About Us
Our Mission
The Heart of the Highlands Trail System connects the non-motorized trail systems of five land management agencies in Tucker County, West Virginia (Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Management Area, Canaan Valley State Park, Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area, Monongahela National Forest) into a comprehensive, landscape oriented, environmentally sustainable, multiuser trail system that is accessible to the public.
Ultimately, the Heart of the Highlands Trail System provides access to and from significant regional and national trail systems.
Our HISTORY
Heart of the Highlands Trails System is a non-profit organization working closely with Tucker County public land agencies, private partners, and community stakeholders to connect the trails on these public lands. Early efforts have focused on a Core Loop trail that would connect Canaan Valley to the towns of Davis and Thomas, upgrading existing trails where possible, and adding connecting segments where needed.
Since 2008, HoH has collaborated to build and rehabilitate over 14 miles of contiguous trail, including the Camp 70 and Blackwater View trail bridges, and over 5 miles of connector trails including Splash Dam South, First Energy Connector, and Blackwater View West, and over 6 miles of major upgrades to existing trails including the Allegheny Trail between Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Parks.
Board of Directors
The HoH Board of Directors continues work to secure critical connections to complete the Core Loop and to meet the goal of creating, maintaining, and promoting a network of outstanding quality, multi-use trails and related amenities to enhance the county’s recreation and economic potential.
President – Roger Lilly
Vice President – Lisa Sampson
Secretary – Andrea Dalton
Treasurer – Susan Moore
Jonathan Martin
Carol Milam
Jess Tucker
Mike Powell
William Berlin
Project Administrator – Brian Sarfino
Advisory Council
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge – Ron Hollis / Matt Boarman
Blackwater Falls State Park – Matt Baker
Canaan Valley State Park – Don McFarlan
Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area – CJ Bowman
US Forest Service, Monongahela Forest – Brooke Andrew
Tucker County Commission – Mike Rosenau
WV Land Trust – Amy Cimarolli
Our Goals
To provide, protect, preserve, and promote recreational trails and opportunities in Tucker County, West Virginia.
- Trails will connect property to property and trails to trails
- Trails will be marked consistently and presented on one map for ease of use
- Trails will allow visitors to safely travel between towns, properties, and visitors services by bike or foot without traveling on roadways
Accomplishments
- 20-mile Core loop over half complete and connected
- FLAP grant approved to construct Headwaters Trail
- First Energy trail built from Blackwater Falls State Park under the Davis Bridge forming connection with Splash Dam Trail
- Fairview Trail constructed on Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- Kiosks, signage, and maps installed on HoH trails
- Blackwater View Trail connects Beall North through private property across the Blackwater River to Middle Valley Trail
- Regular trail work days occur late spring through fall with over 500+ hours by volunteers
OUR PARTNERS
