Blackwater Falls State Park

Location:Davis, WV
Phone: 304-259-5216

Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia.

Park Activities Include:

Canaan Valley State Park

Location:Davis, WV
Phone: 304-866-4121

Nestled in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains amid more than 6,300 acres of state parkland -- on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest -- this inspiring West Virginia resort is surrounded by picturesque mountain terrain and breathtaking countryside. Smooth rolling hills, outstanding facilities, and temperatures 15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas make Canaan Valley Resort a summer time favorite.

The mild mountain summers make tennis, golf, swimming, and hiking easy and comfortable. Our picturesque mountain resort in West Virginia is surrounded by 18 miles of trails in wetlands and northern hardwood forests and open meadows, abundant with wildlife.

With the Allegheny Mountains serving as your backdrop, nature lovers can enjoy over 200 species of birds, 600 types of wildflowers, and a forest full of wildlife ? including deer willing to greet you at the entrance.

Winter Activities Include:
. Alpine Skiing
. Air boarding
. Cross-country skiing
. Snow tubing
. Snowboarding
. Snowshoeing
. Ice skating
. Ski and snowboard lessons
. Kidz Korner, for ages 2 to 6
. Gear rentals and repairs, including boots, binding, skis, and poles
Click here for Ski Trail map(PDF requires Adobe Acrobat Reader get it free at www.adobe.com)

Timberline Resort

Location: Canaan Valley, WV
Phone: (800)766-9464

The Mid Atlantics premier ski resosrt! Timberline Resort sits at 4300 ft. elevation with 1000 ft. vertical and boasts the Souths longest ski trail! The area averages 150 inces plus snowfall and we have 100% snowmaking capability.

Timberline Resort is open year round for family fun offering hiking and biking trails, mountain bike rentals, horseback riding, and scenic chair lift rides to the top of the mountain.

Dining available year round at the Fireside Grill and Timbers Pub. Come on down and grab a great meal and cold brew while you watch the deer and other wildlife. Great steak and seafood and a fun friendly environment. Open Sunday - Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Mountain Trail Rides

Open Year Round
Location:Canaan Valley, WV
Phone: 304-866-4652

Mountain Trail Rides is a family owned and operated business giving year-round guided horseback riding tours in beautiful Canaan Valley, West Virginia. We are located on Freeland Road in Canaan Valley, just .25 mile off of Route 32, less than five minutes from Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort.

We are the largest horseback riding stable in the Canaan Valley area and take pride in our reputation for making people feel comfortable and at ease, and for having great horses and great guides. We specialize in beginners and family groups and provide pre-ride instruction regarding horse behavior and safety rules to all riders. No matter what your riding ability, and even if you?ve never ridden a horse before, you?ll find that the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed and the scenery is breathtaking!

Visit our website for more information at www.mountaintrailrides.com

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Canaan Valley, WV
Phone: (304)866-3858

Welcome to Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the nations 500th!

The Refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. You may enjoy the Refuge by participating in wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education, and nature programs.

The combination of wet soils, forests, shrub lands and open lands throughout the valley provides a diversity of wildlife habitats. In these habitats, some animals, such as deer, raccoon, geese and squirrel are easy to see. Others, such as mink, bobcat and barred owls stay hidden most of the time. Beaver build dams from trees, manipulating water levels to their advantage. Woodcock treat us to their breeding display in spring. Turkey and ruffed grouse provide a challenge for hunters and birders. Over the years, native brook trout in the river have been joined by other species of trout and bass.

On August 11, 1994, with the purchase of 86 acres the Refuge was established. It grew slowly at first. Then, with the purchase of approximately 12,000 acres in 2002, the Refuge grew to 15,245 acres in size.

Click here for a Refuge Trail Map(PDF requires Adobe Acrobat Reader get it free at www.adobe.com)

For more information visit our website at www.fws.gov/canaanvalley/

Seneca Rocks

Location: Seneca Rocks, WV
Phone: 304-567-2827

Purchased by the federal government in 1969, Seneca Rocks is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. These rocks have long been noted as a scenic attraction and are popular with rock climbers.

