Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

For generations, hunters have returned to Canaan Valley to pursue the abundant and varied game in an area known for its beautiful scenery. Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is committed to continuing that long and varied hunting tradition. Located in the highest-elevation valley east of the...

Refuge waters include 14 miles of the Blackwater River and four of its tributaries as well as two beaver ponds. Fishing access is wherever a managed road or trail crosses a body of water (river, stream or pond) or comes within approximately 10 yards of a body of water. Available species include...

Take your pick of 29 miles of refreshing trails and a boardwalk. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Most trails are a mixture of grass and compacted dirt that are mowed seasonally.  Some trails include displays on, local history...

Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Visit the refuge's 22 miles of trail opened to Mountain Biking. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed.

Approximately 15 miles of trails are open for horseback riders to see and enjoy the wildlife and unique landscape of the valley.  Check out our trail map here to see which trails are available for horseback riding. 

The refuge provides several accessible options to get outside.  

Freeland Boardwalk is a half mile loop boardwalk that offers nice views of the surrounding mountains and leads you through a variety of different habitats such as wet field, shrubland, beaver...

Whether you have a kayak or a canoe, paddling puts you in the center of the Valley, into places you can't access any other way. You might see beaver, bear, or deer unacclimated to human activity. Or you might be nearly startled out of your boat by a muskrat exiting his riverside den as you peer...

Cross-country skiing is a great way to get outside in the winter.  All refuge trails are open for cross-country skiing with the exception of Freeland Boardwalk Trail. You can download our trail map here.  If snowfall allows some of our Beall trails will be groomed.  View the...

Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside in the winter.  All refuge trails are open for snowshoeing with the exception of Freeland Boardwalk Trail. You can download our trail map here. 

In late spring photographers might catch a glimpse of the bobolink, a distinctive bird of Refuge’s grasslands, at Freeland Boardwalk and along the Beall Trails. The bobolink is the only American bird that is black underneath and white on the back. This coloring makes the male stand out while he...

There are numerous birds to be spotted on the refuge. These can be found along every trail on the refuge. Some other animals which may possibly be seen are whitetail deer, black bear, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, fisher, fox, coyote, etc. Click here to see a list of trails on the refuge.

Trapping is a wildlife management tool used on some national wildlife refuges. Trapping may be used to protect endangered and threatened species or migratory birds or to control certain wildlife populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also views trapping as a legitimate recreational and...