In the central Canaan Valley, the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge protects 17,000 acres of upland forest and wetlands in the Allegheny Mountains of northeastern West Virginia. The largest part of the refuge is located in Tucker County, east of Davis, WV, though its eastward reaches extend into Grant County. Parts of the southern refuge adjoin the Monongahela National Forest and Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
Much of the refuge is open to fishing, hunting, photography, and wildlife observation. More than 31 miles of road and trail wander the refuge. Twenty-three miles are open to bicycling, and 22 are open to horseback riding. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in winter. Hunters must possess a refuge permit. Refuge areas are open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
The Canaan Valley Wildlife Center, at Cortland, WV, in the central Canaan Valley, is open on a seasonally varied schedule. Interpretive and environmental-education programs are hosted regularly. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
CVNWR Wildlife Service Information
Regional Information
Further information on lodging, dining, and recreation near the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge may be found in our guide to travel in the Allegheny Highlands Region in northeastern West Virginia, in which the refuge is located.
