Parsons / Thomas / Davis / Canaan Valley
Click here for a smartphone friendly cloud doc for Things to Do On-Site and Nearby
So much to see and do nearby in the river valley and on the mountain top.
The best resource for the mountaintop: www.CanaanValley.org -- by Tucker County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce.
1. Thomas and Davis are former 19th and early 20th century coal mining towns turned tourist mecca's.
Things to do, eateries, brewpubs, antiques, galleries, shopping, ice cream, coffee shops and bakery, etc. sorted at the above weblink by our 4 towns -- Thomas / Davis / Canaan Valley and Parsons.
2. Check out both State Park Lodges
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The lodges at Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls offer dining options. Check directly with each lodge for current menus, hours, and prices.
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Blackwater Falls State Park and Lodge has many Blackwater canyon overlooks including one behind the lodge, Pendleton Point, Pase Point, and Lindy Point. And don't miss the short Elakala Falls trail just to the left of the Lodge. Of course, Blackwater Falls itself is amazing and shouldn’t be missed!
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For scenic chairlift rides at Canaan Valley, check the resort’s current operating schedule and ticket prices.
3.Check out Douglas Falls in nearby Thomas along the Blackwater River.... also includes Alfred and Kennedy Falls -- google for directions, photos and details.
4. Check out Dolly Sods -- just past Canaan Valley off Rt. 32, skip the first entrance road (Lanesville rd. and take the 2nd entrance road just past Camden's Corner Mart in Dryfork (great sandwiches and sweets!) -- Bonnner Mountain Rd.
Make your goal Bear Rocks Preserve (google it / map it).
Roads toward Bear Rocks include gravel sections and may have seasonal closures. Check current access and weather before traveling, and download your route in advance.
( - Things to Do On-Site and More Below - )
At Camp: Our Beach, River Tubes, Community Grill Pit
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We have an amazing sandy beach at Brooklyn Heights Camp for all to enjoy. Located at the far end of camp upstream along the river. Bring the family down to water fun and please keep dogs on leash!
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Bring your own river equipment and appropriate flotation. Equipment availability and river conditions vary; check with Vince before planning water activities.
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Bring you own kayaks to enjoy the flat waters or more.
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There is also a couple of community bon-fire pits at the beach and a large grill pit for anyone to use and enjoy. Firewood is for sale by the wheelbarrow at $12.50 per packed wheelbarrow.
At Camp: Islands to Explore -
Explore the riverfront only when conditions allow. Stay out of the river during high water, flooding, or strong currents. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings; never build fires on the shoreline or rocks.
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Use only open, designated river access areas and follow posted signs. No island camping.
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At Camp: Our Waterfall
Near the main entrance, a seasonal waterfall cascades down the hillside toward the river. Enjoy it from an established path; flow varies with rainfall. Do not climb wet rocks or approach during high water or storms.
At / Nearby Camp: Hike, Bike, Rollerblade & Swim
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Brooklyn Heights Road is a dead end river road -- perfect for biking and rollerblading and long walks.
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Walk downstream on Brooklyn Heights Rd. about 1/2 mile to the Hendricks Swinging Bridge (a pedestrian cable suspension bridge over the river to the town of Hendricks). Note the tall cascading waterfall feature on your left as you leave the camp area. Can be dry during summer droughts.
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Cross the bridge and up ahead on the left begins the Allegheny Highlands Bike Trail -- 1st 4 miles to Parsons make for a beautiful walk or bike ride -- take your kids or dogs and enjoy the riverfront scenery and seasonal waterfalls along the first 2 miles or so of this trail!
Blackwater Canyon Bike Trail Shuttle
Contact Blackwater Bikes in Davis directly to confirm current shuttle availability, pickup arrangements, capacity, and pricing before planning your ride.
Fernow Experimental Forest
About a mile from camp towards Parsons, this spectacular preserve includes gorgeous Elklick Run (creek) filled with waterfalls and shallow swim areas, a gorgeous road to hike or bike and just stunning creek valley scenery.
Take a sharp left turn after crossing over the concrete bridge off Brooklyn Heights Rd. on the way back to town onto State forest road 701.The first mile of this magnificent creek is filled with waterfalls, rapids, and spectacular creek topography... sometimes hard to see with summer foliage and often steep drops down into the creek canyon, use caution and enjoy.
At Camp: Dryfork River
Swim, fish, snorkel, kayak, canoe, tube
4 miles of wilderness deadend river road along the Dryfork. Plenty of parking areas and access to the river below off of Brooklyn Heights Rd.
Enjoy crossing over the Hendricks Swinging Bridge just half a mile walk downstream from camp.
OtterCreek Wilderness Area
OtterCreek Wilderness Area is best accessed across the river by car.... drive back into Parsons and go up Rt. 219 a couple of miles and turn right onto Rt. 72 -- drive through the villages of Hambleton and Hendricks and about 3 miles past Hendricks, off of Rt. 72, you will see parking for OtterCreek (sign is difficult to see -- RHS). Another beautiful swinging bridge and miles of spectacular hiking along OtterCreek.After you cross the bridge, go right, and walk up short set of step in hillside to begin the awesome creekside trail.
Stay on established trails and check current trail conditions and closures before setting out. Rocks, creek banks, and steep slopes can be slippery; avoid creek crossings during high water.