Uncategorized Archives - Best of Canaan • Canaan Valley Vacation Rental & Real Estate

Aug 02 2025

Your Guide to Exploring Dolly Sods Wilderness

If you are searching for a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure in West Virginia, Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Canaan Valley area is the perfect place to begin. Known for its sweeping vistas, unique plant life, and rugged hiking trails, this high plateau in the Monongahela National Forest feels worlds away from everyday life. You can find your ideal Canaan Valley vacation rental from Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals!

The Dolly Sods Wilderness Is a Landscape Like No Other

The Dolly Sods Wilderness sits at an elevation as high as 4,000 feet. This height creates a unique climate that resembles areas much farther north, making it a fascinating spot for nature lovers. You will see heath barrens, bogs, and rocky plains, along with spruce forests that look like something from Canada. The mix of terrain makes the area especially popular for photographers and bird watchers.

Enjoy Hiking the Dolly Sods Wilderness Trails

Bear Rocks Trail: A favorite for first time visitors, this trail leads to stunning overlooks.
Raven Ridge Trail: This Dolly Sods Wilderness hiking trail offers multiple lookout points, including views southwest into Dolly Sods, east toward Bear Rocks, and into the open valley near Red Creek.
Blackbird Knob Trail: Enjoy scenes of waterfalls and swimming holes along Red Creek, sweeping views from Rocky Ridge and Raven Ridge, and a mix of rugged highlands, meadows, and forested sections.
Rocky Point Trail: Explore a nearly 2-mile route that connects the Red Creek and Big Stonecoal trails, winding through pine stands and rocky terrain before opening into a clearing with some of the best canyon views in the area.
Red Creek Trail: This Dolly Sods Wilderness trail begins at Laneville Cabin, following an old logging railroad grade along Red Creek. It passes through meadows, forests, and sub-alpine terrain.
Rohrbaugh Trail: The trail begins at the Fisher Spring Run trailhead and follows forested paths, streams, and thickets of rhododendron before reaching overlooks that offer expansive views of the Red Creek basin and Lions Head.

Go Berry Picking in Dolly Sods During the Summer and Fall

Berry picking in the Dolly Sods Wilderness is a favorite summer and early fall activity, thanks to the region’s unique high plateau ecosystem and cool climate. Expansive meadows and open ridges provide ideal conditions for wild blueberries and huckleberries, which are especially abundant from mid-July through late August. Cranberries grow in the wetter areas and are typically ready for harvest in September, especially near the headwaters of Red Creek.

Let Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals help you find the ideal Canaan Valley vacation rental for your adventure!

Jul 01 2025

Enjoy the Best Affordable Vacations for Families

At Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals, we’ve helped families plan meaningful and affordable vacations for years. Our guests appreciate the personal attention and insight from our staff of locals who can’t imagine living anywhere else! We believe every family deserves the chance to make lasting memories, no matter their budget. Book your home away from home today in one of our vacation rentals in Canaan Valley, WV!

Why We Offer the Best Affordable Vacations for Families

Canaan Valley offers affordable vacations with endless opportunities for families to enjoy nature, connect with each other no matter the season. Below are just a few of the many highlights:

Fall Colors and Mountain Magic

Vibrant foliage, crisp air, and golden light create the perfect setting for a peaceful and affordable family getaway. Take in the colors from hiking trails to overlooks like Bald Knob or Lindy Point, or enjoy panoramic views from Bear Rocks Preserve or the Olson Tower. Families can also enjoy scenic chairlift rides or a sunset horseback outing through colorful forests.

Winter Fun on the Slopes

Winter vacations in Canaan Valley offer affordable skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for families at Canaan Valley Resort, White Grass Touring Center, and Timberline Mountain. With lift tickets and rentals priced more reasonably than many major ski destinations, families can enjoy world-class winter activities at reasonable prices.

Spring Surprises in the Mountains

Families can hike or bike blooming wildflower trails, forage for wild ramps, or fish in mountain streams. Don’t miss the ArtSpring Festival in nearby Thomas, a family-friendly celebration of local art, music, and food.

