Canaan Valley in West Virginia boasts two Federal Wilderness Areas, a National Wildlife Refuge, skiing, whitewater rafting and miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding. It's the highest mountain valley east of the Rockies, with a base elevation over 3,000 feet. If you're camping in Canaan Valley, you can find adventures for all levels of athlete, and when you're ready to relax, you won't run out of things to do.
On theTrails
You can hike all over Canaan Valley, but if you prefer, you can ride your bike or a horse in many areas instead. The Wildlife Refuge has marked trails and maps to let you know which trails are open to you--and whether you should watch where you step after the horses have come by. And bring your camera; you may see some rare wildlife, and the Blackwater Falls is one of the most photographed places in photogenic West Virginia.
If you want to try more rugged hiking, try the 25 miles of trails in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, where not all trails are marked or maintained to allow for a more natural hike.
In winter, several sites offer downhill skiiing, and the Wildlife Refuge reserves 10 miles of its trails for showshoeing and cross-country skiing. And if you want to try cross-country skiing, you can sign up for lessons and rent skis at Blackwater Falls State Park.
In the Water
The Blackwater River and the Dry Fork River run through Canaan Valley. The water is dark in color because of tannic acid from spruce needles and hemlock leaves. Miles of trails offer views of Blackwater Falls, but you can also kayak, raft or canoe on the whitewater or fish in designated areas. Pendleton Lake is open for more relaxed boating during the summer. Several businesses offer rentals and guided whitewater rafting, and Blackwater Falls State Park rents kayaks.
In the Rocks
You can get out of the rain and stay active at Smoke Hole Caverns, where tours are offered year-round to see the longest ribbon stalactite in the world. The tour is about an hour long and covers less than a mile of fairly easy walking, including some stairs. If you want to try something more challenging, try climbing at Seneca Rocks, a quartzite rock formation that rises almost 900 feet over the North Fork River. And for less experienced climbers, Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides offers guided climbs.
Flora and Fauna
Canaan Valley is home to a variety of plants and animals, including some rarely found at this latitude, such as the snowshoe hare. Natural habitats in the valley include grasslands, wetlands, shrublands and forests; the Wildlife Refuge maintains trails to allow visitors to explore all of them. The valley is also a popular destination for birdwatchers. In the Daily Sods Wilderness Area, near Canaan Valley, plants and animals thrive which are generally found much farther north. Deer, squirrels, and other animals are common and fairly unafraid of humans in the Wildlife Refuge.
After Dark
With minimal traffic and light pollution, Canaan Valley is a good place for stargazing. But if you want a closer look, you can pay a visit to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. It offers free tours during the summer. You can also listen to traditional mountain music at a variety of venues around the valley.
Festivals and Events
As of 2010, the Southern Boreal Birding Festival, held at the Canaan Valley Resort, was in its fourth year. The first Canaan Valley mountain bike festival was in 2009, and music festivals of various kinds are held in the valley every year.
Camping Facilities
The Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center has 34 campsites with full hook-ups for tents or RVs. The campground includes laundry and shower facilities and an RV discharge station. As of 2010, their rates range from $18.50 per night for off-season to $27 per night during peak season.
Blackwater Falls State park offers 65 sites for tents or trailers. Thirty of the sites offer electricity, and they also have showers, laundry and a dumping station. The park takes reservations for the summer after Feb. 15 by mail, after March 15 by mail or phone, or in person after April 15. A reservation must include full payment plus a handling fee.
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