XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Areas

• Canaan Mountain Backcountry

  Canaan Mountain is a high elevation plateau ranging in elevations from 4,145 feet at Pointy Knob to 3,100 feet near Blackwater Falls State Park. The semi-primitive area consists of approximately 13,532 acres on the top of the plateau. Since Canaan Mountain is relatively flat, there are many seasonally wet places.

  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.

  Many of the trails are great for mountain bikes, but please use discretion on wet trails to avoid environmental damage. There are three trail shelters on a first come, first served basis. One is near the intersection of the Allegheny and Plantation trails, a second is on the Railroad Grade Trail south  of Plantation Trail, and the third is on the west side of the Pointy Knob Trail.

  Additional Resources

  • Canaan Mountain Backcountry Map and Trail Information (PDF, 2MB)
• Allegheny Trail - Forest Trail 701
• Fire Trail #3 - Forest Trail 104
• Fire Trail #6 - Forest Trail 108
• Lindy Run Trail - Forest Trail 109
• Mountainside Trail - Forest Trail 114
• Plantation Trail - Forest Trail #101
• Pointy Knob Trail - Forest Trail 139
• Railroad Grade Trail - Forest Trail 110
• Table Rock (Overlook) Trail - Forest Trail 113
• Otter Creek Wilderness
• Highland Scenic Highway

  The Highland Scenic Highway is a designated National Scenic Byway that extends 43 miles from Richwood to US Route 219, north of Marlinton. Four scenic overlooks provide a comfortable rest stop, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Highway traverses the mountainous terrain of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau, and rises from 2,325 feet near Richwood to more than 4,500 feet.

  The Highway is a paved two-lane road, designated as State Routes 39 and 150. Route 150 is a 23-mile Parkway section that is not maintained in the winter. Winter travel on the road may be treacherous, the road is often impassible during winter storms. Travel is highly discouraged on Route 150 between November and April. Toilets at overlooks are closed in winter.

• Laurel Fork Wilderness
• Marlinton Ranger District

  The Marlinton Ranger District is located in Marlinton, WV.

• Dolly Sods Wilderness
• Spruce Knob - Seneca Creek Backcountry

  The Spruce Knob Area offers hikers a vast backcountry to explore. Nearly 60 miles of trails wind through stands of red spruce, open meadows and along fast-flowing mountain streams. Beautiful northern hardwood forests of maple, beech, birch, cherry and other trees cover most of the area creating a brilliant display of fall color. This area provides cool shade in the summer with many opportunities to see spring and summer wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.

  Elevation ranges from 3,000 feet to over 4,800 feet above sea level. Freezing temperatures can occur any time of the year. Snow can be expected anytime from October through April.

  Caution: Trail conditions are not suitable for horses on the Horton and Swallow Rock trails.

• Allegheny Mountain Trail - Forest Trail 532
• Bee Trail - Forest Trail 555
• Big Run Trail - Forest Trail 527
• Horton Trail - Forest Trail 530
• Huckleberry Trail - Forest Trail 533
• Leading Ridge Trail - Forest Trail 557
• Lumberjack Trail - Forest Trail 534
• Seneca Creek Trail - Forest Trail 515
• Spring Ridge Trail - Forest Trail 561
• Spruce Knob Lake Trail - Forest Trail 575
• Swallow Rock Trail - Forest Trail 529
• Lake Sherwood Area Trail System
• Spice Run Wilderness