Area Attractions
Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. Blackwater Lodge, cabins, and restaurant are open year-round and welcome visitors to enjoy spring green, cool summer evenings, autumn foliage, and winter’s beauty. Explore and look for other hidden falls and hiking trails in this area! Enjoy the gift shop or have a nice picnic in one of the many available picnic shelters.
Canaan Mountain is a high-elevation plateau ranging in elevation from 4,145 feet at Pointy Knob to 3,100 feet near Blackwater Falls State Park. The semi-primitive area consists of 13,532 acres on the top of the plateau. Several trails connect to Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks. Maps are available at park visitors centers.
The Allegheny Trail connects this trail between the Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park.The Park and the Forest offer a “walk on the wild side” to those who wish to travel between parks or camp in a park and take day hikes. Maps of the park trails can be obtained at the park visitor centers.
Canaan Valley was designated a Natural Landmark in 1974. The National Park Service citation indicates that the Valley is “a splendid museum of Pleistocene habitats… contain(ing) … an aggregation of these habitats seldom found in the eastern United States. It is unique as a northern boreal relict community at this latitude by virtue of size, elevation, and diversity.” Since 1994, about 60% of the Valley has become the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the nations 500th National Wildlife Refuge.
Canaan Valley Resort offers guests an affordable winter destination. Featuring 39 trail and a top elevation of 4280 feet, the resort averages 160 inches of natural snowfall each year. Winter activities include: Skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, XC skiing, snow shoeing, and airboarding. The Resort features a variety of lodging accommodations, various dining facilities, lounge, campground, and a banquet/conference meeting space and services.
The Upper Cheat River Water Trail is tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains of northern West Virginia. The river’s prime location puts a scenic escape within a day’s reach for much of the eastern United States. The rugged topography that surrounds the Cheat, however, provides opportunities for solitude – helping you feel as far away as your mind can imagine.
The Monongahela contains five federally designated Wildernesses. Dolly Sods Wilderness skirts the eastern mountain ridges of Canaan Valley. Topographic maps, a compass, and appropriate hiking gear are highly recommended. Hunting and fishing are permitted.
Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad
There is no better way to enjoy the West Virginia mountains of Randolph and Pocahontas counties than from a warm and comfortable seat on the New Tygart Flyer, one of several Mountain Rail Adventures offered by the Dubin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. This rail excursion company operates historic steam-drive locomotives and vintage diesel-powered passenger trains that depart the three historic depots of Elkins, Durbin, and Cass.
Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservative Corps, Horseshoe is nestled in the mountains along Horseshoe Run in Tucker County. The area is popular for fishing, wading, hiking, and picnicking. Open yearly from early May to late October, Horseshoe is approximately 7 miles northeast of St. George on State Route 7.
West Virginia’s only Dinner Theatre! Enjoy the fine musicianship and performance quality of this Brandson-style variety show. Features impersonations, good-time comedy, interludes, and just pure fun for all ages! No matter how old you are the “Gandy Dancers” bring you out of your seat with their charming, high energy performances.
Recreation ranges from self reliant treks in the wildernesses and backcountry areas to the challenges of mountain climbing to traditional developed site camping. There are 23 campgrounds, 17 picnic areas, and 500 plus miles of hiking trails. The extensive backwoods road and trail system is used for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. There are many miles of railroad grades that are a link in the recreation use of the Forest. The longest is the Glady to Durbin West Fork Railroad Trail which is 23 miles long. Hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife viewing are popular uses.
Mountain Yoga creates positive, approachable, friendly classes. Whether the class is a fast-flow style class or a Yin yoga class with a focus on coming into stillness, the emphasis is on connecting to ourselves and our breath. Each class recognizes and celebrates the impact yoga (asana) has on our physical well-being, but also, on our mental and emotional well-being, too. Whether the class is themed from yogic philosophy, a relevant quote, on a certain body part, or your own personal intention, Mountain Yoga classes have those three elements in mind: body, mind, heart.
ROCKS’s North Fork Valley Canopy Tour was the first of its kind in this part of West Virginia and is still the longest, most scenic in the region. It begins with a short practice zip line so that first timers can get the jitters out while they learn the simple techniques that will keep them safely zipping through the trees. After successful completion of the practice zip, as they say…it’s all downhill from here (and thankfully so!)! With 12 zip lines as long as 680 feet in length, and 80 feet in the air, 3 sky bridges and a 40 foot rappel, the Canopy Tour is sure to quench your thirst for fun and adventure while also allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the North Fork Valley from your perch high in the trees!
This splash park is free to the public. This park features several spray guns, fountains, and other water toys and is fun for all ages. Please call for more information.
Family-friendly cafe and music venue offering daily live entertainment, plus an on-site hostel. Located in the historic town of Thomas, WV.
Rails to Trails Bike and Hiking Trail
The Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail is a 21-mile rail bed running from Parsons to Elkins. It meanders through woods and fields with National Forest trailhead intersecting along the way. The Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail is a 10-mile reclaimed rail line that starts in Thomas and proceeds through the majestic Blackwater Canyon. Featuring historic coke ovens, several bridges and of course the grandeur of the canyon itself, this trail is awe-inspiring.
Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. The rocks are a magnificent formation of white/gray Tuscarora Sandstone that rise nearly 1,000 feat above the North Fork of the South Brand of the Potomac River. Pedestrians can hike a mile and a half trail to an observation platform near the top of the rocks.
The Smoke Hole Resort Caverns and Log Cabin Resort, steeped in rich Appalachian Mountain history, provide visitors with a peek into the scenery deep below the surface. The Caverns and the breathtaking beauty that fills them are geologically unique and millions of years old. The Caverns have also accommodated the needs of the Seneca Indians, Civil War soldiers, and WV moonshiners throughout its history. Guided tours are offered daily.
At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia’s highest peak. A stone and steel observation tower sits atop the knob, providing visitors with a vantage point from which to enjoy a 360-degree view. Camping, fishing, and hiking are popular activities. Nearby Spruce Knob Lake provides the angler with seasonally stocked trout.
TC’s Shooting Range is located on Route 93/48 outside of Davis. Daily and Yearly passes available. 200yd rifle range, 4 individual handgun pits. Target stands and steel targets on location.
New Historic Thomas is a 501(c)3 non-profit community group dedicated to revitalizing the City of Thomas by preserving its history, cultural heritage, and resources that make the city unique.
Great skiing and riding begin with great snow, and with a peak elevation of 4,268 feet, Timberline gets more than its share (an average of over 200 inches each season!). Where nature leaves off, our snow-makers take over, covering our terrain with enough snow to ensure the best possible conditions all winter long. With a vertical rise of 1,000 feet, you’ll enjoy some of the longest runs in the South (as long as 2 miles!)
West Virginia Highlands Artisan Gallery
Discover the art and artist group of West Virginia. WV Highlands Gallery is an association of art and artisans representing a diverse media and representing their works as a co-op. The cooperative is owned and run by the artists seven days a week from 10:30am to 5:00pm in Davis, West Virginia.
(304) 259-5411
White Grass Cross Country Skiing
Whenever strong northwesterly winds dip down from Canada and cross the Great Lakes, we whiten up with 160 annual inches of powdery fluff. Originally built as the Weiss Knob Ski Area in 1959, White Grass now boasts over 60 km of maintained trails ranging from 3,220 below the lodge to 4,463 feet at Tucker County’s high point atop Weiss Knob. That’s over 1,200 vertical feet to cross country up and over!