inside, as you might attract a bear or a thief.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Elkins brings medium natural disaster risks, including flooding from heavy rains and snowmelt, given its location near rivers and in a mountainous region. Occasional severe thunderstorms can bring high winds and hail. The area also experiences winter storms with heavy snowfall, leading to potential road closures and power outages. Stay aware of the weather conditions throughout the day, and carry a battery-powered weather radio into the wilderness.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
This is a low risk, with the entire county generally seeing fewer than three robberies in a year. Keep the risk low by not walking around at night or interacting with any people trying to sell illegal drugs.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is another low risk, considering how remote and small the city is. Bigger concerns would be weather issues or natural hazards.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
The police department and local sheriff’s office will post the latest scams on social media. By knowing the common signs of scammers, you can keep the risk low.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women have the same low risk as anyone else. It’s a family-friendly place that has as much to do for a child as a senior citizen.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2023/2024 report for Elkins shows full compliance and no violations.
Safest Places to Visit in Elkins
The Elkins/Randolph County Tourism website (elkinsrandolphwv.com) has all the information you need to find hotels, camping, dining, and attractions.
If you want to learn more about Mononhealgea National Forest, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
Keep in mind that the forest is massive.
You will need to find the section of the forest closest to Elkins, which includes the Stuart Recreation Area and Bickle Knob.
Downtown Elkins (downtownelkins.com) covers the heart of the city, and it’s where the major festivals are held throughout the year.
Historic walking tours are also available.
As a railroad town, Elkins has a history that is alive and well.
The Mountain Rail Train offers scenic excursions throughout the forest and seasonal activities like a murder mystery train ride.
The West Virginia Railroad Museum is just down the street.
The Appalachian Forest Discovery Center is open seasonally, with rotating exhibits each year.
The topics range from the Indigenous people of Appalachia to the logging industry and into the 21st Century.
Stroll around the Davis & Elkins College campus, home to historic buildings and The Stirrup Gallery, which features artifacts from around the world.
With so many outdoor activities to consider, first-timers should team up with one of the local outfitters.
Whether you want to go rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, float one of the many rivers, or hike to a peak, there’s an expert Appalachian guide ready to help.
The 300-mile Seneca Skyway goes through Elkins, with a six-hour drive that loops through the beautiful West Virginia foothills and mountains.
Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns and scenic viewpoints.
Places to Avoid in Elkins
There aren’t any dangerous neighborhoods or bad parts of town in Elkins that you need to avoid.
The only topic that would come close is trespassing, so respect private property lines.
Even for a small town, Elkins has a good road system surrounding it, plenty of hotels, and all the amenities a traveler would need.
Winter visitors should know that Elkins is among the snowiest parts of the state.
That could lead to dangerous driving conditions in the winter.
Check the West Virginia Department of Transportation’s real-time traffic and road condition cameras before you head out on the road.
Carry tire chains with you from October through March.
An all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle will be necessary.
Also, when you’re exploring the forest, you should know that it is illegal to enter any caves.
Most will have signs up with barriers preventing you from going in, but even if you come across one that isn’t sectioned off, stay out!
Safety Tips for Traveling to Elkins
- Elkins has a local police department. You can call (304)636-1414 with specific questions. If you want to get social media updates from the department and the city, follow them on X or Facebook @ElkinsCityHall or Instagram @city_of_elkins.
- It also makes sense to follow the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office @RCSOWV. You can add (304) 636-2111 to your mobile phone directory in case you need to call the sheriff’s office.
- If you notice any suspicious activity that doesn’t rise to the level of calling 911 or if you find out information about a past crime, you can report it by calling 304-636-0678 or emailing elkinspolicetips@cityofelkinswv.com.
- Sign up for emergency notifications via email or text through the city’s website. These messages will provide weather, safety, and hazard information as events happen. The program is free. Randolph County uses Nixle to share first responder incidents and other emergency information.
- Parking is free in Elkins, with some spots having three-hour time limits. However, it’s important to know that from spring through fall, a street sweeper goes through each street once a week. During this time, vehicles left parked on the street could be ticketed. Sign up for city emails to get an updated list of what streets are impacted during your visit.