Due to the hardness of the Tuscarora sandstone formation, and the degree of climbing difficulty, Seneca Rocks offers rock climbers a unique opportunity found nowhere else in the east. There are over 375 major mapped climbing routes, varying in degree from the easiest (5.0) to the most difficult (5.12). Only trained and experienced rock climbers should attempt to scale the rocks. There are two climbing schools located in the communities of Seneca Rocks and nearby Riverton who train prospective climbers in beginning and advanced rock climbing. The school in Riverton also offers a climbers rescue course.

A self-guided interpretive trail beginning behind the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, the West Side Trail offers the non-climber a way to reach the lofty heights of the rocks and view the scenic valley below. The trail is 1.3 miles and ascends the north edge of the rocks to a viewing platform. Although steep the trail can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Steps, switchbacks and benches scattered along the trail all ease the trip for visitors. At the top you'll be rewarded by stepping onto the platform and viewing the lovely valley below.

For more information on Seneca Rocks please contact the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is open spring through fall and is usually closed during the winter months. For hours of operation contact the Discovery Center.

Spruce Knob

Location: Riverton, WV
Phone: 304-567-2827

At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak. From this rugged alpine peak, you can view grassy openings and pastures or look down on forested ridges as far as the eye can see.

The vegetation here has adapted to a harsh environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants hug the ground. Mountain ash dot the landscape and brighten autumn days with brilliant foliage. From May through July, the flowers of azaleas, mountain laurel and rhododendron appear. Hardwood forest of beech, birch, maple and cherry cover the lower elevations.

The severe climate here means that cold fogs and strong winds can occur even in summer. Snow covers much of the area during winter months and roads are sometimes closed, or passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Camping is a popular activity in the Spruce Knob area. Tiny Gatewood Group Campground has only three sites, while Spruce Knob Lake Campground contains 43 sites.

Fishing is another attraction. Nearby Spruce Knob Lake provides the angler with a 25 acre impoundment regularly stocked with trout by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. A wood pier provides level, easy access for all visitors and is close to the parking area. Anglers may also enjoy stream fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout in the Gandy Creek and Seneca Creek drainages.

A stone and steel observation tower sits atop the Knob, providing visitors with a vantage point from which to enjoy a 360 degree view. The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles the knob and provides panoramic views. Interpretive signs along the gentle, graveled trail describe the high country vegetation, geology and animal life. Vault toilets, picnic tables, grills and vehicle parking complete the facilities available at the tower.

Monongahela National Forest

Location: Elkins, WV
Phone: 304-636-1875

The Monongahela National Forest is over 919,000 acres in federal ownership in 10 counties in West Virginia, making it the fourth largest National Forest in 20 northeastern states. It is within one day's drive of one-third of the population of the United States. 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.

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 five federally designated Wildernesses: Otter Creek, Dolly Sods, Laurel Fork North, Laurel Fork South, and Cranberry; and one National Recreation Area, Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks.

Hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife viewing are popular uses. Game species include black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, gray and fox squirrels, rabbits, snowshoe hare, woodcock, and grouse. Limited waterfowl habitat exists in places. Furbearers include beaver, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, otter, raccoon and mink. Other hunted species include coyotes, skunks, opossums, woodchucks, crows, and weasels. The Monongahela has 129 miles of warm water fishing and 576 miles of trout streams; 90% of the trout waters of West Virginia are within the forest.

