Almost Heaven...West Virginia. With its breathtaking vistas, country roads and mountain air, West Virginia does feel like Heaven. Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is the only state entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range and has an average elevation of 1,654 feet. Tucker County is home to some of West Virginia's most photographed spots.
Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains, over half of Tucker County is designated as National Forest, Federal Wilderness, Fish and Wildlife Refuge and State Park lands. It is no wonder the area is a top destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts and nature lovers .
Canaan Valley
In northeastern Tucker County lies Canaan Valley, an area known for extensive wetlands and the Blackwater River, which spills out of the valley at Blackwater Falls. Canaan Valley is also home to the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the nation's 500th National Wildlife Refuge, designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.
It is a perfect area for thrill seekers, with ski trails, hiking trails, fishing and wildlife viewing, all common activities.
Davis
Situated along the Blackwater River in Tucker County is Davis. The town has the highest average elevation in the state at over 3,100 feet. Located in the northern portion of Canaan Valley and is partially surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest.
Davis is a vibrant town, with eclectic shops and great food. Wild Ginger and Spice and Emerald Tree Boutique have unique items, including handmade dog treats, funky accessories and CBD salve. And no visit to Davis is complete without a stop at Sirianni's Café, which serves pizza and a variety of Italian delights.
Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls is named for the amber waters that are tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. After parking your car, you can hear its roar heard before you see its breathtaking 57 foot cascade.
There are two ways to view the iconic falls. Visitors can take about 100 steps down to the viewing platforms nearest the falls. Or if steps aren’t your thing, there are also gentle overlooks, which don’t require as many steps. No matter which you choose, you will be awestruck by the falls.
Blackwater Falls State Park also has 20 miles of hiking trails, the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast in the winter.
Lindy Point
After visiting Blackwater Falls, its a short drive to Lindy Point, where you can enjoy views of the Blackwater Canyon.
Lindy Point is about half mile from the small parking area via a rocky dirt trail that gradually descends through a forest full of beautiful hemlock, spruce, and hardwood trees. Once you get through the trees, the view opens up to Lindy Point. Famous for its sunsets, its not unusual to see several photographers trying to capture the view.
Bear Rocks Preserve
Located in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, Bear Rocks sits on the Eastern Continental Divide, on the crest of the Allegheny front. To the one side of the ridge, all the water flows to the Atlantic, while on the other side of the ridge, waters from flow to the Gulf of Mexico.
Entering Dolly Sods is like entering another world. Accessible only by forest roads, be prepared for a bumpy ride to the top. On the drive up you'll notice the landscape change to a flat, windswept expanse of subalpine heath barrens. Stunted red spruce, ancient bogs and forlorn boulders define this landscape, where creatures typically found in more northern environs roam oblivious to their geologic isolation.
From the trail head, visitors can enjoy vistas over the South Branch Potomac River and can extend eastward to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
Wild, wonderful, West Virgina - its almost Heaven.
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