West Virginia's Canaan Valley, enjoying the limelight as the nation's 500th wildlife refuge, is located in a high elevation valley and comprised of a diverse mix of wetlands, forestland and grassy meadows.
   Ideas about adding this unique land to the growing list of preserves surfaced in the 1950s. Repeatedly bypassed, the Monongahela Power Company proposed to flood the valley, utilizing the potential for cheap hydroelectric power. Blocked by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the EPA appointed a Canaan Valley taskforce to study the area. A painstaking four year study concluded with the establishment of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Comprised of a scant 84 acres, subsequent land acquisitions added over 15,000 acres.
   This reflective view in a Canaan Valley pond offers a great prelude to the autumn landscape in the Allegheny Mountains. Forty miles of trails lead to all sorts of scenic viewpoints throughout the preserve. Paved roads are limited to seven miles, with the remainder of trails accessed by foot, horseback, bicycle, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With park hour extending an hour before sun-up and a hour after sunset, there's plenty of time to explore this marvelous preserve.

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