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

Difficulty

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

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

John Shorb
Jul 17, 2024
2021 Toyota 4Runner
Open
If you enter from the Appalachian Highway you will find that the Canaan Road is mostly gravel and smooth for miles. Eventually the road becomes narrow, rocky, muddy, and with deep ruts. My 4runner has 10" of clearance and I had to move rocks around as to not bottom out in the technically challenging areas. This is not a novice trail and required a lot of avoidance and maneuvering to protect my rig. I highly recommend a ground clearance greater than 10". The trail becomes more challenging as your approach Blackwater Falls State Park. It is a great trail for a prepared rig.
Steve N
Jul 03, 2024
4x4
Open
Clear. 11 inches of clearance was pushing it. You could see where folks tried to straddle rocks and scraped up their rigs on two of the 4/5 technicals. (technical being where I had to get out and tell my wife where to walk me through it) We came out on Lindy Point Outlook. I would have felt a lot better with 3 more inches of clearance.
Plumbing Fisherman
Jun 27, 2024
2017 Toyota Tacoma
Open
trails were clear of obstructions. I had seen a huge tree had fallen recently. I included a photo of it's cutting. smooth sailing in the Tacoma. wife finished off the last mile or sonof the trail (towards the Black Water Falls Side), and did it comfortably. 4 low was never necessary, but could see where higher water is, would need it. awesome day, and first time on the trail. will soon return!
Colt Holbert
Jun 23, 2024
2022 Ford Bronco
Open
Muddy/Wet
The is a nice scenic route. My 2 door Bronco had no issues.

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