Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

West Virginia

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The 0.4-mile one-way Freedland Boardwalk Trail meanders through wetlands, a shrubland, a beaver pond and a limestone spring. Views of Canaan Valley, hugged by the Allegheny Mountains, are a gorgeous backdrop as you walk. The trailhead is beside Freedland Rd, across from White Grass. The 16,550-acre refuge is home to shrub and bog wetlands, forests and a range of wildlife, from salamanders to turkeys and bears. You'll find exhibits about the refuge at the visitor center.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Climber standing on top of Seneca Rocks with his hands in the air. 567872638 autumn, boy, cheer, cliff, climb, climber, countryside, crag, destination, excited, exposed, exultant, fall, granite, happy, high, imposing, landmark, landscape, man, mountain, nature, notch, outdoors, peak, person, recreation, ridge, rock, rocky, rugged, rural, scenic, season, seneca rocks, stone, success, successful, summit, top, tourism, travel, trees, west virginia, wv, youth

    Seneca Rocks

    15.18 MILES

    A striking rock formation rising 900ft above a fork of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is one of the most recognizable natural features in the state. Rock…

  • Bear Rocks are a widely recognized symbol of West Virginia wilderness and among the most frequently photographed places in the state. They are a well-known landmark on the eastern edge of the plateau that includes the Dolly Sods Wilderness. They sit in a high-elevation heathland punctuated with wind-carved sandstone outcrops and is home to more than a dozen rare plant and animal species. Situated on the crest of the Allegheny Front, Bear Rocks afford vistas over the South Branch Potomac River. Visibility can extend eastward to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The Bear Rocks Preserve is a 1.93 km2 tract that is owned and preserved by The Nature Conservancy.

    Dolly Sods Wilderness

    7.43 MILES

    Red spruce trees, windswept boulders, valley views and boggy forests set a striking scene in the northern reaches of this remote but popular wilderness…

  • Blackwater Falls State Park

    Blackwater Falls State Park

    5.06 MILES

    The falls tumble into an 8-mile gorge lined by red spruce, hickory and hemlock trees. With more than 24 miles of trails, there are loads of hiking options…

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Nearby West Virginia attractions

1. Blackwater Falls State Park

5.06 MILES

The falls tumble into an 8-mile gorge lined by red spruce, hickory and hemlock trees. With more than 24 miles of trails, there are loads of hiking options…

2. Dolly Sods Wilderness

7.43 MILES

Red spruce trees, windswept boulders, valley views and boggy forests set a striking scene in the northern reaches of this remote but popular wilderness…

3. Seneca Rocks

15.18 MILES

A striking rock formation rising 900ft above a fork of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is one of the most recognizable natural features in the state. Rock…

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