Welcome to Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s 500th! The refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley.
North Glade Run Crossing Flooded

The north Glade Run Crossing along Middle Valley Trail is flooded due to beaver activity. Please plan accordingly. Follow this link to access the refuge trail map, www.fws.gov/media/cvnwrtrails-map-2023-finalpdf

Hunting in the snow at Canaan NWR
Review the regulations and access the 2023-24 Hunt Brochure/Permit for Canaan Valley NWR.

Visit Us

Welcome to Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the largest contiguous, high elevation wetland complex in West Virginia that harbors a vast assemblage of rare plants and animals normally associated with more northern latitudes.  Established in 1994, the refuge conserves, protects, and manages a mosaic of wetland, forested, and early successional habitat that supports migratory birds and threatened and endangered species. As a steward of a significant portion of the headwaters, the Refuge ensures the integrity of the natural resources of the upper Blackwater River watershed. Stop in at the visitor center or use this website to learn how you can enjoy YOUR Refuge.  

Location and Contact Information

      Visitor Center Hours

      Current visitor center hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4pm.  

      About Us

      The refuge, located in eastern Tucker County, West Virginia, sits in the Canaan Valley, 3,200 feet above sea level in the Allegheny Mountains. On September 11, 1994, 86 acres of land were purchased to establish the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This was the 500th refuge created by the Service. Canaan Valley contains a wetlands complex of about 8,400 acres, making it the largest wetlands system in West Virginia. Of these total wetlands, 5,573 acres are located within the refuge. The headwaters of the Little Blackwater River, 13 miles of the Blackwater River, and many miles of other tributaries are also within the refuge boundaries.

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. 

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
      The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
      Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Nevada Coordinator Susan Abele Meets with Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Member to Conduct a Site Visit at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation
      The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land. Since 1987, we have helped more than 30,000 landowners to complete more than 50,...

      Our Species