Dolly Sods Wilderness Area

Location: Tucker County, WV
Phone:304-636-1800

Dolly Sods Wilderness is 10,215 acres in size. Dolly Sods Wilderness has 25 miles of trails, many of which follow old railroad grades and logging roads. Dolly Sods Wilderness occupies the lower half of the drainage of the north fork of Red Creek. Red Creek begins on the high plateau of Allegheny Mountain, a flat, poorly drained area. As the stream crosses into what is now wilderness, it begins to cut down through the plateau, creating a steep-sided canyon. As it leaves the wilderness, it joins with the south fork of Red Creek and continues on to the Dry Fork River. Because of this, the northern section of the wilderness is high-elevation plateau, wind-swept and boggy. Patches of native red spruce, alder, maple, and mountain ash mingle with plantations of pine, upland heath, and sphagnum bogs.

The area is generally open, with wide-spreading vistas. Huckleberries and cranberries are common in the heath and bog areas. As Red Creek and its tributaries, Big Stonecoal and Little Stonecoal Runs, leave the plateau; they become more forested, with a number of hardwood trees including maple, birch, and black cherry. Hemlock is a common conifer along the drains as well. Underneath the trees are thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel. Red Creek itself changes from a pleasant meandering stream to a dynamic, tumbling watercourse, with several small waterfalls and swirling pothole areas.

Wildlife in the area includes black bear, whitetail deer, wild turkey, grouse, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, bobcat, and a variety of rodents. Snakes, such as garter, grass, and ring necked, are common, and timber rattlesnakes may occur. Red Creek is home to a small population of trout that has adapted so well to the naturally acidic conditions that they are almost a separate subspecies. Catch and release fishing is recommended to protect the viability of the population.

Otter Creek Wilderness Area

Location: Tucker & Randolph Counties, WV
Phone:304-478-2000

Otter Creek Wilderness is located on the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest in Tucker and Randolph Counties, West Virginia.

Otter Creek Wilderness lies in a bowl formed by Shavers Mountain and McGowan Mountain. Most of the streams flow into Otter Creek and then to the Dry Fork River. These streams can flash flood during periods of high rain, and can leave visitors stranded. Vegetation consists of second-growth timber, rhododendron, and a variety of mosses and lichens. Elevations range from 1800 feet at the mouth of Otter Creek to 3900 feet on McGowan Mountain. There are few open vistas in Otter Creek Wilderness, and rarely are they along trails. Finding them on your own lends a sense of discovery. Because the area is managed for natural conditions, vistas will be allowed to grow closed by vegetation and visitors are asked not to try to keep them open.

Otter Creek Wilderness has 45 miles of trails, many of which follow old railroad grades, logging roads, or farm roads. Many people like to hike loops through the area. Listed below are several possible loop hikes. Loops are listed from shortest to longest, and generally in the direction they are easiest or most scenic to hike. Trail lengths are approximate. Fords indicate streams that may be a problem to cross during high water events. Difficulty is for people in average condition.

Otter Creek Wilderness has an interesting variety of vegetative types and associated ecosystems. Spruce dominates the higher elevations and gradually gives way to hardwood trees such as black cherry and yellow birch on the middle and lower slopes. There are also occasional plantations of Norway spruce dating from when people resided in the Otter Creek area and tried to replace some of the harvested timber. Occasional apple trees can be seen near the old logging camps. Many areas, particularly stream drainages, are covered with thickets of impenetrable rhododendron and mountain laurel. There are three high plateau fens: Moore Run, Devil's Gulch, and Shavers Lick. Beavers are active near Moore Run fen and along Yellow Creek. In 1964, the WV Division of Natural Resources installed a limestone drum at the head of Otter Creek to neutralize the naturally acidic water and improve conditions for brook trout.

Cathedral State Park

Location: Aurora, WV
Phone:304-735-3771

Cathedral State Park is an ancient hemlock forest of majestic proportions, and one of the last living commemorations of the vast virgin hemlock forest which once flourished in the Appalachian highlands. Trees up to 90 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference form cloisters in the park. Throughout the woods, eastern hemlock is the dominant species.

