Canaan Loop

Total Miles
14.4

Elevation

1,161.43 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Winter, Fall, Summer, Spring

Trail Overview

Canaan Loop is a 2 way trail passing through the Monongahela National Forest entering or exiting from either WV 32 or Black Water Falls State Park. A mix of dense rhododendron, evergreen, and hardwood foliage encroaches on the trail throughout the section closest to the state park. There are several small rocky stream crossings to negotiate with small ledges either entering or exiting. Many hiking trails be found all along this route. The portion of the trail nearest WV 32 is typical forestry unimproved gravel/dirt road. Several unimproved campsites can be found along the route. Cell service is virtually non existent in the area but the State Park offers free WIFI at the Lodge located just off the park end of the trail. Black Water Falls State Park offers full amenities including camping, lodging, restaurant, cabin rental and recreation options.

Photos of Canaan Loop

Canaan Loop
Canaan Loop
Canaan Loop

Difficulty

Rutted muddy sections and rocky stream crossings and rock ledges mixed with dirt forest service roads

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Kenneth Fink
Mar 30, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
Washboard
I know it’s rated a 3 however I’m going to give it a 4. I started on the Canaan side of the trail. For about half the ride it was dirt and gravel (20-25mph), lots of camping areas. Closer to blackwater falls I got the road narrowed, with foliage crowding the trail. Several rock ledges were pretty washed out. Not all vehicles will make it through. (I recommend a vehicle with low range) and something with some heigh clearance of at least 12”. In my stock 16 Jeep Unlimited Sahara with AT tires I scraped a few times on rocks. (Thankful for skid plates 🤣) Some mudholes in the road were over 12” deep. I navigated around that. All in all it was a great ride. Plan on coming back through again.
Jason Wishard
Mar 29, 2024
2021 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Muddy/Wet
Rough/Deteriorated
I'd say the trail is a 3 given only a few obstacles. The water crossings were shallow but some of the rock areas if an incorrect line is followed, you'd be scraping your under-carriage. Even in my Jeep I had to stop and get out to assess a few areas and pick a line before proceeding. I came in from the Canaan side which was super easy for quite a while with lots of camping. The trail is tight for the last third to half heading into Blackwater State Park, so pin-striping will happen. I only needed 4LO in a couple of spots. The rest was fine in 4HI, mainly so I could disconnect my sway bar due to all the ruts.
Jared Walton
Mar 23, 2024
2021 Toyota Tundra
Open
Muddy/Wet
Daniel Mclaughlin
Feb 18, 2024
2019 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice

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