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West Virginia

West Virginia Adventure Weekend; Canaan Valley

August 22, 2018 //  by Five Family Adventurers//  63 Comments

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With a weekend free, we went for an impromptu adventure weekend to the Canaan Valley in West Virginia. For those of us in Baltimore and Washington DC, West Virginia is a great destination, filled with mountains, white water, and trails.

We snagged a good deal  at the Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center. The Mountain Weekend package offered us a room, miniature golf, pool and spa access, lift tickets to the top of Canaan’s ski peak, and breakfast.  If you want kids to get all the perks, you need to book them as adults.


The drive from Baltimore takes about three and a half hours. We’ve done it several different ways. The most scenic route, and the one we took this time, is to head west on I70 and I68. The highway transitions from rolling hills to the Appalachian mountains as you drive through the Cumberland pass. Then we headed south through back roads of West Virginia until we reached Davis and then the resort.

Canaan Valley (note that it’s pronounced Kin-Ane, rhyming with insane) in West Virginia. We were given a room in the south wing. The rooms are updated and comfy. I was happy with the many outlets but did note the lack of an in-room coffee maker.   The ski lodge and peak are a short drive away. You can take the lift both up and down the mountain, for a scenic view and great vistas. Make sure you check out the hang gliding runway on the back side of the mountain. Our son decided the only way down was to (literally) run all the way down the mountain. Luckily, in about 0.90 miles we were back at the bottom, breathless but intact.

Caanan Valley, West Virginai

 

The mountain also has a summer slide. Kids take an inner tube with a bottom to a rope tow, which takes them up a bunny slope, and then slide down on a plastic runway. While it sounds fun, the execution is lacking. The kids have to drag the tube up part of the hill to the tow; it’s heavy and wears them out. The slide itself is fairly short and not very fast. While two hour slots are booked, none of the kids I saw, mine included, went longer than an hour.

Caanan valley west virginia

 

Miniature golf is fairly perfunctory but fun for any young kids. Our son then also went for a short climb up a climbing wall set up next to the golf course. He also jumped on the bungee trampoline as well. It was a nominal fee to add both activities.

Rock Climbing, Caanan west virginia

 

This part of West Virginia is magnificent. The Mongahela Wilderness is one of the country’s largest. It features beautiful, verdant montains, and incredibly varied terrain. Over the years, we’ve hiked rhododenrum tunnels near Canaan, and wind-beaten high plains in Dolly Sods. I can’t stress enough how many great day and overnight hikes are within a short drive.

We also took a short drive to Blackwater Falls. This beautiful waterfall gets its name from the tannins that tint its waters. A wooden path leads down (lots of) steps from the lodge to the waterfall. Several vantage points give a great view and feel for the power of the water.

White Water: Yea!

Cheat River West Virgina

Sunday morning, we booked with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures for the Cheat Narrows Express rafting trip. The meet point at BOA’s headquarters is a 50 minute drive, in St. George. Use their directions, not GPS.  GPS will take you astray on closed roads.  The Cheat is a classic East Coast rafting trip: fast rapids alternating with calm pools. It’s a good balance for kids: enough adventure with Class II and some Class III rapids, but with easy stretches and places to swim. The Express trip hits all the good rapids on that section of the Cheat (called the Narrows, because the valley turns to gorge). All the guides were terrific, and logistics were straightforward.  We met at 9 am, and were back by 1pm (note that there’s a 30-minute drive to and from the river).

Davis

Canaan Valley has two restaurants, but with Davis a 15 minute drive away, you may want to head into town. We had an adequate breakfast at Canaan. Super friendly people but food not particularly memorable

Davis is becoming a great little mountain town. We always head into Hellbender’s Burritos for burritos as big as my head.  It’s served up quick and kindly, and with a rotating selection of craft beers to wash it down. You can build your own, or choose from some interesting combos. It’s also very veggie and vegan friendly, including offering seitan as a protein. Because every mountain town needs a burrito shop.

