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Plantation Trail - Forest Trail #101
The 8.0 mile Plantation Trail is the major trail on Canaan Mountain. It starts 2.2 miles south of the Blackwater bridge in Davis on Route 32 and cuts Canaan Mountain in half, running southwesterly until it hits the Canaan Loop Road. Approximate hiking time is 3.5-4.5 hours.
Most of the trail runs along the top of the Canaan Mountain plateau, therefore flat places on the trail do not drain well. This trail is especially sensitive to environmental damage due to its high use, poor drainage, and the average annual rainfall of 50 inches in this area. Portions of the east end of this trail are particularly pretty in June when rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom.
Additional Resources
At a Glance
| Restrictions: | Motor vehicles are restricted to roads and parking areas. |
|---|---|
| Closest Towns: | Canaan Valley, WV and Davis, WV |
| Water: | Purify all water or bring your own. |
| Restroom: | None |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Cheat Ranger District |
General Information
General Notes:General Guidelines
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
General Notes:
General Guidelines
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
Directions:
Canaan Mountain Backcountry is located west of State route 32 between Canaan Valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis. Take Route 32 south 3.3 miles from the Blackwater River bridge in Davis to a large white sign that points to ""#1 Wilderness Road."" This is the Canaan Loop Road.
The road is approximately 18 miles long and good for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Driving is permitted, although you should exercise caution, especially when in a low-clearance vehicle. The road makes a loop from Route 32 to Blackwater Falls State Park, covering much of the perimeter of Canaan Mountain.
The northern portions of this road are on private land. Visitors should call Allegheny Wood Products to secure permission before traveling on the northern portion of the road.
General Notes:
General Guidelines
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
Directions:
Canaan Mountain Backcountry is located west of State route 32 between Canaan Valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis. Take Route 32 south 3.3 miles from the Blackwater River bridge in Davis to a large white sign that points to ""#1 Wilderness Road."" This is the Canaan Loop Road.
The road is approximately 18 miles long and good for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Driving is permitted, although you should exercise caution, especially when in a low-clearance vehicle. The road makes a loop from Route 32 to Blackwater Falls State Park, covering much of the perimeter of Canaan Mountain.
The northern portions of this road are on private land. Visitors should call Allegheny Wood Products to secure permission before traveling on the northern portion of the road.
General Notes:
General Guidelines
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
Directions:
Canaan Mountain Backcountry is located west of State route 32 between Canaan Valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis. Take Route 32 south 3.3 miles from the Blackwater River bridge in Davis to a large white sign that points to ""#1 Wilderness Road."" This is the Canaan Loop Road.
The road is approximately 18 miles long and good for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Driving is permitted, although you should exercise caution, especially when in a low-clearance vehicle. The road makes a loop from Route 32 to Blackwater Falls State Park, covering much of the perimeter of Canaan Mountain.
The northern portions of this road are on private land. Visitors should call Allegheny Wood Products to secure permission before traveling on the northern portion of the road.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Please use discretion on wet trails to avoid environmental damage.
Day Hiking
This 8 mile trail does not loop. However, it can be combined with other trails and roads for hiking trips of many distances.
Hiking Tips
- Most of the trails are marked with blue blazes and signs.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
Backpacking
A 6 person shelter is located near the intersection of the Allegheny trail and Plantation trail.
Backpacking Tips
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens. Vigorously boil local water for at least three minutes, or use a filter which is specifically labeled for removal of Giardia. Chemical treatments (iodine and chlorine) are not considered effective.
- Freezing temperatures and snow can occur anytime of the year, but mainly between October and April. Dress for the weather.
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
- If using firewood it must be dead AND down branches only. Keep fires small.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
Horse Riding
Please use discretion on wet trails to avoid environmental damage.
General Info:
General NotesGeneral Guidelines
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
General Notes
General Guidelines
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
Directions
Canaan Mountain Backcountry is located west of State route 32 between Canaan Valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis. Take Route 32 south 3.3 miles from the Blackwater River bridge in Davis to a large white sign that points to ""#1 Wilderness Road."" This is the Canaan Loop Road.
The road is approximately 18 miles long and good for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Driving is permitted, although you should exercise caution, especially when in a low-clearance vehicle. The road makes a loop from Route 32 to Blackwater Falls State Park, covering much of the perimeter of Canaan Mountain.
The northern portions of this road are on private land. Visitors should call Allegheny Wood Products to secure permission before traveling on the northern portion of the road.
General Notes
General Guidelines
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics: do not build a camp within 200 feet of streams.
- Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring drinking water; otherwise, treat water from streams and springs before drinking to kill harmful pathogens.
- During hunting seasons, hikers are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.
- Light weight camping stoves are encouraged.
Directions
Canaan Mountain Backcountry is located west of State route 32 between Canaan Valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis. Take Route 32 south 3.3 miles from the Blackwater River bridge in Davis to a large white sign that points to ""#1 Wilderness Road."" This is the Canaan Loop Road.
The road is approximately 18 miles long and good for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Driving is permitted, although you should exercise caution, especially when in a low-clearance vehicle. The road makes a loop from Route 32 to Blackwater Falls State Park, covering much of the perimeter of Canaan Mountain.
The northern portions of this road are on private land. Visitors should call Allegheny Wood Products to secure permission before traveling on the northern portion of the road.
Big Game Hunting
Small Game Hunting
Game Bird/Waterfowl
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Alerts & Warnings
Location
