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

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Difficulty

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

Technical Rating

Kenny Gall

Sep 18, 2026

Open

Trail is wet but fully passable, the Jeep pic shows the Jeep immediately after clearing the trail. No downed trees, washouts, or other blockages encountered. Water crossings are active, but nothing unusually deep; deepest crossing was roughly 1 foot. Road surface is slick in places with plenty of standing water, but minimal mud - "it's a mostly rocky trail", but overall conditions are good for a properly equipped 4x4. Conditions: Wet Blockages: None Water crossings: Active, approx. 1 ft max observed Overall: Open and passable

Sam Hatfield

Sep 06, 2026

Open

Muddy/Wet

Started on the north side by Blackwater Falls. The first trail was wet with some mud from the earlier rains, the first 1/4 or so had plenty of rocks & a few holes that require 4wd & had 1 decent climb the rest was basically a gravel road.

Sep 05, 2026

2004 Toyota 4runner

Open

Wet, first half coming in from the south is easily done with 2WD, rock gardens appear around 3/5 of the way to the end going towards north. Muddy and fun

Tony

Sep 04, 2026

2018 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

First trail I've really done running in a stock Jeep with street tires. Had a lot of water puddles do to all the rain. The two stream crossing wasn't bad at all. The deepest puddle or water crossing came up to just the bottom of the Jeep's bumper. Everything was just muddy and really wet form the several past storms. Found out form people that has ran the trail before, I had done it backwards and is considered harder then going the other way. The "harder" direction is starting the trail end that's connected directly to Black Water Falls Stat park. All in all really cool trail and would do it again.

datt myer

Aug 29, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

A lot worse than I've seen it before. Went through in a stock ram 2500 rebel and it was rough. 4wd low was used as well as lockers, mainly for the slippery exposed rocks

Rick Bird

Aug 18, 2026

Open

Muddy/WetRough/DeterioratedWashboard

Beautiful ride, first 9 miles very simple a little washed edges due to severe rain in the past 3 days. Last 4 miles was very interesting 4 wheel high was fine except for a few places we're 4 wheel low is recommended. Creek was extremely high, rock hills were wet and a little slick. Definitely had to negotiate small parts of the ride or you will get hung up or bottom out. Bumper deep through my mud puddles and creeks, my stock 2014 2 door wrangler was fine over all.

Rachel Ash

Aug 07, 2026

Open

NormalMuddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

Earl Johnson

Aug 01, 2026

1979 Jeep CJ

Temporarily Closed

Drove 50 miles to Canaan Loop. Started in from the Davis side only to come up to a sign saying Road Closed 4 Miles Ahead.

Nicolas Fash

Jun 14, 2026

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser

Open

Muddy/Wet

Dusty easy road at first, an easy 3. Further down road gets rough, I'd say 5. I didn't have a spotter but was still tricky.

David w

Jun 04, 2026

Open

Normal

Only the west entrance is open. Had a lot of fun on this trail. No issues even for a full size truck either. So this trail is more like a higher 4 maybe even an easy 5. There’s some great obstacles in the beginning. However after that you are moving at idle speed going over lots of rocks and puddles and collecting LOTS of pinstripes. We only did the first 1/3 of the trail since it would be out and back and it’s a pretty punishing ride. There’s no mud to speak of. The mud pit in the beginning is no big deal it has a hard bottom.

Black Tonka Offroad Jim Whiting

May 23, 2026

2012 Toyota Tundra

Open

Muddy/WetRough/Deteriorated

The north end is open. The road has been repaired. This is a very rough trail. You will need spotter at times. The south end has a closed gate so be prepared to turn around.

Adam

May 21, 2026

2018 Jeep Wrangler

Temporarily Closed

Trail Restoration

Per the park office, the trail is set to reopen May 29, 2026.

Nathan Jones

May 16, 2026

Temporarily Closed

The the trail is completely shut down now

Hunter Hill

Apr 25, 2026

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Temporarily Closed

Posted SignTrail RestorationClosed Gate

You can still enter the trail from the Blackwater park side. Mostly passable but would be easier coming from the other side. Very wet conditions but very fun!

C S

Apr 15, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Still closed