A beaver pond surrounded by lush green shrubs and dotted with standing dead trees is depicted in early morning sunrise. In the background is mixed hardwood-evergreen forest background by gentle mountains.

Canaan Valley

National Wildlife Refuge

There are no fees for access to the refuge.

Pass details

Sunrise - Sunset

Detailed hours

6263 Appalachian Highway
Davis, WV 26260-8061

Lead-free Hunting Ammunition Incentive Program

Try lead-free ammunition for free or at a reduced cost this hunting season!

Hunters of Canaan Valley NWR can submit receipts to receive a gift card for up to $50 per box of lead-free hunting ammunition ($25/box for shotgun or muzzleloader and $50/box for rifle). This is first come, first served, with a limit of two boxes of ammunition per eligible hunter. To learn more about the initiative and to submit receipts for the incentive program, use the link below:

Hunt Lead-free

Plan Your Visit

Welcome to Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge! The refuge conserves, protects, and manages a mosaic of wetland, forested, and early successional habitat that supports migratory birds and rare wildlife. Stop in the Visitor Center or use this website to learn how you can enjoy YOUR refuge!

The refuge is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (and closed during federal holidays). Hours are subject to change. There are no fees for access to the refuge. Roads and trails may be closed seasonally due to inclement weather or refuge activities, with notices posted on this webpage. The speed limit on refuge-managed roads is 15 mph unless otherwise noted.

Visitors must stay on designated roads and trails. Dogs on a leash are permitted on all refuge trails save for the Freeland Boardwalk Trail.

Interactive Map

Hours

Opens: Sunrise

Closes: Sunset

Detailed hours

Safety Policies

Federal Wildlife Officers: 304-815-3000

For emergencies: 911

Rules and Policies

Passes

Onsite:

There are no fees for access to the refuge. Hunt permits and most special use permits are also free of charge.

Get Involved

Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents.

There are many ways to get involved with Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, including volunteer opportunities, educational programs, internships, partnerships, and more. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/canaan-valley/get-involved

Volunteer Opportunities

Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

View volunteer opportunities

Services

Overnight Parking Permit on FR80

About

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1994, is the nation's 500th refuge and currently encompasses 18,986 acres. Its unique high-elevation climate supports a diverse array of species more typical of northern latitudes, including 580 plant species and 288 animal species. The refuge preserves the largest wetland complex in West Virginia and the central Appalachians, ensuring the ecological integrity of the upper Blackwater River watershed.

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