Canaan Valley Resort State Park - Deer Run Trail - Hiking

Review

Intro

Canaan Valley Resort State Park is in scenic Tucker County, near Davis, WV. The park is home to 11 marked trails that cover more than 18 miles of terrain, from woodland forests and valley wetlands to meadows and rocky mountain peaks. Amid the wetlands of Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Deer Run Trail extends from the Main Lodge to the Nature Center. The trail journeys into the park’s Wildlife Observation Area, where you can see the diverse wildlife and plant life of the woodlands and wetlands.

Intersecting Deer Run Trail are Abe Run Trail, a .75-mile segment, and Mill Run Trail, a 1-mile loop, each marked in a different color blaze. Deer Run Trail is open year-round, but trail surfaces may be wet or damp, and it may flood if there’s heavy rainfall, especially in wetland areas.

What Makes It Great

Beginning at the Nature Center trailhead, Deer Run Trail greets you with a canopy of entangled hemlocks and evergreens, which provide shady coverage during the entire 1.5-mile hike to the Main Lodge. Boardwalk segments let you experience the beauty of Canaan Valley’s unique wetlands in the comfort of dry shoes.

A short distance down the trail, the Wildlife Observation Area has a wooden platform and bench where you can enjoy the plants and animals. Along the trail, you might see large game animals like deer, and even black bear, but more elusive species also call the forest home. Watch for red squirrels, frogs, salamanders, chickadees, titmouse, and several species of birds, including hawks, woodpeckers, hermit thrush, Kinglets, magnolia, and black throated warblers.

The intersecting Mill Run Trail is an easily accessible loop that winds through the meadow of the wetlands. The trail is easy, but you’ll need to keep an eye out for tree roots.

Who is Going to Love It

Perfect for non-hikers, families, and beginners, Deer Run Trail is an easy trek through a variety of terrain, from everyday grass to knotty tree roots and wetland boardwalks. Nature lovers, especially birdwatchers, will enjoy this little stretch. Deer Run is an a serene spot for photography or a quick, low-key hike. Even the experienced hiker will love the views along the wetland boardwalks, and appreciate the unique mixture of wildlife.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Deer Run trailheads are at the Main Lodge and the Nature Center. There is free parking for guests at both trailheads. Don’t approach or feed wildlife.