The Perfect Spots for Wildlife Watching in Almost Heaven

West Virginia is known for being wild and wonderful. The state’s wide variety of elevation and terrain provides opportunity for many types of plant and wildlife to thrive throughout Almost Heaven. If you’re interested in learning more about the species around the Mountain State, these are a few places you’ll want to explore.

Cranberry Glades

Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is an assortment of bogs in Pocahontas County that feature plant life typically found much further north in parts of Canada. The bogs are accessible via a boardwalk that traces throughout the area, but visitors are also welcome to enjoy the park from the six-mile hiking trail that serves as a boarded between the Glades and the Cranberry Wilderness.

Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is the 500th National Wildlife Refuge to be established in the United States. The area is full of wildlife and is home to animals like white tailed deer, geese, raccoons, squirrels, bobcats, minks, black bears, beavers, owls, sparrows, trout and so much more. The area was established in 1994 and features 31 miles of trails for pedestrian use, 23 miles for bicycle use and 22 miles for horseback use.

West Virginia State Parks

With nearly 50 state parks and forests in West Virginia, there is no shortage of opportunity for wildlife watching. West Virginia’s iconic state parks are home to countless miles of hiking & biking trails, and even features a scenic trail ride through the mountains of the Potomac Highlands. Most state parks and forests also offer great accommodations to comfortably extend your stay. Throughout all regions of Almost Heaven, state parks are perfect for a wildlife adventure.

Where is your favorite place to watch West Virginia wildlife?

This post was last updated on November 3, 2022