We headed to Canaan Valley area to ride a loop that starts in Davis, WV and hits some high points in the area and drops down to the river. We parked at Blackwater Bikes in downtown Davis. Please check with the shop for parking access or park on the street in Davis. We ended with 35.2 miles and 3100 feet of climbing.

The forecast was for temps in the 30’s with windy conditions. It was foggy as we got our bikes together and the wind kicked up. We talked to Sue at the shop before we headed out through town.

The route heads east and follows the Blackwater River up to the Swinging Bridge trail which takes you up to Canaan Heights. On the climb up a black bear ran across the trail in front of me on its trip up the hillside. When we stopped to regroup the skies opened up with sleet. There is a mix of single and double track up to the power line cut. We connected to the gravel road and then crossed Appalachian Highway to get to Canaan Loop Rd.

Canaan Loop Rd cuts across the ridge with access to a number of MTB trails along the way. Road was mucky in sections and we dropped down past the fly fishing area and wild camping spots. We took the left on the greatly improved Forest Road 244 down to the valley. FR244 is now consistent double track gravel with some rocky sections and one small stream crossing.

After eating our lunch of pepperoni rolls on the hillside overlooking the Cheat River we hit the pavement to get over to Hendricks where we started up the Blackwater Canyon Tail. The rail grade is 2-4% for 9 miles to Douglas Rd. The trail follows the Blackwater River past the Lindy Point Overlook, Douglas Falls and the old mining area south of Thomas. We climbed up to the ridge and rode Davis Road back into town.

We had headwind for a number of sections and the sun came out. Check weather conditions before heading out in the Canaan Valley area because weather may be way different at 3800 feet elevation than down in the valleys.