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Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Mountain Backcountry

July 19, 2020 - July 25, 2020

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TRIP CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19:

 

Canaan Mountain Backcountry is located on a high elevation plateau ranging in elevations from 3,100 to 4,145 feet. This is a semi-primitive area that includes many seasonally wet places. Poor drainage from trail surfaces, dense rhododendron thickets, and broken bog crossing structure have diminished the quality of recreation opportunities in the area. This trail section currently doesn’t receive much day to day use due to present conditions, making this a severely underutilized trail that could be part of a highly sought after backcountry loop. Trail use does still occur which has caused mud filled spots to widen and worsen. On Lindy Run Trail, the focus will be on both the demolition and construction phases of a boardwalk replacement project. This trail will provide a greater variety of backcountry loop options that can include a branch off to visit Table Rock, one of the most gorgeous overlooks in the area. This project is priority for the ranger district because it will link up already accomplished work in the area to provide for a better overall experience for locals and visitors alike. In 2018, a group of American Hiking Society Volunteers replaced a similar boardwalk on Pointy Knob Trail # 139 which connects to Lindy Run and other trails on Canaan Mountain.

Register

Host

US Forest Service

Accommodations

Dormitory/Bunkhouse

Hiking/Access

Day hiking up to 3 miles each work day

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

8

Area and Attractions

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia is Tucker County, a backcountry mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. With two state parks, two wilderness areas, a wildlife refuge, and countless more public lands to enjoy, there is no hiding from the spectacular beauty and wildness offered in just this one county alone! The work area, Canaan Mountain Backcountry (part of Monongahela National Forest), offers spectacular views from our overlook off of the Table Rock trail, many miles of other trails, and a native and wild brook trout stream. We picked July for this volunteer vacation opportunity because the Rhododendron will be in bloom which will offer spectacular scenery throughout the project area and the rest of the county! Nearby Blackwater Falls State Park boasts 3 breathtaking overlooks and the 63 foot Blackwater Falls. The neighboring towns of Davis and Thomas offer eclectic food, two local breweries, art galleries, outdoor outfitters, coffee shops, and a one of a kind music venue, the Purple Fiddle. Although transportation is available to the job site, bringing your own car to see all that Tucker County has to offer is highly recommended. There is nothing like stomping your feet to a bluegrass band all night at the Purple Fiddle after treading lightly on the trails all day!

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay in a dormitory style Forest Service cabin located just outside the boundary to the awe inspiring Dolly Sods Wilderness. The cabin is located right next to the Red Creek trailhead leading into the Wilderness area. With this perk comes one downfall; there is no cell phone coverage in and around the cabin. There are two rooms that have seven twin beds each, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower. Volunteers should bring a sleeping bag or linens and pillow, towels, and personal gear.

Travel

Airport Pickup Provided from Dulles International Airport. Airport pickup and dropoff times will be sent to registrants when the trip is confirmed.

Location

Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Mountain Backcountry
2499 North Fork Highway, Petersburg, WV 26847 United States