In an effort to create a more user friendly and unique trail system here at the Refuge, we have made several name changes to our trail system. Please note that these are changes in name only and DO NOT affect any trail lengths or uses. Please feel free to contact us at (304) 866-3858 with any questions you might have. Enjoy your hike!
The Beall Trail is divided into new trail names (still 4.5 miles total). See new trail map at kiosk or refuge office for more details.

• Blackbird’s Wing Trail is no longer a valid name. This name will not appear on new trail maps when they are published. The mileage named under this trail has been added onto
• Cabin Mountain Trail to create a 2 mile trail.
• Blackwater River Trail is renamed Blackwater View Trail
• Delta 13 Trail is renamed Camp 70 Loop
• Middle Ridge Trail is renamed Middle Valley Trail
• Summit View Trail is renamed Cabin Mountain Spur
• A previously unnamed 0.8 mile trail crossing Glade Run is now named South Glade Run Crossing and will be designated as Trail #11 when new trail maps are published.

Trail Map -

printable PDF file

THE TRAILS
A trail system has been established on the approximately 16,000 acre Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, opening 41 miles of existing roads and trails for wildlife observation, photography and education. Trails are open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, daily. Ten miles will be open exclusively for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Thirty one miles are open to year-round pedestrian use (walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing). Twenty three miles are also open to bicycles. Twenty two miles are also open for horses. Seven miles are open for vehicles, bicycles, horses and pedestrian use.

Credit: USFWS Boardwalk on Freeland trail

Freeland Road:
Nice views of the valley abound on this short boardwalk leading through a wet field to a beaver pond and bubbling spring. Around the pond, visitors may walk to a stand of balsam fir, a plant community typical of Maine and Canada. Trail length is .24 mile each way. Pedestrian only. It does not loop.

Idleman’s Run Trail:
This short pedestrian trail travels through woodlands along Idleman’s Run. Trail length is .39 mile. Continue up the trail to FR 80, then back to the beginning using the road to make a loop.

Forest Road 80 and Idleman’s Run Road:
This public access route is open for pedestrians, bicyclers, horse-back riders, and vehicles. Forest Road 80 provides access from the valley to Dolly Sods Wilderness Area.

Beall (pronounced “bell”) Trails:
A parking area on Old Timberline Road, off of Cortland Road, leads to 4.53 miles of trails. Loops go north and south from the parking area. Beall north trails pass through forest, field, shrub swamp and bog habitats, with a spur trail leading to the Blackwater River. Beall south trails offer good opportunities for viewing grassland birds, before dipping into the forest, down to the Blackwater River. Pedestrian only.

Camp 70 Trails:
Trails travel east and north from the parking area. Most are open to bicycles and horses. One loop that provides a beautiful overlook of the valley’s wetlands is open for pedestrian travel only. Check the trail map. Trails travel through a mix of forest and field, skirting wetlands. Access is provided to Canaan Valley Institute and Western Pocahontas Land Corporation land. Seek permission from adjacent landowners if you wish to use their property.

Credit: USFWS Trail on Beall tract

A-frame Road and Adjacent Trails:
A-frame Road is a public access route open for pedestrian, horse, bicycle and vehicle use. From Rt. 93 to the parking lot at the end of the gravel road is nine miles. Only part of that is Refuge land, but all of it is open for public access. For most of its length, the road passes through the forested slopes of the valley. In a few locations, there are nice views of the valley. The primary parking area is near beaver ponds along Glade Run. Parking is also permitted on the side of the road. Trail loops west of the road provide an opportunity to experience the valley’s wetlands, and the fields and forests of middle ridge. East of the road, trails lead through forest to U.S. Forest Service land, with more valley views. Some trails are open to bicycles and horses, while others are pedestrian only. Check the trail map. As always, seek permission from adjacent landowners if you wish to use their property.