Rafting on the Cheat – Aug 2009

Originally uploaded by ilamhouse

We had a blast rafting one day on the Cheat with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures, based in Parsons, WV. From Ilam House we drove to Parsons (30 min drive) to the BOA compound, then ride their bus about 45 minutes to where we put in on the Cheat (above Cheat Narrows this time.) Lots of fun!

Red Run is a creek which runs along Canaan Loop Road in the Monongahela National Forest, and is open for catch+release fishing for trout. We landed a few on this summer day! From Ilam House, about 3-4 miles along Canaan Loop road there are some easy access points to the creek. This stretch of the road is drivable without needing 4wd or high clearance.

Table Rock is accessible on a 1 mile side trail off of the Canaan :Loop Road, about a 6-7 mile hike or mountain bike ride from Ilam House.

Canaan Loop Road is wonderful for biking or hiking in the summer. It is a 17 mile dirt/gravel road which runs from Canaan Heights – at Ilam House – to the SW and then to the NE, ending at Blackwater Falls State Park. The road is a great way to access a lot of hiking trails which run through the Monongahela National Forest.

Originally uploaded by ilamhouse

Whitegrass – Feb 2010 – Breaking Trail on Wilderness Trail

Originally uploaded by ilamhouse

Off the picture to the right – the trail to the hot tub was clear!