Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) encourages the responsible use of its property and resources. The property is open for camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other non-motorized outdoor recreational uses. Access to the property may be reached from the Camp 70 Road and areas along Route 32. Parking areas are available along Camp 70 Road and the public is encouraged to utilize these while visiting CVI property. Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and the town of Davis are easily accessed by foot, bike, or vehicle from CVI property.

2009 Trail Update

CVI’s trail system saw three significant events in 2009--the reopening of Trials Road through CVI property, completion of 2.2 miles of new trail south of the Blackwater River, and the announcement of a grant funding award to complete an additional 3.5 miles of trail south of the Blackwater.

Many users of CVI's trail system breathed a sigh of relief and immediately took advantage of the reopening of Trials Road. The trail was reopened in July, just in time for the WV State Championship Mountain Bike Race, and there has been heavy use since then. Access through the area had been restricted for almost 2 years during the construction of CVI's Research and Education Center.

CVI would like to thank trail users for their patience and cooperation during the past 2 years. Trials Road, a major connector in CVI's North 740 trail system, is open for biking, hiking, and as a corridor for hunters.

Trials Road section

AmeriCorps members from Appalachian Forest Heritage Area take on construction of a 2.2 mile "Hellbender" section of the CVI trail system.

CVI, along with volunteers from partner organizations including Tucker County Trails Inc., AmeriCorps, and WV Mountain Biking Association, constructed 2.2 miles of trail on the south side of the Blackwater River in August and September. 
This is the first trail on this part of CVI's property. The trail will eventually connect to the existing trail system via a short section of trail on Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge property. 

Named "Hellbender" after the large salamander which inhabits the clear cold streams of West Virginia, the trail winds through a mixture of deep woods and open fields. It offers a change of pace from other more heavily-used trails on CVI property. Hikers will find solitude while bikers can take on a moderately difficult path with several steep, rocky sections and switchback turns.  

Also in August, CVI received a Recreational Trails Program grant to build approximately 3.5 miles of additional trail on the south side of the river to connect to Refuge trails and the town of Davis. This trail will be a crucial link the developing The Heart of the Highlands trail system. Construction is planned to begin late in 2009 and continue in 2010.

New hunting restrictions have been implemented with the opening of CVI’s Research and Education Center. The area marked on CVIs maps, posted in the kiosks, on the website and in brochures as the construction area will also become the safety zone around the building complex. The area will be posted with signs and hunters are asked to remain outside the posted area. West Virginia hunting regulations set the safety zone at 500 feet from an occupied building. 

HUNTERS MAY PASS THROUGH THIS AREA WITH UNLOADED FIREARMS ON ESTABLISHED TRAILS ONLY. 

Please be respectful of this safety zone to preserve the future of hunting on the property.       

As before, CVI property is open to in-season hunting and fishing with no special property access permit required. Hunters, fishermen, and other area users are reminded of the following:

• Camping is permitted only in numbered sites along the Camp 70 Road
• All motorized vehicles must be kept on the road or in a designated parking area
• Potable water and other sanitary services are not available
• Please dispose of waste properly
• Wear blaze orange clothing during hunting season 
• Hunting and fishing on CVI property is in accordance with West Virginia state regulations and proper state licenses must be secured prior to accessing the property

Canaan Valley Institute property offers a variety of activities for campers. Hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, and other activities, both and on and off CVI property, can be easily accessed from CVI campsites. Camping is separated into two areas of the property: 

Drive-in camping is allowed along the Camp 70 Road in the ten numbered sites. All camping on CVI property is “primitive”; there are no sewage, water, or trash facilities available. All campers are reminded responsibly dispose of  sewage and trash, bring potable water with them, and that off-road vehicles are not permitted on CVI property.

Camping sites along the Camp 70 Road are suitable for tents, campers, and motor homes, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These campsites provide direct access to the Blackwater River, a popular trout fishing stream.  Visitors should be aware of the following aspects of the individually numbered campsites on CVI property: 

• Campsites 2 and 3 are situated near an ADA-accessible fishing pier
• Campsites 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 are located near trailheads which allow easy access to seven miles of CVI's nationally recognized trail system
• Campsites 6 and 7 require a short walk from the parking area to the site

Dispersed (backpacking) camping is allowed on the rest of CVI property south of the Blackwater River. While there is no extensive trail system in this area, it is open for hike-in camping. This is the only area of the property open for this type of camping. Campers are encouraged to practice “Leave No Trace” techniques in this area.

There are no fees for camping and reservations are not taken; however, groups of ten or more are required to obtain a special use permit from CVI. The permit is free and can be obtained by contacting CVI’s Land Manager, Ken Dzaack, ken.dzaack@canaanvi.org or by calling (304) 259-4739, ext. 233. 

Sightings of bald eagles have been reported on or very near CVI property. Bird watching is a popular outdoor activity and the trail system offers many opportunities for this. Trails have been planned to traverse or pass close to a wide variety of topography and habitat types.  This diversity offers the chance to see a wide range of bird species on a single outing. The mixture of upland forest, wetland, creekside, and old field habitats on the Ken’s Connector/ Beaver Creek Trail/ Trials Road Trail loop are very productive for birders.

Very good growing conditions and habitats exist on or near the property for two edible berries, the blueberry and cranberry. During berry season folks who may have come only for a hike have been seen leaving the woods with ball caps full of blueberries. On more than one occasion entire families have been seen having a great time, picking berries. Cranberries are a little harder to find, but still wide spread in the area. You’ll probably need waterproof footwear to pick cranberries as they prefer boggy areas. Blueberry picking is usually best in July and August, while the selection of cranberries is better in September and October. 

Educational Field Trips and Research Activities  

The CVI property has good vehicle access which makes it a fine area to host educational field trips. Area grade schools, alternative schools, workshop organizers, and CVI have held educational field trips on the property. The topography and variety of plant communities offer many options, but the history of Davis, Canaan Valley, and Tucker County add another dimension to the educational possibilities. Large group transportation to the area is possible by tour bus, school bus, van, and car pool. If you plan a field trip of more than 10 people, please contact Ken Dzaack, ken.dzaack@canaanvi.orgor call (304) 259-4739, ext. 233 to obtain a special use permit, discuss parking options and turn-around advice, and for other assistance for planning activities.