- Fishing requires a license, even if it’s in the national forest. State, federal, and local waterways might have different restrictions (catch and release/seasons/etc.) for fishing, so check those rules before you head out with your fishing pole. The license can be purchased on the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources website.
- While you’re on the website for the DNR, read the Bear Wise section to learn about sharing the land with black bears. You might even see some bears in town, but you should never bait or feed them. Don’t leave garbage out in the open, and carry bear spray if you’ll be hiking.
- You don’t need to pay for access to the national forest, but you will have to pay to use designated recreation areas. Usually, the fee is around $5. Campsites and other add-ons could cost more.
- Should flooding occur during your visit, don’t try to drive through the floodwaters. Dispose of any food that comes in contact with the water, as officials say all floodwater should be assumed to be contaminated.
- The winding roads of this region offer beautiful scenery, but there are certain risks to keep in mind. You’ll be sharing the road with semi-truck drivers and motorcyclists, each of which can pose different safety risks on steep grades and narrow turns. If you plan to ride a motorcycle, you need a Class F motorcycle license and a safety on-cycle skills test.
So... How Safe Is Elkins Really?
We have a few speed bumps to go through with the crime data here, but let’s start with what we do know.
West Virginia has a violent crime rate that is 26% lower than the national average.
Randolph County, where Elkins is located, has a violent crime rate that is 52% lower than the national average and 34% lower than the state average.
Next, we get into some gray area.
You see, law enforcement agencies voluntarily submit the crime data we can provide.
There is no law at a state or federal level requiring this disclosure.
Some departments don’t submit data or stopped doing so when the burden of the pandemic hit.
With that in mind, we don’t have reliable crime data from Elkin in at least the past five years.
Even in the unofficial report posted for 2020, the data wouldn’t be typical since it was during the pandemic.
In addition, violent crimes include sexual assault, aggravated assault, murder, and robbery.
However, some agencies (like Elkins) put all assaults into one category.
Even looking at the 97 assaults from 2020, we don’t know how many were simple assaults vs. aggravated assaults.
Across West Virginia, violent crimes are largely among people who know each other, from domestic situations to acquaintances.
Another good percentage of crimes are tied to drug crimes.
While nothing in recent headlines suggests that Elkins is dealing with a crime wave, it’s best to use extra precautions and vigilant personal safety steps.
How Does Elkins Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Elkins | 77 |
| Atlanta | 58 |
| St. Louis | 58 |
| Los Angeles | 56 |
| Oakland | 57 |
| New Orleans | 57 |
| Baltimore | 56 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app for help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Currency
Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.
Weather
Elkins gets a robust four seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. It is one of the snowiest places in West Virginia, with about seven feet of snow each year. Average temperatures range from 25°F in January to 82°F in July. Pack layers of clothing, comfortable yet rugged hiking shoes, and bug spray.
Airports
The closest commercial airports are North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) in Clarksburg, about 60 miles away, and Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW), roughly 85 miles away. For broader flight options, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), around 150 miles away, is the nearest major hub for domestic and international travel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.
Elkins Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 5 | 6 | 11 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 24 | 18 | 12 | 7 |
| Low °C | -6 | -6 | -3 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 4 | -1 | -5 |
| High °F | 41 | 43 | 52 | 64 | 72 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 75 | 64 | 54 | 45 |
| Low °F | 21 | 21 | 27 | 36 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 57 | 50 | 39 | 30 | 23 |
West Virginia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Beckley | 65 |
| Cheat Lake | 78 |
| Clarksburg | 70 |
| Elkins | 77 |
| Fairmont | 70 |
| Hinton | 79 |
| Huntington | 55 |
| Lewisburg | 79 |
| Martinsburg | 67 |
| Morgantown | 80 |
| Parkersburg | 78 |
| Shepherdstown | 83 |
| Snowshoe | 81 |
| Weirton | 77 |
| Wheeling | 47 |
| White Sulphur Springs | 73 |
