Are you seeking scenery? Head to Tucker County, West Virginia and you will not be disappointed. The Canaan Valley is an upland valley located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, West Virginia. Travel time from Charleston, WV, is a little less than 3 hours; from Washington, DC or Pittsburgh, PA, a little over 3 hours. The drive is scenic from any direction. Once you arrive in the valley, you will be greeted with views of wetlands, waterfalls, and of course mountains! The area is a four-season destination and picturesque year-round. We have traveled to the area many times over the years (it is in our home state :)) and we plan to visit again soon.
Activities:
Hiking
The Canaan Valley is a hiker’s paradise. There are so many amazing trails it is hard to choose. On our most recent visit to the area, we explored the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, Canaan Valley State Park, and Blackwater Falls State Park. The wildlife refuge is huge and a great place to hike, bike, horseback ride, hunt, fish, and bird watch. There are nearly 200 species of birds that visit the refuge! The two state parks connect via the wildlife management area hiking trails. One of our favorite hikes would have to be Bald Knob. The views from the top are panoramic and overlook the valley.
Skiing
In winter, you can hit the slopes at Canaan Valley Ski Resort or Timberline Ski Resort. We are not expert skiers but have enjoyed the slopes at both resorts over the years. We also highly recommend White Grass Ski Touring Center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing – more our speed!
When you visit, plan ahead for supplies and groceries as you will not find many big box stores in the area. Although, small grocery stores will have all the essentials. You will find plenty of restaurants in the area, especially in the towns of Davis and Thomas. For a nice dinner, check out the Canaan Valley Resort State Park Lodge.
Whatever the season, Canaan Valley, WV has something for everyone. It is “Almost Heaven”.