Enjoy the Natural Attractions at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

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Anyone who appreciates nature will relish a visit to the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Davis, West Virginia.  The Refuge preserves a unique environment that is rich in plants and wildlife.  Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of outdoors activities in the scenic uplands and wetlands of the Canaan Valley at the Wildlife Refuge.

The Canaan Valley Refuge consists of approximately 16,000 acres of forests, shrub lands, wet lands, and open areas.  These diverse habitats support a huge variety of animals, birds and plants.  Streams throughout the Refuge are terrific places for fishing for native brook trout and other trout species as well as bass.  Deer, raccoons and squirrels are easy to spot, and beaver dams are prevalent throughout wetlands areas.  More elusive mink and bobcats are also at home in the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge.

Wildlife viewing, photography and nature programs held throughout the year are all popular activities visitors enjoy at the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge.  Regulated fishing and hunting is allowed seasonally. There are also programs aimed at environmental education held at the Refuge.  

There is a variety of types of trails visitors can use at the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge.  There are more than 30 trails for walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, 23 miles for biking and 22 miles are available for horseback riding.  There are also seven miles of multi-use trails that allow vehicle use. With so many trails available for such a variety of activities, the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge is a terrific destination for outdoors recreation in all seasons.

The trails throughout the Canaan Valley Refuge provide visitors with access to the many diverse habitats located in this huge area.  The pedestrian only Beall Trails pass through forested and field areas as well as shrub swamp and bog areas.  Freeland Road is a short boardwalk through a wet field that ends at a beaver pond, and the Camp 70 trails traverse forest and field areas.  You can chose among these and many other trails to access scenic views or view birds in particular habitats.  

Bird watching is a popular activity at the Canaan Valley Refuge, and hundreds of species can be spotted in the various habitats throughout the year.  Loons, herons, ibises and a variety of ducks can be seen at the Refuge.  Vultures, hawks, eagles, falcons and osprey are some other interesting birds to spot.  Wild turkeys are abundant, as are many types of warblers, finches and other types of birds.  You can obtain a complete bird checklist for the Refuge online at the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge website.

Camping is not allowed on site at the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, but there are many campgrounds as well as other accommodations available throughout the surrounding area in Tucker County.