Travel By Season

SPRING

Awake with nature in Tucker County! The woodlands and cold-water streams come alive in spring. February through June heralds the best fly fishing in the Potomac Highlands. Local guides can attest to that! Trout fishing in the Blackwater River and Blackwater Canyon area is at its peak this time of year. At the nearby Cheat River, whitewater rafters and kayakers experience the exhilaration of Class II-IV rapids as spring thaws intermittently swell riverbeds. And, believe it or not, scuba diving and even swimming are not unheard of in the Mount Storm Lake, which is kept constantly warm, compliments of Dominion Power Company. At Blackwater Falls, May brings the West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage. Learn about the unique flora found within the northern hardwood forests. Late spring is also a favorite time for bird and wildlife watching and photography.

SUMMER

Summer officially begins Memorial Day Weekend. In Canaan Valley, cool mountain temperatures make Canaan Valley and the surrounding area the perfect summer retreat. Canaan Valley Resort’s 18-hole championship golf course has been immaculately prepared for the summer golf season. The well-groomed, par-72 course is a challenge for every level of golfer; the putting green and driving range give golfers a chance to hone their skills. In the Valley, families challenge their skills on miniature golf courses at various locations. And, if Parsons is your destination, take time to play the Holly Meadows 9-hole course at Camp Kidd Park. Hikers and mountain bikers gravitate to the west banks of the Blackwater River for the 10+ mile stint between Thomas and Hendricks and the sensational views of Blackwater Canyon. National Forest scenic backcountry areas come alive with vacationers yearning for the outdoors, and many outdoor shops in the county and Canaan Valley rent mountain bikes and offer guided tours. Timberline Resort offers entertainment for the entire family, from live music to mountain biking. Trail information can be picked up throughout Canaan Valley, Davis, Thomas, and at the Visitors Center in Davis.

The Arts color summer evenings in Tucker County. The Celebration of the Arts sparks Independence Day Weekend with an outdoor symphony orchestra. You always have a chance to take a bit of Tucker County home with you. Local artists, photographers and crafters display their work in shops open throughout the seasons.

FALL

Fall brings fairs and festivals to the top of the Mountain State. Enjoy the Tucker County Fair, Leaf Peepers Festival and more! The mountains (and valley) blaze in mid-to-late September. Beech, oak, cherry, maple and aspen take on hues of reds, golds, oranges and browns, accented by the dark-green background of evergreens. The chairlifts in the Valley run throughout the fall season, offering a great way to view the colors of the Valley and surrounding mountains at the height of autumn splendor. The Leaf Peepers Festival, the last week of September in Davis, ushers the end of autumn and the coming of winter and ski season.

WINTER

Skiing in the valley means a choice of over 76 slopes and trails, seven lifts, a terrain and tubing park at two West Virginia ski resorts, Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort. Timberline boasts the longest run in the Southeast — the two-mile-long Salamander Run. Canaan Valley’s tubing hill is a hit with kids of all ages!

Skiers have been coming to Canaan Valley and Timberline since the early ’50s. Why? From November to April it’s not uncommon to see the valley blanketed in snow. Canaan Valley’s legendary weather patterns are directly attributed to its elevation and geographical location. With summit elevations jutting over 4,260 feet from the 3,200 foot valley floor and its location directly in the path of winter Nor’easters, Canaan Valley is guaranteed a lot of snow! Most years the annual average stacks up to over 160 inches (that’s over 13 feet!).