Activities

Spruce Lodge sits near the top of the Allegheny Plateau. The weather can change rapidly in any season and temperature inversions, during which temperatures in the Canaan Valley below the house are colder than the temperatures at the top of the surrounding mountains, occur frequently. In fact, the Canaan Valley periodically registers the coldest temperatures in the continental United States (typically in late summer).

For hyper-local weather and forecast, we recommend the following:

• This weather station, located a short distance from Spruce Lodge, contains current, up-to-date weather conditions.
• A local meteorologist also posts a daily, hyperlocal forecast on Substack titled: the Fearless Forecast

A short walk or drive (with a parking area) from Spruce Lodge, is the Valley View Trail, accessible from Valley View Drive. A trailhead leads up to a path along the Western edge of Dolly Sods and offers soaring views of the Canaan Valley.

Timberline Association includes an access point to the Dolly Sods Wilderness through the Valley View Trail. The Dolly Sods Wilderness Area features nearly 50 miles of stunning (but rocky!) hiking trails with opportunities for backpacking and primitive camping. Trail markings in Dolly Sods are limited and cell service is virtually non-existent, so prepare accordingly.

Blackwater Falls is a gorgeous state park that offers a wide range of activities all year long, including, biking, boating, camping, and fishing.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park offers an 18-hole golf course in the valley surrounded by incredible mountain views.

During the winter, skiing is a popular local activity. Both Timberline Mountain and Canaan Valley Resort State Park offer alpine skiing, with on-site ski rentals and lessons and the White Grass Ski Touring Center offers some of the best cross country skiing in the East.

Canaan Valley offers winter snow tubing. Reservations are recommended.

In the winter, Blackwater Falls operates the Blackwater Falls Sled Run, serviced by a magic carpet, which they say is the largest of its type on the East Coast! Reservations also recommended.

Blackwater Outdoor Adventures located a short drive away on the Cheat River in Parsons, WV, offers a wide range of activities, including guided fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting for all ages and levels.

Davis offers world-class mountain biking, adjacent to hundreds of miles of trails. Blackwater Bikes in Davis offers mountain bike rentals, shuttle services to trailheads, and more expertise than you will ever need.

This co-op functions like a living gallery where local creators team up to sell everything from fine mountain photography to hand-carved woodwork. It's the perfect place to snag an authentic piece of Appalachian art directly from the person who made it.

You can find everything from handmade skincare to regional wines tucked away inside this old converted bank with an historic, walk-in vault.

This boutique brings a chic, bohemian vibe to the mountains, offering a mix of vibrant textiles, crystals, and trendy apparel. It is a go-to spot for finding unique gifts that feel more like treasures found on a global journey than typical souvenirs.

Operating more like a curated record store for art, this shop allows visitors to thumb through thousands of prints and cards from dozens of regional artists. It is a vibrant community hub that even hosts an artist residency, helping to sustain the creative spirit of the Highlands region.

This whimsical storefront is a haven for "kids of all ages," specializing in high-quality toys, board games, and screen-free activities. It's an interactive space designed to spark curiosity and play, making it a favorite stop for families exploring Front Street.

Located inside a historic bank building, this unique shop is dedicated to tabletop gaming, graphic novels, and community connection. It serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors can step away from screens to join in on game nights and workshops.

Thomas features a vibrant and concentrated art scene where historic storefronts along Front Street house a high density of artist-run spaces. Check out the many local art galleries.

Located at the base of Timberline Mountain, the spa offers a range of services including massage, sauna, and yoga classes. Book your reservation here.

The Lodge at Canaan Valley Resort is a year-round recreation hub where guests can enjoy (a small) indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and an arcade/game room.