Wicked Wilderness opened last year. It’s a basic pub with decent grub. The menu does have some surprises: Reuben egg rolls, served with Russian dressing (yes, filled with corn beef, sauerkraut, and swiss); and chicken pot pie served in a Mason jar, with a big, flaky biscuit on top. A good beer selection (but, guys, could you please make more of it local, and don’t serve good beer in plastic cups). Did I mention they have funnel cakes for dessert?

The Trailhead Coffee Shop is key for my coffee needs. They can both pull a decent espresso and brew good American-style coffee.  Extra kudos for brewing West Virginia’s Stone Tower Joe, keeping it local and real.

Stumptown is brewing some solid craft beer. Several of the restaurants in Davis feature their beers, and you can also drink in their brewpub, Stumptown Ales. No food, but a full selection of their beers on tap. And you can pick up one of their trucker caps to look stylish on the trail.

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Caanan Valley, West Virginia

 


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Category: North America, Road Trips America, USA, West VirginiaTag: west virgina, white water

Five Family Adventurers

About Five Family Adventurers

I have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarScott Gombar

    August 25, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    Looks like a lot of fun. We visit family in NOVA a lot so maybe we will stop over in West VA next time

    Reply
  2. AvatarFran Jorgensen

    August 26, 2018 at 3:33 am

    This is so much fun! I am currently looking for some activities to do with my older kids and this would be perfect for our next holidays! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  3. AvatarMonidipa Dutta

    August 26, 2018 at 4:54 am

    The pictures are absolutely great. I love water so it looks amazing to me. I really hope u all had a great time.

    Reply
  4. AvatarMelanie Frost

    August 26, 2018 at 11:30 am

    That looks like a fun family vacation! That tube slide looks so fun, but I imagine it was super exhausting. I think I would only be able to handle one trip up the slop. LOL!

    Reply
  5. AvatarKrish

    August 26, 2018 at 11:52 am

    Beautiful writeup n lovely pics…
    Looks like a fun place …
    Regards

    Reply
  6. AvatarArnab Majumdar

    August 26, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    These are amazing pictures, and the place looks beautiful. Maybe I will give it go, next time I am nearby

    Reply
  7. AvatarLauren Russell

    August 26, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    I love West Virginia, I’m from Kentucky so my family used to visit alot

    Reply
  8. Avatarmdaisi

    August 26, 2018 at 11:32 pm

    Wow, looks like fun. I have been to VA beach, but I have never visited West Virginia. I will definitely add to my list.

    Reply
  9. AvatarVal

    August 27, 2018 at 9:23 am

    Such an adventurous family, well done!! Beautiful photos and I am keen to try these craft beers too! Thanks for the information!

    Reply
  10. Avatarvaishali

    August 27, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    I have traveled a lot of state in the US and only a few remain to be explored. WV is one of them..:)

    Reply
  11. AvatarDominique Brooks

    August 27, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    Wow! This looked like an action-packed trip! I’m glad you had a safe good time! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Avatarangie

    August 28, 2018 at 11:28 am

    what a beautiful place to have a weekend visit

    Reply
  13. AvatarXoLivi

    August 28, 2018 at 5:53 pm

    this place looks amazing. man my daughter would love that climbing wall!

    Reply
  14. AvatarClaire

    August 29, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Seems like an excellent place for a family vacation! would love to visit it someday 🙂

    Reply
  15. AvatarPam

    August 30, 2018 at 9:54 am

    So fun! I can’t remember the last time we had a free weekend to just get away for a few days! Good for you!!!

    Reply
  16. AvatarNadine

    August 30, 2018 at 10:51 am

    This place looks awesome.. Wish I lived in America rather than bloody Africa so I could come and do some of this fun stuff. Inspiring me for another visit out west.

    Reply
  17. AvatarErin

    August 30, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    This looks like so much fun! I can’t wait until my kid are bigger and can do things like this!

    Reply
  18. AvatarBrooke @ Firm Happy Mom

    August 30, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    Looks like a fun trip! I’ve always wanted to go white water rafting! It’s nice that they had so many activities for kids there!

