Mountain State Forest Festival

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Nature & SeasonElkins
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
CrowdMediumAbout 75,000 people
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsFew festivals anywhere can claim the forest
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins

The Mountain State Forest Festival has filled Elkins with parades, a royal coronation, and forestry-themed competitions each fall since 1930, making it one of West Virginia's oldest continuously run festivals. Nine days of programming draw roughly 75,000 visitors to Randolph County for lumberjack contests, a juried art show, quilt and photography exhibits, and three separate parades, all built around the region's timber heritage.

The Mountain State Forest Festival began in the fall of 1930, when Elkins civic leaders organized a celebration built around the region's timber industry, then the economic backbone of Randolph County and much of eastern West Virginia.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few festivals anywhere can claim the forest festival's combination of longevity and political pedigree: it has run almost continuously since 1930, and five U

02

The mystery stays covered

presidents, from Franklin Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter, have attended over the decades

03

The city starts moving

Its Royal Coronation, crowning a Queen honoring the festival's forestry theme, gives the event a distinctly formal centerpiece rare among Appalachian fall festivals

04

The water draws everyone in

Lumberjack competitions connect the celebration directly to Randolph County's historic logging economy, while the juried art show, quilt exhibit, and photography competition give the festival real cultural weight beyond spectacle

05

The old stones answer

With some 250 volunteers running nine days of programming and three parades, the festival operates at a scale that transforms Elkins, a town of only a few thousand, into a regional hub each autumn

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Royal Coronation of the Queen

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the lumberjack competition

The sacred route

Living ritual

three separate parades

The local code

Living ritual

and juried art

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and photography shows are the festival's core recurring elements

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Elkins you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Casual fall attire; comfortable shoes for parades and downtown crowds, with a jacket for cool mountain evenings.

Safety

Mountain State Forest Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Mountain State Forest Festival does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map38.93 N, 79.85 WOpen in Google Maps

Elkins, WV

Nearest airportEKN — Elkins-Randolph County Regional
TransportStay close enough to the part of Elkins you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Mountain State Forest Festival does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Elkins via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Elkins, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual fall attire; comfortable shoes for parades and downtown crowds, with a jacket for cool mountain evenings.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Mountain State Forest Festival?

Mountain State Forest Festival is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Mountain State Forest Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Elkins, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Elkins, WV

How big is it?

Medium: 75000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLforestfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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