Ride Overview
I’ve been visiting Davis, West Virginia and the Canaan Valley since the early 1990s, when local riding options around Washington, DC were limited and the rocky singletrack of Canaan felt like a true promised land for urban riders. While many of the area’s classic trails remain unchanged, a new addition now offers something entirely different.
The Promised Land Trail is a bit of an anomaly in a region defined by rocks and old-school technical riding. Unlike nearby classics such as the Plantation Trail, Moon Rocks, and Hoo Doo Rocks, this machine-built trail emphasizes flow, sustainability, and accessibility.
The loop is incredibly fun and approachable for a wide range of riders. While true beginners may find portions challenging, the Promised Land is an excellent trail for helping newer riders build confidence and for giving intermediate riders a fast, playful experience in the heart of Canaan Valley.
rail navigation is straightforward on the Promised Land, with clear signage and maps available at key intersections throughout the system.
Ride Details at a Glance
Location: Davis, WV
Length: ~6.3 miles
Ride Time: 1–2 hours, depending on pace
Ride Type: Mountain Bike
Difficulty: Level 3/Intermediate
Ride Notes: Completed in 2019, the Promised Land Trail was developed through a partnership between the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the local mountain biking community. The project added a more accessible and sustainable option to the Canaan Valley trail inventory, complementing the area’s traditionally rugged riding.
The Promised Land caters especially well to beginner and intermediate riders, offering flowy sections, gentle grades, and predictable trail features while still delivering plenty of fun for more experienced riders. It’s a destination-worthy loop and a welcome contrast to the technical demands of the surrounding classics.
Riders can extend this loop by combining it with other nearby trails in the Canaan Valley area, creating longer and more varied rides. Continued collaboration between land managers and local trail advocates supports future trail development and improved connectivity within the region.
A quick point-of-view glimpse of one of the flowing sections on the Promised Land trail in Canaan Valley near Davis, West Virginia.
Route Map
The interactive route map below shows the loop described above and allows riders to explore the route in more detail.