Canaan Valley

Canaan Valley in West Virginia is a state-park flying site with the launch on an existing slope facing SW, about 300 feet south of the top of the exit for Ski Lift A. The 1,287 m take-off works on S, SW and W flow. A prime LZ sits at the Miller farm along East Laneville Road (the Millers have granted permission to use their field), with backup options at the Canaan Crossing entrance meadow and the Canaan Valley Resort visitor's center. Every pilot must register at the State Park headquarters and have a signed liability waiver on file (which notes the site briefing has taken place) — attempting to fly without the waiver constitutes trespassing on park property. This is a P3/H3 rated site: only Intermediate-rated pilots or above may fly. Mini-wings are NOT permitted.

Launch & conditions

Launch is on an existing slope facing SW, about 300 feet south of the top of the exit for Ski Lift A. Do not launch if winds are more than 45° cross on launch. Check with locals before flying — the site briefing is part of the waiver process.

Getting there & local rules

Register at the State Park headquarters at Canaan Valley before flying — this is mandatory. LZ options include the Miller farm (primary, along East Laneville Road, permission-granted), the Canaan Crossing entrance meadow, and the Canaan Valley Resort visitor's center.

Local rules & hazards

USHPA membership required. Every pilot must have a signed liability waiver on file at Canaan Valley State Park headquarters covering the take-off and landing landowners — flying without it is trespassing on park property. The site is open only for Intermediate (P3, H3) or above rated pilots. Mini-wings are not permitted. Do not launch with winds more than 45° cross on launch.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Canaan Valley, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Canaan Valley with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.