    Reply
  19. AvatarMissy Debnar

    August 30, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    That is a great adventure. I would love to do the white water rafting!

    Reply
  20. AvatarTonya Denmark

    August 30, 2018 at 5:02 pm

    I never think about white water in WV, will have to check it out!

    Reply
  21. AvatarPam

    August 30, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    Summer slide!!! Love it!

    Reply
  22. AvatarKristi @ Way Beyond The Norm

    August 30, 2018 at 7:03 pm

    Looks like a fun getaway! One day I will be brave enough to do some white water rafting. Need to get over my fear of drowning first.

    Reply
    • Five Family AdventurersFive Family Adventurers

      August 30, 2018 at 7:12 pm

      It is so fun

      Reply
  23. AvatarTricia

    August 30, 2018 at 7:03 pm

    Looks like so much fun for a family vacay! Thank you!

    Reply
  24. AvatarCathy

    August 30, 2018 at 7:20 pm

    Reuben Egg Rolls and Stumptown Beer would make this trip worthwhile — not to mention White Water Rafting which is on my bucket list!

    Reply
    • Five Family AdventurersFive Family Adventurers

      August 31, 2018 at 10:03 am

      Reuben egg rolls sounds ridiculously washed down craft beer, yes!

      Reply
  25. AvatarChris

    August 31, 2018 at 1:58 am

    That looks like a great place for a family weekend! It’s a pity some of the activities weren’t that great but it still seems like you had a great time, especially the white water rafting!

    https://mcadventureblog.com/

    Reply
  26. AvatarAlex Trembath

    August 31, 2018 at 4:55 am

    Looks like an amazing place for an outdoor family adventure. Love a bit of white water rafting 🙂

    Reply
  27. AvatarKylee

    August 31, 2018 at 5:42 am

    This looks like a super fun weekend, we have never been to Virginia, or really many of the states! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  28. AvatarKaterina

    August 31, 2018 at 8:05 am

    It looks like a fantastic place for family trip! Funny and relaxing at the same time! Love your pictures 🙂

    Reply
  29. AvatarKatie Graves

    August 31, 2018 at 10:23 am

    I haven’t been back to WV since I was going to camp there in middle school, but this has given me reason to go back. White water rafting? Yes please!

    Reply
  30. AvatarSoumya Gayatri

    August 31, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    This sounds and looks like a fun family vacation. Never ever tried white water rafting. I am just so scared!

    Reply
    • Five Family AdventurersFive Family Adventurers

      August 31, 2018 at 1:28 pm

      It’s super fun, but can be scary.

      Reply
  31. AvatarTiffany

    August 31, 2018 at 12:38 pm

    White water rafting and good food. Sign me up!!

    Reply
  32. AvatarRo con

    August 31, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    super fun! looks like a packed adventure! love it!

    Reply
  33. AvatarUnravelling Travelling

    August 31, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Wow! This looks like so much fun. Amazing photos 🙂

    Reply
  34. AvatarJanine

    August 31, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    West Virginia is so beautiful. I spent a Labor Day weekend there once for their annual “Hick Festival” (and no I’m not making that name up – that’s what it’s really called). Such a wild beauty.

    Reply
  35. AvatarAlexander Popkov

    August 31, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    Looks like a place for those who like doing something active on vacation. I would love to go down the river on a kayak.

    Reply
  36. AvatarEe Sing Ng

    August 31, 2018 at 6:17 pm

    What a wonderful time with your family. I am pretty sure you guys had a good time together. To more adventures like these..

    Reply
  37. AvatarStephanie | StephanieCristi.blog

    August 31, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    This definitely looks like a must-see, thank you for sharing about your trip with us!

    Reply
  38. AvatarAlicia

    August 31, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    The Cumberland pass is so beautiful. Especially in the fall. I’m glad to know of another place to visit in seedy Virginia!

    Reply
  39. AvatarRio

    September 1, 2018 at 1:29 am

    Great write up. Looks like a fun family weekend was had.