Summer Adventures That Won’t Break the Bank

Canaan Valley is the ultimate summer playground for families in search of affordable vacations. Cool off at the Mill Race Park splash pad, paddle the Blackwater River, or fish for trout at Canaan Trout Ranch. For a bit of excitement, try whitewater rafting with Blackwater Outdoor Center. Round out the day with blueberry picking or live music at the Pickin’ In Parsons Bluegrass Festival.

Comfortable Canaan Valley Vacation Rentals for Every Budget

Our curated collection of Canaan Valley vacation rental homes makes it easy to find a place that fits your family’s size and budget. Choose your ideal Canaan Valley vacation rental from family-friendly amenities such as full kitchens, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces. Save even more by cooking meals at home and enjoying quiet evenings by the fireplace or under the stars.

Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals offers the best affordable vacations for families! Book your stay today!

Jun 26 2025

Enjoy Dog-Friendly Vacations in Canaan Valley

If you’re planning your next getaway and can’t imagine leaving your furry friend behind, you’re in luck. Canaan Valley, West Virginia, is one of the top destinations for dog-friendly vacations, offering serenity, small-town charm, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. At Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals, we know how important it is to find accommodations and destinations that welcome your whole family—including your dog. That’s why we offer a variety of dog-friendly vacation rentals for you to choose from.

We also assembled this guide below to the best dog-friendly places to explore in and around Canaan Valley!

Why Choose Canaan Valley for Dog-Friendly Vacations?

Canaan Valley offers wide-open landscapes, pet-welcoming trails, and peaceful mountain retreats—ideal for both you and your four-legged companion. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, relaxing by the fire pit, or exploring charming local towns, dog-friendly vacations in Canaan Valley are as relaxing as they are adventurous.

Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals also offers a premium selection of dog-friendly homes!

Best 4 Dog-Friendly Places to Visit in Canaan Valley

1. Blackwater Falls State Park

One of the most popular attractions for dog-friendly vacations in West Virginia is Blackwater Falls State Park, which offers miles of dog-friendly hiking trails. Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the park’s scenic overlooks, rushing waterfalls, and forested paths.

2. Canaan Valley Resort State Park

From expansive meadows to wooded trails, Canaan Valley Resort welcomes well-behaved dogs on leashes throughout the park. Whether you’re snowshoeing in winter or hiking in the warmer months, it’s one of the best spots for outdoor-loving pets and their owners.

3. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area

If your dog enjoys longer treks, Dolly Sods offers breathtaking backcountry hiking just a short drive from Canaan Valley. Make sure to bring a leash and plenty of water, and be prepared for jaw-dropping views. The dog-friendly hiking trails are a must-see for unforgettable Canaan Valley vacations!

4. Pet-Friendly Places in Davis & Thomas

These neighboring mountain towns are both walkable and welcoming. You’ll find pet-friendly cafes and breweries that don’t mind a friendly pup on a leash. Don’t miss out on local dog-friendly places like Stumptown Ales, Milo’s Cafe and Restaurant, and The Purple Fiddle.

Stay in Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Canaan Valley, WV

Successful dog-friendly vacations start with the right place to stay. Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals offers a wide selection of dog-friendly vacation homes with the space, comfort, and access you need to relax and explore. Many of our Canaan Valley WV Rentals include:

Private yards or open property for your dog to roam
Nearby access to trails and natural areas
Fully equipped kitchens, firepits, and mountain views

There’s no need to leave your best friend behind when you book your stay with Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals!

May 02 2025

Have a Blast with Canaan Valley Summer Activities

Do you have your summer vacation plans figured out? If you’re still deciding where to go, West Virginia’s Canaan Valley is filled with summer activities for all ages and interests and should be at the top of your list. The first step is reserving your home base from Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals. Our vacation rentals are close to everything you need for the best trip possible, including some of the best summer activities Canaan Valley has to offer!

