Posted photos of abundant wildlife and breathtaking views are sure to make all social media followers envious during the guided hike series at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands.
The guided hikes series is a compilation of preserved and maintained trails, protected natural spaces with inspiring and well-informed guides.
“We have developed this hiking series for a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our region’s forests,” said Steve Drumheller, general manager of the resort. “Canaan Valley hiking trails are located in some of the most beautiful areas of West Virginia and it’s a great way to create new bonds and make memories with family and friends.”
Some hikes may include lunch. Plenty of hydration and high protein snacks are recommended. Please check hike description for details. Follow links for start times, registration fees and additional details.
Here is the lineup of hikes:
June 9, Aug. 11 – The acclaimed Blackbird Knob hike is a challenging trail that rewards hikers with high mountain meadows and spectacular views. The hike includes rough terrain and water crossings, and it is not recommended for young children.
June 23, July 7, Aug. 18, Aug. 25, Sept. 1, Sept. 29 – Two-hour Edible Plants Hikes through trails, fields and forests of Canaan Valley State Park will introduce participants to techniques for finding wild plants that are safe to eat. Hikers will also learn how to use trees and plants to build fires, create shelter and for other survival purposes.
July 14, Aug. 4 – The Mid-Summer Walk Between Parks is an eight-mile, moderately strenuous hike between Canaan Valley Resort and Blackwater Falls State Parks.
July 27 – Presented by the West Virginia Geological Survey, the Geology Rocks hike explores geology, topography and more with a hike along Blackwater River Trails. There is also an evening program in the lodge on July 26 that explores the mysteries of rock and its uses throughout history.
Sept. 1 – The 10-mile Douglas Falls/Blackwater Canyon Hike is an easy hike that passes a variety of interesting, rural sites including abandoned coke ovens reflecting the region’s coal mining heritage as well as canyons, a lush hardwood forest and the North Fork Blackwater River.
Sept. 29 – The annual Dolly Sods Fields of Fire tour through the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area during peak fall foliage is a leisurely day of nature-oriented activities including hikes, live bird banding and photography opportunities.
Oct. 6 – The guided hike series concludes with the Wild Walks Weekend, a fall favorite featuring an eight-mile walk between Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Parks.
For more information about guided hikes, call 1-304-866-2215.
Canaan Valley Resort is a four seasons destination with a wide array of adventures and a variety of guest rooms and cabins. On-site activities include an 18-hole championship golf course, scenic chairlift rides, sporting clay shooting range, hiking and biking trails, bike rentals, resort boards, miniature golf, Euro-bungy/climbing wall, Turtle slide and indoor/outdoor pools.
Canaan Valley Resort is in northeast West Virginia approximately 2½ hours from Washington, D.C., three hours from Pittsburgh and 2¾ hours from Charleston, W.Va.
