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Description:
Drained by the Blackwater River and its tributaries, Canaan Valley contains the largest freshwater wetland area in West Virginia and the central and southern Appalachians. More than 580 plant species are known, and there are 40 distinct plant communities, including swamp forests, alder thickets, marshes and bogs. These habitats support equally diverse wildlife populations, with 290 species of vertebrates known to occur. Nationally recognized as a breeding and fall migration area for the American woodcock, the area also supports many other migratory bird species. The Valley supports two listed species--the threatened Cheat Mountain salamander and the endangered northern Virginia flying squirrel. Directions:
The refuge office is currently in Elkins, West Virginia. Refuge tracts are located on Freeland Road, Cortland Road, Timberline Road, and Old Timberline Road in Canaan Valley. Highway 32 is the major road in the Valley, and Freeland, Cortland and Timberline Roads branch off of Highway 32. Old Timberline Road branches off of Cortland Road.Highway 32 can be reached from Highway 55 and 33 south of the Valley, at Harman, West Virginia, and from Highway 93 north of the Valley, at Davis, West Virginia.
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