    Reply
  40. AvatarManon van Os - Flip Flop Wanderers

    September 1, 2018 at 5:46 am

    This looks like such a fun place to visit! So many activities to do! I love to go white water rafting and that slide would be so much fun!

    Reply
  41. Avatarsuvarna

    September 1, 2018 at 6:59 am

    Sounds like tons of fun and also a great way to bond with the family.

    Reply
  42. Avatardalibro

    September 1, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Oh man, I would totally go for the summer slide until they threw me out or I dropped exhausted on the ground haha. Family fun alarm! 🙂

    Reply
  43. AvatarLouis

    September 1, 2018 at 8:02 am

    Hey mega post! Love the depth of your content 🙂

    Reply
  44. AvatarMohana and Aninda

    September 1, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    Canaan Valley looks like a great outdoor activity spot and a fun destination for the entire family to enjoy. The slides I really want to gen onto 🙂

    Reply
  45. AvatarErica Edwards

    September 1, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    What a fantastic weekend! It looks like you’ve made tons of memories with the whole family in an absolutely beautiful setting!

    Reply
  46. AvatarKarla | KarlaTravels

    September 1, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    It sure is well worth the trip right?

    Being rewarded with spectacular views, go on fun adventures and enjoy a cozy place where you can fully recharge batteries is what a great holiday is about!

    Reply
  47. AvatarLisa

    September 2, 2018 at 10:02 am

    This looks like so much fun! I’m totally unfamiliar with West Virginia, so it’s nice to read about these kind of places. I’d like to try these rapids, they must be quite challenging!

    Reply
  48. AvatarMeagan

    September 2, 2018 at 3:09 pm

    What a fun weekend! We live down in RVA, and clearly haven’t taken advantage of WVA the way we should 🙂 new weekend ideas! Thanks for the excellent post!

    Reply
  49. AvatarSandy N Vyjay

    September 4, 2018 at 2:36 am

    Canaan Valley seems to be a promising and adventure filled experience. Something we would definitely enjoy. So many thrilling activities for the entire family makes it ideal for a fun-filled family getaway. The climbing wall and the white water rafting look really exciting.

    Reply
  50. Avatarfarenexus

    September 4, 2018 at 6:41 am

    canaan valley it seems as the most promising and adventurous place to visit. In these images it seems like the most thrilling activities place for the entire family to spend the quality time with them. Thanks for sharing this awesome place with us. Please take a look at our website Farenexus.com we also write blogs on Canada. I hope you will like it!!

    Reply
    • Five Family AdventurersFive Family Adventurers

      September 4, 2018 at 7:40 am

      Farenexus I will and am finishing up a post on LaMalbaie Quebec

      Reply
  51. AvatarShaily

    September 4, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    Wow! What an adventurous trip! It looks like you guys had so much fun. I love the rafting part the most. We have tried river rafting a couple of times and it’s quite an adrenaline pumping activity. The wall climbing and bunny slope also sound great.

    Reply
  52. AvatarSaniya Puri

    September 5, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    Seems like you had a lot of fun. The pictures are so inviting that I just can’t hold myself from booking the flights. River rafting must be a good experience.

    Reply
  53. AvatarJonathan Morales

    September 8, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    Hi! how do you manage travelling with in a group of 5? I usually travel alone because it i hard to be in a group, I mean it takes time for everyone to get ready.

    nice blog as well.

    Reply
    • Five Family AdventurersFive Family Adventurers

      September 9, 2018 at 10:20 am

      Thank you. Yes it’s more complicated with 5 but three are under 18 so they can’t vote yet. 😁

      Reply
  54. AvatarKrystyna

    January 28, 2019 at 12:40 am

    Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and
    visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a fantastic job with this.
    Also, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Internet explorer.
    Superb Blog!

    Reply
    • Five Family AdventurersFive Family Adventurers

      January 31, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      Thank you

      Reply

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Five Family AdventurersI have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives. Read More…



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