When planning a getaway, West Virginia probably isn’t high on your list. If it makes your list at all, the town of Davis is probably nowhere to be found.
After all, West Virginia doesn’t have a bunch of National Parks, amusement parks, or attractions for tourists. And Davis, WV, a town of less than 700, certainly doesn’t have a huge hospitality industry.
But nestled in the Canaan Valley of West Virginia is a stunning landscape and an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Let’s look at why the Mountain State, in particular Davis, WV, should be the location of your next getaway.
Let’s dive in!
About Davis, WV
Davis, WV, was named after Senator Henry Gassaway Davis. Two locations are on the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit the Herman August Meyer House, built around 1891, and the National Bank of Davis, which was just added to the list in 2020.
Although Davis, WV, is quite small — both in land size and population — it offers excellent opportunities to explore the outdoors and enjoy nature. A little more than 600 people call Davis home, and the town covers about 1.83 square miles.
Traveler’s Tip: Enjoy a beautiful hike and a craft brew to cap off the day in Bridgeport, WV.
Where Is Davis, WV?
Located along the intersection of Highway 32 and Highway 48 in northern West Virginia, Davis is only a few miles from the western tip of Maryland. You can take Highway 219 to Highway 7 straight into Morgantown, which is less than a two-hour drive.
Tucked away near Blackwater Falls State Park and Blackwater River, Davis, WV, is a beautiful, scenic area known for its mountain biking opportunities.
7 Reasons to Visit Davis, WV
You might have never heard of Davis, WV, until now, so you’ve probably never planned a visit. However, here are seven reasons you should visit this small town. Don’t miss out on all that Davis, WV has to offer!
1. Enjoy The Outdoors At Blackwater Falls State Park
Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260
Reasons to Visit: Tucked in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is named after its 57-foot cascading waterfall, one of the most photographed spots in the area. There are 20 miles of hiking trails and 10 miles of cross-country skiing trails.
Reserve a spot for RV camping, rent a Tentrr campsite, or reserve a cabin or room at the lodge. This picturesque location is one you should miss during your visit to Davis, WV.
2. Browse Local Artists’ Work at WVHighlands Artisan Gallery
Address: 487 William Avenue, Davis, WV 26260
Reasons to Visit: When you explore local artists’ work at WVHighlands Artisan Gallery, you’ll find beautiful handmade jewelry, stunning fine art watercolors, and unique photography. Other artists create stained glass, ceramics, and pottery. You can support local artists while also getting souvenirs for yourself or holiday gifts for others.
The gallery is only open Fridays to Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and it’s right across the street from Milo’s. So grab breakfast and then head over to the gallery.
3. Start Your Day at Milo’s Cafe & Restaurant
Address: 454 William Avenue, Davis, WV 26260
Reasons to Visit: Located on the lower level of Bright Morning Inn, Milo’s Cafe & Restaurant is a local favorite. Although you can enjoy breakfast here, it’s not just a morning cafe.
It offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as coffee, wine, and beer. But if you want to start your day with a delicious meal, order up a hearty country breakfast, which Milo’s is known for.
Try the country skillet with eggs, potatoes, bacon, onions, green peppers, and cheese. Or indulge in the layered tortillas and potatoes, refried beans, eggs, and pepper jack cheese of the huevos rancheros. Breakfast is served from Fridays to Mondays, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
4. Check Out The Wildlife at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 6263 Appalachian Highway, Davis, WV 26260
Reasons to Visit: The nation’s 500th national wildlife refuge, Canaan Valley, was established in 1994. With 16,987 acres, the refuge preserves the wetland and uplands of the valley.
The cool, moist climate is more like Maine or Canada and supports plant life and animals that would normally grow much farther north. Hunting and fishing opportunities are available here as well as kayaking and canoeing.
Enjoy 29 miles of hiking trails, 22 miles of mountain biking trails, and 15 miles of horseback riding trails. Along the way, you might spot a whitetail deer, black bear, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, fisher, fox, or coyote. So keep your eyes peeled!
5. Go Horseback Riding With Mountain Trail Rides
Address: 24 Saddleback Lane, Davis, WV 26260
Reasons to Visit: Davis, WV, offers such scenic beauty. Why not enjoy this landscape on horseback? Book a reservation with Mountain Trail Rides for a 30-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, or two-hour trail ride.
Hand-led horse/pony rides are also available for the little ones for $6. The rates vary based on the length of the ride, but range from $30 to $60. Riders must be aged 10 or older.
The experienced guides will take you through the Canaan Valley State Park. No matter if you’re a first-timer or a seasoned rider, you’ll enjoy a mountain trail ride when you visit Davis, WV.
6. Make a Reservation at Canaan Valley Resort
Address: 230 Main Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260
Reasons to Visit: If you’re going to experience the great outdoors, you’re going to want a comfortable place to stay. You might be sore or tired after a two-hour horseback ride or after spending the day kayaking down the Blackwater River. Reserve a few nights at Canaan Valley Resort, where you can unwind at the Laurel Lounge bar.
There’s also an indoor heated pool and hot tub. It’s only a three-mile drive from Mountain Trail Rides, so enjoy the outdoors and then relax for the evening.
7. Go Fishing in the Monongahela National Forest
Address: 200 Sycamore Street Elkins, WV 26241
Reasons to Visit: When you visit Davis, WV, travel a few miles out and visit the Monongahela National Forest. Over 900,000 acres of forestry, hundreds of miles of streams, and more than 250 acres of man-made lakes provide a variety of fishing opportunities. Home to 87 species of fish, the Monongahela National Forest is a great place for a fisherman to spend the day.
You might catch some bass, bluegill, catfish, or trout, so make sure to pack your fishing gear when visiting Davis, WV. Remember that West Virginia state fishing and conversation stamps are required. If you’re going trout fishing, you’ll need to pick up an additional National Forest Trout Stamp.
Is Davis, WV, Worth a Visit?
Although Davis, WV, might have less than 700 residents, they will welcome you to their beautiful town with Southern hospitality. You’ll walk into Milo’s and feel like a local. You might tip your hat to a local fisherman who’s enjoying a day on the water, too. The artists will likely strike up a conversation as you view their work at the gallery.
Davis is a beautiful area of West Virginia, so get your stay booked at Canaan Valley Resort and start making plans to visit today. Now you just have to figure out which season.
Do you want to try some cross country skiing or horseback riding in the summer? Or maybe you’ll just need to plan two trips!
