Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains and Monongahela National Forest, Cabins is an outdoor community with infinite opportunities for both sport and seclusion. If you’re searching for cabins or vacation cottages to rent in West Virginia, this Potomac Highlands region offers a plethora of mountain villages, forested hills, clear mountain streams, and striking gorges that make for excellent hiking, biking, and fishing conditions.

Indeed, anglers from all over come to this area located on the North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River to wet their lines in the mountain streams and scenic lakes, while winter snow brings skiers and snowboarders to Canaan Valley, which is also part of this area.

US Route 48, also known as “Mountain Skyway,” will take you through Grant, Hampshire, and Hardy counties. Stop at the Lost River Trading Post, an old railway station turned general store, and choose from more than 300 goods from local artisans, crafters, woodworkers, and consignors. Art lovers will want to explore the arts scene in the towns of Davis and Thomas, featuring local galleries and exhibits. End your trip with the incredible hiking trails at Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia.

The charm of the Cabins region lies in its isolation, so the area is not home to many major airports. However, visitors flying to West Virginia could book flights to Charleston (CRW) or Huntington (HTS) airports, or else approach Cabins from the east — Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) is only a 2.5-hour car journey from the region. All major airports offer car rental options. National bus services connect West Virginia with other states, but there are no inter-city services. Driving is the best way to get around the Cabins area, especially for those who want to explore the scenic routes and surrounding towns.

The best time for cabin vacation rentals in the North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River region is between May and June, and September to November. The mild weather of late spring provides beautiful wildflower blooms for hikers to enjoy in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. If you’re up for a road trip, the central West Virginia town of Minden hosts the eclectic Mountain Music Festival in May. Early fall brings gorgeous foliage, making it a wonderful time for hiking at Blackwater Falls State Park or simply driving along the mountainous roads. November to April brings a cold stretch across the region, rewarding those willing to brave the chill with ample winter sporting opportunities and holiday light installations. July and August bring heat and humidity, prime conditions for fishing, tubing, and whitewater rafting.

Highland Scenic Highway

In the heart of Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway offers one of the most beautiful drives on the East Coast. Drive along 43 miles of scenic road through wild forest, over rolling hills, and across pristine rivers. Stop at Falls of Hill Creek for magical, secluded waterfall hikes. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to fish, camp, and photograph breathtaking vistas dotted along the highway.

Elkins Art Scene

Located on the Monongahela National Forest edge, Elkins’ natural beauty has inspired a vibrant local arts scene. The Randolph County Arts Center, housed in a historic church, hosts exhibits, concerts, and over 100 art and music classes each year. To learn about Appalachian culture, visit the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College. Internationally renowned for teaching, presenting, and nurturing traditional music, dance, folklife, and folk art, the center offers multi-week arts seminars throughout summer.

Hike Dolly Sods

Hikers will revel in the 47 miles of hiking trails in Dolly Sods. With elevations ranging from 2,600 feet to 4,000 feet, the cool weather produces unique ecosystems, such as boggs and boulder-filled meadows usually associated with Canada, not West Virginia. Dolly Sods makes for a great day hike or a multi-night backpacking trip, offering spectacular natural beauty and unique topography for the more adventurous.