Destination: Davis, WV
Expect technical and rocky trails when visiting Davis and the Canaan Valley in West Virginia. Finishing up the Moon Rock/Hoo Doo Rocks loop…
If you have been riding for long enough in the Mid-Atlantic region you’ll know that Davis and the Canaan Valley in WV has always been a popular destination with mountain bikers in the D.C. area and beyond.
Early in the 90s opportunities for off-road cycling were few and far in between in the D.C. region. Other than Wakefield Park in Annandale and a handful of other local trails there was not much to choose from. Access to the Frederick Watershed was still an issue and many of the trails in Montgomery County Maryland and Patapsco Valley State Park in Howard County were mostly off limits to bikes, with some exceptions.
So, local off-road enthusiasts often ventured away from the Capital region to places like Gambrill State Park, the George Washington National Forest and destinations like Davis, WV. Back then, The Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts held their annual camping trip at Blackwater Falls state park and would organize rides along many of the legacy trails in Davis, among others the Dobbin House Trail Network, The Plantation Trail and other back-country gems in Canaan Valley.
Circa 1994 - The MORE crew poses in front of the original Blackwater Bikes Shop location in Davis, WV.
The area started to gain international attention in 1992 when local resident Laird Knight organized one of the first and most grueling endurance bike races in the world, the 24 hours of Canaan. The race would pit teams of riders and a few brave soloists, riding laps around a series of challenging trails - often in brutal conditions. The race became legendary for its camaraderie, its quirky teams and the wild stories that often followed.
Compared to the hot and humid summers in Northern Virginia and D.C., the Valley was (is) relatively cool, so it provided a nice escape from the city and its suburbs; the allure of riding the same trails that were featured in the 24 hour race lured many of us in.
The success of the 24 hour races helped further establish Davis and Canaan Valley as a premier mountain biking destination and local residents began efforts to improve the area’s offerings. It was clearly evident that mountain biking, along with other recreational outdoor activities, provided the area with great economical benefits. Today, there are various local organizations that have and continue to help build and maintain the trails featured here, including the Heart Of Highlands, Canaan Valley State Park, the Black Water Bicycle Association, and other dedicated volunteers.
My first experience with Canaan was while I was in the Army in 1992. My buddy Shawn and I ventured to the Valley for a weekend camping trip at Blackwater Falls State Park and rode the Plantation trail (I still have a scar on my knee from that outing), The Dobbin House Trail and the Canaan Loop gravel roads. Shawn fell in love with the area and years later, after staying with friends and renting cabins and rooms, he purchased a second home at Timberline. To this day I visit with him so we can ride some of our favorite trails and reminisce about that camping trip a lifetime ago.
The rides I feature below represent only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Davis and the Valley. If you are making the trip to Davis I also recommend incorporating the trails at Deep Creek Lake in McHenry MD.
Camp 70 - Moon Rocks, Hoo Doo Rocks
My local favorites - The Moon Rocks and Hoo Doo Rock trails loop are part of the Heart of the Highlands Trail System. These trails are located within the Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area and are known for their unique rock formations, challenging terrain and scenic views. Both trails offer a mix of rocky paths and forested areas, The Hoo Doo Rock trail features striking hoodoo formations, which are tall, thin spires of rock that have been naturally eroded over time.
If you are really adventurous and a glutton for punishment, add the trails directly across the river to this loop, including Hellbender and SplashDam.
Top of Moon Rocks - heading back toward Hood Rocks - this little rock drop is much steeper than the photo suggests…
The Promised Land - WV flow
The Promised Land trail featured in the Where to Ride section of the site is a super fun loop that deviates from the “standard “ Canaan Valley offerings. The trail was machine built and offers flowy singletrack that’s perfect for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. The trail, built in 2019, features bermed corners, gentle climbs, and rolling terrain, making it a fun and accessible ride for all skill levels. The Promised Land Trail is used as course for NICA youth races and loops around the plateau above the park lodge and connects with other trails offering options for longer rides.
A quick taste of some of the flow along the Promised Land Trail in Canaan Valley.
The Plantation Trail
The Plantation Trail is a legendary singletrack route known for its rugged, raw, and technical terrain. The trail stretches for about 8 miles through the heart of Canaan Mountain and challenges riders with relentless rock gardens, roots, bogs, and stream crossings.
The first time I tackled this beast was in 1992 with my buddy Shawn, now a local resident. Shawn rode the trail on a hybrid bike, so you, in your fancy FS rig CAN tackle this monster ;-) I left the trail with a deep gash on my knee when it collided with a sharp rock - scarred to this day. Back then we rode the trail from the route 32 trailhead and returned to the starting point along the south side of Canaan Loop Rd. The ride was very similar to this one, albeit, we tackled the trail's entire length.
This trail is not for the faint of heart; it's a classic technical and brutal backcountry ride that when completed, will fill you with a deep sense of accomplishment.
You’ll either love the challenge or just hate the outing, there is no in between with this Canaan Valley ribbon of singletrack.
Pendleton Lake - The Dobbin House Trail
The Dobbin House Trail at Pendleton Lake is a highly rewarding and technical singletrack loop through dense forest and rocky terrain.The ride starts at the Pendleton Lake parking area, after crossing the wooden bridge the trail will quickly test your skill and stamina. You can also access the trail directly from the town of Davis, the route I present here does ust that - along the way you get to sample other local gems. The trail is best ridden clockwise.
Gravel
I have only ridden portions of the routes below. specifically along Canaan Loop Road to access several singletrack trailsin the area, I present them here so you can craft your own routes.
Canaan Loop Road (MTB Project)
Canaan Valley and the Forks of Cheat - Bikepacking.com
