Tucker County’s music scene is born of Appalachian traditions, nurtured by a spirit of independence and the muse of the mountainous landscape. Throughout the seasons, venues offer full spectrum of musicians that truly define our sound. The Purple Fiddle, located in the town of Thomas, is a family-friendly music venue, deli-style restaurant and bar. Every week (and always on Fridays and Saturday nights) Purple Fiddle hosts professional, touring acts from around the country. Offering both an indoor and outdoor venue, Milo’s Cafe in Davis features local musicians on most Sunday evenings. Throughout the summer, Smiles and Saddles feature a variety of regional bands in their arena Saturday evenings starting Memorial Day Weekend. During Friday summer evenings (late May – early September), Canaan Resort presents the Mountainside Music Series at the slopes of the ski resort. Bring your own chair and listen to the talent.

For a family that appreciates the natural world, the possibilities are endless in Tucker County. Exploring the abundance of outdoor recreation will create memories that will last a lifetime for your family. Step outside the Inn at Canaan and play the 18 holes of our new miniature golf course. While in Canaan Valley enjoy a scenic chair lift ride at the ski resort any day of the week. In addition, the resort offers a climbing wall, euro-bungee, full sized outdoor pool and turtle slide land tubing for kids’ entertainment. Another great way to spend the day is with Mountain Trail Rides offering horseback rides daily and Triple C Farm and Schoolhouse Discovery Center specializing in entertaining the youth with a petting zoo.

Staying true to Tucker County’s character, the Davis Boulder Park is a welcoming space for young climbers to try their hand at rock climbing. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures in St. George offers every type of water activity for the family. From flatwater tubing, canoeing, and standup paddleboarding to the whitewater thrill of rafting, these activities are ideal for family fun. Add the Splash Park and playground at Mill Race Park for the little ones while in Parsons.

Inclement weather can be a bummer for everyone, but don’t worry, there are creative ways that you can spend your time here even if it’s raining. Visit the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia in Davis and learn about the history of winter activities of the area. Just down the road from the Inn is Trail Labs where you can still enjoy your outdoor fun whilst being inside. Trail Labs has a rock-climbing wall located inside as well a recreation facility and indoor pump track. Smoke Hole Caverns and Seneca Caverns are only a short 35-minute drive where you can go underground and learn about caves while on a guided tour. 

West Virginia is a fishing paradise where there is plenty of space for true wilderness and escaping everyday life. And that stays true while in Canaan Valley. Several species of fish are found in the lakes and rivers of Tucker County, West Virginia. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources is an incredible asset for the stocking of these trout rivers.  The Blackwater River slowly meanders through Canaan Valley with convenient access and an ADA accessible fishing pier can be found on Camp 70 Road. Stocked from March through May with brown, golden, and rainbow trout, the Dry Fork River is wide and very user friendly through the Dry Fork Valley along River Road. Lake Thomas is a reservoir at the Thomas City Park and is fed by the North Fork of the Blackwater River. Bass and trout are favorite catches along with catfish and bluegill. An ADA accessible fishing pier as well as a boat launch for non-motorized boats, restrooms, easy access and parking can be found at the pavilion area in the park. Pendleton Lake is located at the Nature Center in Blackwater Falls State Park. The lake has an abundance largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and is stocked every spring with trout. Kayak and paddle boat rentals are available onsite.

Convenience is key when it comes to finding your next adventure. Tucker County is known for its endless outdoor adventure and some of the best hiking and biking trails in the state. Several areas within Canaan Valley offer an ample number of easy trails for hiking and biking. A breathtaking panorama of Canaan Valley, the highest valley in the East of the Mississippi, awaits hikers from the top of Bald Knob in Canaan Valley State Park. Hike to the top from the valley floor or take scenic chairlift from Canaan Ski Resort. Another trail within Canaan Valley Resort is the 5.5 mile Promised Land multi-purpose biking trail. This is perfect for beginners wanting to practice their mountain biking skills.

Stunning waterfall features and wild scenic overlooks make Blackwater Falls State Park a natural treasure, and the 57-foot Blackwater Falls are its crown jewel. An easy hike within Blackwater Falls State Park is around a half-mile in and out hike to Lindy Point. This trail is the most popular trail in the state park and can get a bit crowded but it rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Blackwater Canyon in every direction. At just under three miles long, Pase Point Trail, is rated as a moderate trail and is accessible year-round. Accessible by hiking or biking, the trail features Pendleton Lake and passes through dense stands of forest and rhododendron and finally descends to Pase Point Overlook, a rock outcrop with gorgeous views of the Blackwater Canyon.

The Monongahela National Forest is full of iconic areas for hiking. The Dolly Sods Wilderness and Scenic Area is one of the state’s most treasured assets. Situated atop one of the highest plateaus in the eastern United States, the area is characterized by weather typically found much further north in Canada. Other challenging hikes in the area are Otter Creek Wilderness Area and Seneca Rocks. Hiking is also available on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Tucker County especially the Canaan Valley and Davis area have long been a mecca for mountain biking. The welcoming folks at Blackwater Bikes or Trail Labs are happy to provide you with information on local biking trails and route options while you stock up on fuel and pick up local trail maps. Trail Labs also has an indoor biking facility along with adult beverage and food to enjoy before or after your adventure. Check out the Heart of the Highlands website for more information on trails within Canaan Valley and the surrounding area.