Did you know that the largest contiguous high-elevation wetland complex in the central and southern Appalachian region is right here in West Virginia? And it’s a wildlife refuge, to boot. Welcome to Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in beautiful Tucker County, West Virginia.
Since its establishment in 1994, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge has guarded and stewarded the unique highland valley habitat found here in Canaan Valley.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge / Facebook
At 3,200 feet above sea level and with a wetlands complex of 8,400 acres, this is the largest contiguous high-elevation wetland system in West Virginia (and the central and southern Appalachians).
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge / Facebook
As such, it is the home for numerous rare and endangered plants and animals that you would usually expect to encounter in Maine or Canada, not West Virginia!
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge / Facebook
Balsam fir. Cottongrass. Woodcock and fisher. Those are only a small sampling of the 580 species of plants and 288 species of animals found here!
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge / Facebook Pictured is a Cheat Mountain Salamander.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge also protects the sources of most of the headwaters of the upper Blackwater River watershed, ensuring the purity and quality of these waters as they begin their long course down toward the Mississippi. The refuge itself encompasses 16,987 acres, 5,573 of which are wetlands.
Ken Sturm/USFWS via Flickr
When you visit Canaan Valley, you will be struck by the cool summers, snowy winters, and overall wild beauty of the place. Perhaps you will gasp, “Behold! The Land of Canaan!” as early settler George Casey Harness is rumored to have done upon discovering this magnificent valley.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge / Facebook
If you would like to explore a bit of this beautiful and unique valley, start at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, then take to the Freeland Boardwalk Trail. And don’t forget your camera!
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge / Facebook
To learn more about Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website or the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page. And while you’re in the area exploring this magnificent natural wonder, consider extending your stay with a night or two at Canaan Valley Resort. Happy exploring!
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge / Facebook
Pictured is a Cheat Mountain Salamander.
Ken Sturm/USFWS via Flickr
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Address: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6263 Appalachian Hwy, Davis, WV 26260, USA
