Canaan Loop

Total Miles
14.4

Elevation

1,161.43 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Winter, Fall, Summer, Spring

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Canaan Loop 11

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
May 12, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Downed Tree
Downed tree obstructing trail about 8 miles in off of the opposite end of Blackwater Falls.
Bishop Sweetwater
Apr 27, 2024
4x4
Open
Muddy/Wet
Fun and muddy trail. Drove in “reverse” starting on the rough end and ending on the gravel portion. I think that the trail Difficulty ranges from 1-3 with some areas require your attention and the right line but nothing that should hold up a 4x4. Some tight sections and - as always with off-road trails - if there is a mechanical or trail issue access to rapid help is limited.
Curt Overlanding
Apr 27, 2024
4x4
Open
it rained early morning so lots of mud holes. Trail is pretty basic with a couple of spots you need pick a good line. Definitely worth going! Lots of camping areas throughout.
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.

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