We have rented a house there for 4 nights over Memorial Day weekend. I know there is hiking in Blackwater Falls State Park and horse back riding; we plan to do both. Anywhere else good for moderate hiking? What about biking routes (not long distance, more like 2 hrs.)?

I thought I'd try topping this once before we leave tomorrow...

I've never been to Canaan Valley, but I have a family member who went one summer, and I remember him saying how nice the hiking was at the ski resort. They also did some riding, but I don't know where.

There are several really incredible hiking and mountain biking trails in the Blackwater Falls State Park area. Most you can access through the main roads and the campgroud. Stop at the Lodge and pick up a trail map. Also, the Lodge hosts lots of activities for adults and children, including guided morning nature walks, so be sure to check those out. I highly recommend the horseback riding at Blackwater Falls, but be sure to call the stable in advance to ensure availability since it's the holiday weekend. The Falls are beautiful, and if your just want a touring bike ride, you can't beat the view on the road through the falls and campground. At the far end of the campground there is an area where paddleboats,kayaks and bikes are rented seasonally. There are also several decent restaurants, my favorites are White Grass and Blackwater Brewing Company. There are some activities at all the resort areas in the valley, but for outdoor pursuits, none beat Blackwater Falls. I posted earlier about this area and I'll cut and paste it here for you. Good Luck with your trip.

From another thread;

I disagree with the posters who said that West Virginia is not worth the drive. The scenery and outdoor experience that can be had there far exceeds Virginia and Maryland. I just returned from a stay at a cabin at Blackwater Falls State Park, had the time of my life, and for all eight people, we spent approx $650. That included the 2 night cabin (fully stocked), groceries, pontoon boat rental (Stonewall Jackson Lake), horseback riding, and mountain bike rentals for eight people. That doesn't even include the no charge fun we had including indoor pool/hot tub/fitness center at the lodge, the best hiking, magnificent views of the falls and canyon, sport fishing, interacting with several different species of wildlife, and toasting marshmallows over a campfire (just to name a few things). It just depends on what your looking for in a vacation. Some people like adventure travel, some are sightsee-ers, some like to feel the rush of the cities. If you want a nice mix of all three I recently put together a plan for some college friends of mine from CA. It starts in Annapolis and ends in Ashville, NC (near the Blue Ridge Parkway). I would be glad to email it to you, if you're still checking this post. And if you use a site like priceline, an inexpensive but nice hotel can be had just about anywhere, even D.C.

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Thanks, Michelle. Just got back last night and had a wonderful weekend. We hiked the Elakala Falls area in Blackwater State park, then on to Balanced Rock, through forests of huge rhododendrum plants. It was amazing, as are the trails to the overlook points. Very cool up in the mountains. Our rental was in Timberline, on a creek. Lots of wildlife around. Next time I think we will stay at the cabins in the park as you did. There was an adventure challenge event going on in the valley, sponsored by an adventure magazine. Drove up through Dolly Sods wilderness area and went to the overlooks, but too cold and windy that morning to hike much. Golfed at Cannan Valley state park, and went antique shopping in Thomas and Davis.
Also, in case anyone else goes, they are not offering horseback riding at Blackwater Falls park this summer. There is another place closer to Canaan Valley state park though, Mountain Trail Rides.

Glad you had such an enjoyable time. Thanks for the update on horseback riding, it's an activity we look forward to, and now we will be prepared.