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Monongahela National Forest

June 24, 2018 - June 30, 2018

Trip Navigation

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 structures have diminished the quality of recreation opportunity in the area. These sections of trail currently don’t receive much day to day use due to their present condition, making this a severely underutilized high priority backcountry loop. Trail use does still occur which has caused mud filled spots to widen and worsen. The project on Plantation trail will focus on cutting back Rhododendron from the trail to allow a wider trail corridor and greater evaporation of water from the tread. On Pointy Knob trail, the focus will be on repairing and installing crossings and elevated trail tread in chronically wet areas. Improving these specific trail sections will improve what is an exceptional backcountry loop that includes a branch off to visit Table Rock, one of the most gorgeous overlooks in the area.

Meet the Crew Leader for this trip.

Host

Forest Service

Accommodations

Dormitory/Bunkhouse

Hiking/Access

Day Hiking up to 4 miles per day

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

9

Area and Attractions

Nestled in the mountains of the Potomac Highlands 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 late June 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, three 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 D.C.

Location

Monongahela National Forest
6263 Appalachian Highway, Davis, WV 26260 United States
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