What You Should Know
Name Sake
Canaan Valley (pronounced kuh-NANE) sits mystically amongst the Allegheny Mountains in northeast West Virginia. Its namesake is historically debated as being in reference to Canaan, the land of milk and honey, of the Bible or a deteriorated pronunciation of “Canadian Valley” due to its similar climate and ecology of Canada.Â
Ecology
Though located in West Virginia highlands, Canaan Valley is primarily composed of wet-lands. The unique flora and fauna of this region are more typically found in Alaska and Canada, and provide east coast visitors a unique look into a sub-arctic life. Conifer forests and bog plants such as cotton grass and cranberry make Canaan Valley feel as if you have stepped foot into another country–in reality, merely hours away from east coast hubs like D.C. and Pittsburg. Visitors will not forget their first time bearing witness to the region.Â
Conservation
Understandably, this unique land is heavily protected by the parks system (nearly 70%) including the Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and Blackwater Falls State Park.
When visiting this delicate ecosystem, as with any other trips into nature, make sure to explore sustainably and follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors.Â
Areas to Explore
Within this varied geographical region is a myriad of natural wonders. The most popular and easily accessible being the more developed Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Both state parks offer well maintained hiking and biking trails, scenic vistas, and lodging, among other services.Â
If you desire a more rugged or backcountry experience, Dolly Sods or Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge require more planning but payoff in beauty. If visiting in winter, Canaan Valley Ski Resort, Timberline Mountain, and White Grass Ski Touring Center leave little want for a snow sport lover.
Fall Leaf Peeping
Due to the higher elevation of the area, fall colors start to show in mid September and peak from the end of September to early October. The Alleghany Mountain Region in West Virginia is the first in the state to show fall foliage and often thought as the most vibrant. Plan accordingly, accommodations fill up fast this time of year as people flock from all over to witness nature’s show.
Consider that higher elevation areas such as Dolly Sods Wilderness and Blackwater Falls will turn earlier than lower elevation areas such as Parsons and Otter Creek Wilderness.Â
Cell Service
Be prepared to have little to no cell service while in Tucker County. WiFi is available at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Additionally, McDonald’s offers free WiFi and can be found in Parsons (roughly 25 minutes from Davis). Learn our favorite tricks to comfortably navigate travel without cell service.
What to Do
Hiking
From paved walking trails to rugged back country, everyone can find a place to escape to the woods in Canaan Valley. Blackwater Falls is easily the most visited (for good reason) viewpoint in the area–but don’t limit yourself to just this one famous stop.Â
The trail systems in the area are easily connected and can be completed in full or in part. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area has day hike options, but is most frequently enjoyed through multi-day backpacking expeditions. Due to the nature of wet-lands, be prepared with waterproof shoes as many trails require creek crossings and stay muddy throughout the seasons.Â
Top Hiking Trails in Canaan Valley
Easy
Lindy Point Overlook: 1.4 miles out and back surrounded by rhododendrons leading to Lindy Point Overlook at Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater River Trail: 0.8 mile loop along the river within Canaan Valley State Park
Freeland Boardwalk Trail: 0.5 miles through the wetlands of Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge.
Balanced Rock Trail: 2.5 miles winding through dense forests, impressive rock formations, and a bridge over a waterfall. Located at Blackwater Falls State Park
Passe Point Loop: 3.8 miles meandering through Blackwater Falls State Park. This is a beautiful trail with a wide variety of views from riverside to overlooking the gorge. *This trail is not well marked.*
Moderate:
Blackwater Falls Trail: 0.4 mile loop or 0.6 out and back (depending on parking location). This short trail included 200 stairs down to the viewing deck for the popular Blackwater Falls.
Bear Rocks to Raven Ridge: 6.6 mile loop which includes highlights of Dolly Sods viewpoints. If taking the Dobbin Grade Trail to return, be aware that it is often boggy and requires waterproof shoes.
Bald Knob Trail:Â 2.1 miles out and back, this trail packs a lot of elevation gain (800 ft) in a quick trek. This trail is considered easy when combined with the Canaan Valley Scenic Chairlift to cut out the elevation gain!Â
Hoodoo Rocks, Moon Rocks Loop:Â 4.9 mile loop with unique geology! Be ready to climb on “the moon” and specter towering hoodoos on this trail. Located within Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area.
Difficult
Blackbird Knob Trail Loop:Â 11 miles through Dolly Sods Wilderness including 1,525 feet of elevation gain. Often considered one of the best scenic variety trails in Dolly Sods with swamps, vistas, waterfalls, forests, meadows, and river crossings.Â
Otter Creek Trail:Â 14.7 miles loop traveling along Otter Creek in Monongahela National Forest with 2,611 feet of elevation gain.
Dolly Sods Wilderness and Otter Creek Wilderness:Â Most trails in this area can be connected in a series of loops to form difficult day hikes or multiday overnight trips.
