Thursday, August 4, 2016

The Most Scenic Trail in Canaan Valley

Besides a haven for wildlife, Canaan Valley is one of the most pristine and picturesque spots in all of West Virginia. Everywhere beauty abounds, and so much of it is accessible to the public. Between Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge more than half of the valley is public land (22,500 acres).  
Blackwater River Trail
Where do you begin to explore such a vast area? After hiking and photographing this Valley for a decade, my favorite trail is the Blackwater River Trail. The Blackwater River Trail makes an easy 3/4 mile loop through mixed northern hardwood stands and follows the Blackwater River as it begins its meandering journey through Canaan Valley. Picturesque views of the river, wildflowers lining its banks, and adjacent meadows delight the eye and have inspired some award-winning photography. On this self-guided nature trail are unusual limestone outcrops resembling tombstones and the largest Bigfoot aspen in the park.
Blackwater River Trail
The trailhead (GPS: Lat. 39.036278, Long. -79.457983) is adjacent to the golf course parking lot and just a mile and a half from the Park Lodge. To begin hiking the trail, I usually take the right-hand fork. This path leads through a stand of prickly Hawthorne trees and then gently slopes down to the river. Once on the level, the trail turns left, but I suggest first taking a faint path to the right, which after 300 feet will put you on a scenic spot on the river. Then back track and continue on the main trail.
Blackwater River Trail
Take the first turn out path to the right to access the Blackwater River. It’s a beautiful scene worthy of a photograph. If you’re lucky, you might see some Canada geese paddling down the stream. The main trail then parallels a straight stretch of the Blackwater River. Be sure to stop at a point where the trail turn sharply to the left following a meander in the river. There are lots of scenic photo shoots here, too. The trail parallels the river again and then makes another sharp turn to the left to leave the river. At this point, look for a path leading to the right for more scenic views along the shore line of the Blackwater. The trail then begins a gradual incline through the forest back to the trailhead.
Blackwater River Trail
There you have it—3/4 miles of sheer beauty! For a copy of a Hiking Trail Map of the Park click http://www.wvstateparks.com/canaan/canaanvalley.pdf .

Happy Trails!  More about The Blackwater River Trail 




6 comments:

  1. Beautiful and like the clouds and reflection in the water. Sounds like a great walk.

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    1. Glad you like them. It is a fine walk indeed Kim.

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  2. Beautiful and like the clouds and reflection in the water. Sounds like a great walk.

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  3. For the ultimate in secret adventure take to the miles of backwarer blackwater headwaters on a boat or paddle board and head upstream where the beavers have SO MUCH WATER!

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