Canaan Valley and its wetlands is a true example of wild and wonderful West Virginia. The Freeland trail boardwalk runs through the heart of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. At nearly 17,000 acres, contains the largest wetland complex in West Virginia, encompassing more than 8,400 acres. Refuge habitats, which include high-elevation shrublands and woodlands, support migratory birds and endangered species, including Cheat Mountain salamander and Indiana bat, along with other common West Virginia wildlife.
The six foot wide boardwalk is nearly half a mile long, sits just a few feet above the wetlands and is guarded along its entire length with a combination of steel handrail, custom steel fence and low profile toe rail. This allows the boardwalk to be compliant with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it already the most widely-used trail in the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
The boardwalk allows you to stand on the edge of three special habitats: wetlands, grass and shrub lands, and upland forests. The refuge is in a forested bowl between Canaan Mountain to the west and Cabin Mountain to the east. The surrounding public lands provide areas to bike, birdwatch, hike, canoe, fish, and ski. Big birds are most likely soaring overhead. The area is known for vultures, hawks, and magnificent eagles.
The nearly one mile of steel material was a monumental task in terms of fabrication, galvanizing and installation. The fabricator and installer worked closely with the galvanizer to ensure proper design, venting and draining requirements and possible repair of the coating during the installation. The team was able to deliver a fantastic final product for all those who enjoy the outdoors and the scenery of the wild. Typically, a rural environment like this one is not as concerned with corrosion. However, the combination of the wetlands, wide open weather and lots of foot traffic for years to come, required the ultimate in terms of protection and durability.
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