The woods were preserved because of the love each owner had for this unique area. The land was eventually purchased, in 1922 by Mr. Branson Haas. Mr. Haas was a workman for the Brookside Hotel, which stood where the park superintendent's residence now stands. He sold the forest to the State of West Virginia in 1942, with the provision that it remain untouched by ax or saw. Mr. Haas served as caretaker until his death. On October 6, 1966, Cathedral State Park was entered in the National Registry for Natural Historical Landmarks, as "an area that possesses exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of the United States." It is of note this is the only stand of mixed virgin timber left in West Virginia.

Cathedral State Park consists of 133 acres, located on Route 50, in Preston County in Northeastern, West Virginia. The region is hilly to mountainous, but the park is located on rather gently sloping ground with an elevation varying from 2460 to 2620 feet. Over 170 species of vascular flora have been catalogued; to include 9 species of fern, 3 club moss, over 30 tree species (17 broad leaf) and over 50 species of wildflowers.

Tygart Flyer

Location: Elkins, WV
Phone: 877-MTN-RAIL

This climate-controlled passenger train offers one of the most exciting mountain wilderness excursion rides in the US featuring comfortable and pleasant accomodations. Large windows for scenic panoramas and reclining seats allow riders to simply relax and enjoy the ride. The Flyer also features a dinette serving snacks, sandwiches and beverages. Also, be sure not to miss the train's own edition of the Rail & Trail Store!

For the railroad enthusiasts, the New Tygart Flyer travels over trackage formerly part of the Western Maryland Railway and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Purchased by the state of West Virginia as the West Virginia Central Railroad in 1996, the entire line is now operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley. The railroad's locomotives are painted to reflect the heritage of the Western Maryland and our engine roster even includes a WM authentic BL-2, #82.

The 4 hour, 46 mile round trip starting in Elkins features two separate mountain grades, an "S" curve tunnel, passage into a 1,500' deep canyon with steep densely forested slopes, and the crossing of a high bridge over the rushing Shavers Fork of the Cheat River before reaching your destination at "High Falls of Cheat," an 18' high, 150' wide waterfall in one of the most remote & pristine settings in the eastern United States.

Windwood Airport

Unique Mountain Airport
Location:Canaan Valley, WV
Phone: 1-888-359-4667

Our paved runway is approximately 3,000 feet long by 40 feet wide. There are houses along both sides of the runway and a tree line approximately 700 feet from the approach end of runway 24.

Identifier: WV62 Elevation: 3,220 MSL Latitude: 39° 03.3' N Longitude: 79° 25.9' W Unicom: 122.9 PCL: 123.0

Visit our website for more information at www.windwoodresort.com

The Purple Fiddle

Coffeehouse and Mountain Market
Location:Thomas, WV
Phone: 304-463-4040

The purple fiddle is a family-friendly and non-smoking music venue, restaurant and gift shop. We are located in the old DePollo General Store in historic Thomas, WV, atop the beautiful Allegheny mountains of WV.

In additon to widly entertaining music, kids will be sure to find something to wholesomely occupy their time. We have foosball, books, games, protected internet access and puzzles, and art stuff for all.

We serve the area's finest selection of sandwiches, wraps, organic coffee, espresso, teas, homemade ice cream & desserts, plus local wine & WV's largest beer selection. In addition, we offer a wide range of eclectic gifts, souvenirs, and CD's for purchase, as well as local reading material and games for customer enjoymnet.

For more information visit our website at www.purplefiddle.com

MountainMade Galleries

Artists Gallery
Location: Thomas, WV
Phone: 304-463-3355

MountainMade is proud to present the handcrafted work of the West Virginia artisan community.

The MountainMade Foundation is able to support and develop the West Virginia arts and crafts small businesses by assisting them with effective marketing of their work, expanding their businesses and increasing demand for their work, to promoting awareness of the distinctive artistic resources our state has to offer. We also strive to educate the public through heritage arts demonstrations and workshops, create jobs for West Virginia and encourage tourism to Tucker County.

The Thomas, WV Gallery is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. The Thomas, WV Country Store is open 5 days a week: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

For more information visit our website at www.mountainmade.com