9 Things to Do in Canaan Valley on a Family Summer Vacation

Canaan Valley offers a blend of outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, and relaxing summer activities. All of this adds up to one phenomenal summer vacation destination. To help you make the most out of your visit, here are nine of our favorites:

Go for a walk along the over 18 miles of trails inside Canaan Valley Resort State Park. During your adventure, take in views of wetlands, meadows, and forests.
For a bit of a thrill, go mountain biking. Local favorites include the Blackwater Canyon Trail and Splash Dam Trail.
Spend time out on the water, kayaking or canoeing on Blackwater River or Red Creek. Blackwater Outdoor Adventures has equipment you can rent by the mile.
Another one of the best summer activities to take in the local scenery is riding the scenic chairlift at Canaan Valley Resort. Choose to ride the lift both ways or hike your way back to base camp.
Cast your line and see what you can reel in fishing. There are several spots to choose from, including Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Play a round of golf at the Canaan Valley Resort golf course. The 18-hole championship course, known for its panoramic mountain scenery, is ideal for golfers of all skill levels.
Explore the Canaan Valley Farmers Market. Held on Fridays in Davis, the market is a great place to shop for fresh produce, local meats, cheese, and handmade goods.
Stay up late and go stargazing. Canaan Valley has little light pollution, so you can see constellations better.
Go huckleberry and blueberry picking in the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. Use what you find to make a delicious pie back at your Canaan Valley rental.

Reserve Your Canaan Valley Rental

Staying at a cabin from Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals means some of the best summer activities in Canaan Valley are right at your fingertips. Our inventory includes well-appointed accommodations ranging from cozy cottages to mountain cabins with hot tubs. Find your perfect summer home away from home by browsing our vacation rentals in Canaan Valley today!

Apr 02 2025

Book the Best Fishing Trip in West Virginia

Canaan Valley, West Virginia, is a hidden gem for anglers seeking unforgettable fishing experiences in the stunning landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains. With Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals as your Canaan Valley home base, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable experience in one of the state’s most beautiful regions. Offering comfortable accommodations and expert local insight, we can make planning your ideal fishing getaway easier than ever!

Discover the Fishing Opportunities in West Virginia

West Virginia is home to more than 20,000 miles of streams and over 100 public fishing lakes. This diverse aquatic terrain is ideal for catching everything from rainbow trout and smallmouth bass to muskellunge and channel catfish.

Some of the top fishing destinations in the Canaan Valley, West Virginia area include:

Blackwater River

The river begins in a coastal plain swamp in Prince George County, flowing through channels lined with bald cypress and tupelo trees before joining the Nottoway River to form the Chowan River near the Virginia-North Carolina border. With a gentle current, it is ideal for canoeing or kayaking, providing a peaceful trip through wildlife-rich wetlands.

Spring fishing trips in this West Virginia treasure offer runs of striped bass, American and hickory shad, river herring, redbreast, and redear sunfish. Year-round, the river hosts largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, blue catfish, flier, and chain pickerel. For an added challenge, anglers can target bowfin and gar in the lower river for a chance at a trophy catch.

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Fishing at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia offers anglers a peaceful and accessible experience with 14 miles of Blackwater River waters, its four tributaries, and two beaver ponds. For improved accessibility, the refuge features two ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch points along the river, along with an ADA-accessible fishing pier located off Timber Line Road, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty and angling experiences of the region.

Spruce Knob Lake

Spruce Knob Lake is one of the most scenic and high-quality trout fishing destinations in West Virginia. It’s at the highest elevation of any lake in the state. This 23-acre lake is stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources from March to May. It has a small boat launch for kayaks, canoes, and electric motors, along with a barrier-free fishing pier, parking, and vault toilets. A flat 1-mile trail around the lake is perfect for birdwatching. In winter, activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Book Your Stay in Canaan Valley Cabins With Hot Tubs

Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals offers a lovely selection of Canaan Valley cabins for your West Virginia fishing trip. From cozy cottages to large mountain lodges, Best of Canaan’s properties include fully equipped kitchens, outdoor grills, and ample space to store gear—everything you need after a long day of casting lines!