Biking
Canaan Valley draws mountain, road, and gravel bikers from all over due to their elaborate and varied trails within a small area. If you are visiting to bike, make sure to stop at Blackwater Bikes in Davis. Bike rentals here range from $50 -$120 a day depending on the type of bike. Shuttle services are also available upon request!Â
Mountain Biking
Canaan Valley boasts over 100 miles of world class single track. It would be hard to find a trail that isn’t great for riding here. However, if looking for a quick start Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park, and Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area all have epic varied trail systems.
- The Moon HooDoo Rocks Trail at LCWMA is a world renowned trail that will test your technical abilities.Â
- Dobbins Figure-Eight Ride at BFSP provides a great introduction to the area trails and offers a variety of choice for connections. Â
- Middle Ridge Trail at Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a fun new addition with optional jump lines.
Gravel/Road Biking
Multiple routes exsist in the area for extensive gravel and road biking. Dolly Sods Road and Canaan Loop Road being two of the more popular options.
Scenic Chairlift Ride
Want to relax after a long day of hiking or take in the views with family? Look no further than the scenic chairlift at Canaan Valley Ski Resort (located on Slope Road directly across Appalachian Highway from the main entrance to Canaan Valley Resort State Park). The chairlift is especially wonderful during the fall when the changing leaves can be seen from above! During winter and spring months, this is a functional ski slope and rates change. Details below:
Purchase tickets at Quenchers Pub on Slope Road. The scenic chairlift is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM – Sunset during summer and fall.
Cost: $8 (age 6-12), $10 (13-59), $8 (60+)
Where to Stay
Camping
Canaan Valley offers a variety of paid and free campsites. Dispersed camping is offered on Canaan Loop Road for easy access to the valley. Dispersed campsites offer no facilities (showers, bathrooms, water, etc.) Make sure you know to responsibly camp in these types of settings before you head out! No one wants to walk into your used toilet paper in the woods.
If flush toilets are more your style when camping or you need electric for a camper, there are a variety of paid campgrounds in the area–including those at the local state parks. For paid campgrounds not in state parks, check out Tucker County’s guide on local campgrounds.
Wilderness camping is allowed at Dolly Sods and Monongahela National Forest.
State Parks
There are two state parks within Canaan Valley which offer a variety of service.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park:
- Campground:Â 59 paved wooded sites offering full access hook-ups. Open spring – fall.
- Cabins: Resort cabins on-site
- Lodge:Â hotel style rooms with on-site dining options and pool access.
- Campground:Â 65 total tent and trailer sites (site 1-30 primitive camping). Open late April – October 31. Must book two consecutive nights on weekends–single bookings allowed Sun-Thurs
- Cabins:Â Classic and Vacation cabins on-site
- Lodge: Hotel style rooms with on-site dining, indoor pool, fitness and game room.
- Tentrr Campsites: Canvas tents on raised wooden platform. Â
Cabins
Canaan Valley is the perfect place to cozy up next to a roaring fireplace on a chilly night or soak in a hot tub after a day of adventuring. There are a seemingly endless amount of cabins in this area for rent ranging through all budgets. VRBO and AirBNB is a good place to start as well as the following well established companies listed below:
Sample Itinerary
Use our Sample Itinerary on your next trip to Canaan Valley or check out our tips for creating your own travel itinerary.
Day 1
MORNING: Arrive in Canaan Valley
AFTERNOON: Head to Blackwater Falls to see the famous waterfall. Afterwards:
- Check out the Nature Center before hiking Passe Point LoopÂ
OR - Mountain Bike Dobbins Figure Eight Loop for and introduction to Canaan Valley biking.
- Check out the Nature Center before hiking Passe Point LoopÂ
EVENING: Stop at the Shop ‘n Save in town to pick up groceries for the weekend before checking into your lodging.
Day 2
MORNING: Visit Little Canaan Valley Wildlife Management Area in the morning to hike or bike Hoodoos/Moon Rocks.
MIDDAY: Grab a bite to eat in Davis–I recommend Hellbender’s Burritos. If you packed a lunch, it’s still worth going for a quick stroll in town to explore the shops.
AFTERNOON: Choose your own adventure depending on how you’re feeling:
- Active: Head to Canaan Valley State Park. Hike or bike their extensive trail system, hit the green on their 18-hole golf course, or dip in their outdoor pool if it’s open!Â
- Relaxed: Explore the nearby artsy town of Thomas, WV. While barely bigger than a block, the street is jam packed with cool coffee shops, art exhibits, music venues, and restaurants. You could easily spend an afternoon exploring this quaint town.
EVENING: Head back to your lodging to relax around the fire pit or soak in a hot tub, listening to the sounds of the forest at night.
Day 3
MORNING: Since this is your last day, make sure to wake up a little early to pack-up your surroundings before heading to Dolly Sods for the day.
MIDDAY: Research the Sods before going! This is an intricate trail system with minimal services. Hike out only as far as you are comfortable (or have time for). If you’re exploring in fall or spring, you will be graced with stunning colors along your trek. Though the sod are truly magestic all times of the year.
AFTERNOON: Head back home as you make a mental note to return again as soon as possible!
