Have a damn good time in Canaan without skiing

It's important to note that as I type this, I'm constantly refreshing the White Grass web cam because they're calling for 5" of snow in the near future. My hope is that this blog post will not be needed for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, here it is...

My family and I have spent almost ten days in Canaan Valley, since Christmas. Usually, this time is spent skiing at White Grass; dawn patrolling to bald knob, shuffling to the orchard shelter and enjoying a hard earned stout from the cafe after. However, this year we were left with a whole lot of grass and more time than we knew what to do with. To keep from going stir crazy, we needed to get creative. The following is a list of my favorite things to do in the Tucker County area when you cant ski. 

Hiking and trail running 

Douglas Falls 

The rail trail along the north fork of the blackwater is one of my favorite trails to run in the area. It's a fairly flat trail with ~2% grade downstream. It's easy to let your mind wander and your stride open on this trail because it's so wide open and typically obstacle-free. Plus, the upstream grade gently kicks your butt on the way back! The best part of this run (or hike) is where you park, Douglass Falls. Depending on water level, you can sit on the rocks at the top of the falls and peer over, you can walk around to the bottom and stand at the base, or hike further down the creek to find a big flat rock with a beautiful view. It's definitely worth taking a look at. 

Dolly Sods

Yes, everyone knows this place is beautiful. But have you ever just wandered around up there? Scrambling up red creek is one of the best ways to spend the day doing absolutely nothing and so much at the same time. Or seeing how far you can hike up from the red creek trail head. As long as the water isn't high, it's never too cold to cross!

Blackwater State Park

Full of trails! For a quick jaunt (.8 miles out) with a killer view, I love Lindy point (for best view, visit at sunrise/set).
If you're looking for something a little longer, "The gentle trail" (I think that's what it's called), marked with a yellow blaze, is beautiful. An easy way to get on the trail is to park at the pull off before you get to the hotel (the put-in for the blackwater) and cross the street, You'll see signs for the yellow blaze trail. The trail is beautiful this time of year, as soon as you step into the forest and away from the road you'll be surrounded by rhododendron, vibrant green moss and tiny winding streams that look like something out of a fairy tale.

White Grass 

Don't overlook this place just because there's no snow! Climb right up the face for a quick and intense hike to bald knob. Take 3 mile trail up to round top for a steady climb, or continue up to the top of bald knob for a 7.8 mile out and back trail run from the white grass parking lot. Link up to the Dolly Sods, explore the National Nordic, the possibilities are endless! The cafe is still open at 11:00am, even if there's no snow, so stop in for their cider and chili when you're done.

Watching the sunrise/ sunset at the Olson Fire Tower 

From Thomas, Take 219 towards Parsons for 6.5 miles. Take a left onto forest rd 18 then "continue straight on forest rd 717" (when in doubt, stay right). It's 2019, google is a thing, you should be fine. 

Ice Skating at Canaan Valley State Park

Okay, so you need cold weather to make this happen, but the State Park has a cooling system underneath the rink, so even when the temperatures aren't freezing, the ice is still good to go. My family and I went this past weekend and it was so much fun! I haven't ice skated since I was a little girl and I remember it being a lot easier, maybe because I didn't have as far to fall. It's $10 for an adult to skate for 2 hours + rentals, which isn't terrible. Plus, they have a jukebox so you can skate to whatever music you'd like! We went on a Saturday at 2pm and had the rink completely to ourselves until about 4:45, which is perfect for a big group like us. Definitely worth checking out, I was even a little sore the next day!

Sledding at Blackwater State Park

This was probably the most fun thing we did over Christmas break! The sled hill is over 1/4 mile long, making it the longest sled park on the east coast. The best part- a convener belt takes you all the way to the top. No need for walking, or even standing! You put your sled on the ramp and lay down while a staff member pushes you off and you're on your way to the top, passing through bright moss covered stumps and bear clawed trees. AND.. They have snow makers all the way down the slope, so when all else fails, go sledding! They'll have the snow for it. Make sure you dress warm, your butt will get especially cold with all that sitting. Once you're finished you can go inside the lodge for a cup of hot coco or bring your own smores kit to roast at the outside fire pit.  

The Tucker County Boulder Park

Located right in between Thomas and Davis, at the baseball field, it's hard to miss. There's two structures. One is very large, with problems for everyone, beginner to seasoned. The other is much smaller, designed for kids (although kids are welcomed on both) and topping out. You can climb up one side, hang out on top and climb down a different problem on another side. All problems on both structures are marked with easy to follow, same color holds, but challenging yourself with a 360 traverse is always fun too! No need for ropes, as this is bouldering. No need for climbing shoes if you don't have any, although they certainly help. No need for crash pads, as the ground surrounding the park is made out of recycled tires and is very squishy. This is an easy and quick thing to do on your way out of town, while waiting for your hellbender burrito to be ready or after a hike. 

Yoga in the Yurt

Yoga in the Yurt is a 60 minute All Levels practice, every Sunday morning at 10:00am, in the yurt at White grass, with yours truly! For any questions you may have about price, max space, dress code, exact location or what "All Levels" means, visit my Yoga in the Yurt page on my website. YES, this happens every sunday from the start of the new year until the end of ski season, no matter the weather! Rain, snow or shine, I will be in the yurt at 10:00am.

The Purple Fiddle

Yes, the purple fiddle has awesome music about 300 nights a year, so no matter the weather, you're guaranteed to have a good time. But, have you ever stopped in during the day? On most weekends, at either 1:00pm, 3:00pm, they have a band or solo artist come in to play a free show. Enjoy a Stumptown beer (or their homemade spiked cider if they have it, YUM!), the best ice cream around and some real boot stomping music, without paying a cover! Take the opportunity to walk around the town of Thomas, stop into local galleries such as the white room or creature to check out any new work or get your picture taken with the artsy wings on the side of the fiddle building.

Get a massage

Whether you live in the area, or are just enjoying it for the weekend, I am available to travel to your home with my portable table. My hours and availability depend on the conditions (no clients on pow days!). I charge the base rate of $1/minute as long as your within the Canaan/ Davis area. A $20 travel fee applies if you're further from that. I have been a board certified massage therapist for almost seven years now, Through this work I have become specialized in modalities such as resistance release, myofascial release, reflexology, craniosacral, aromatherapy, sports massage and many others. What I love most about my work is seeing, feeling and experiencing the progression in muscle strength and flexibility from return clientele. I also love working with all types of athletes to assist in a quicker recovery and more efficient training. To book an appointment for the weekend, please contact me through my webpage before Friday's at 1:00.