Boardwalk Trail Replacement at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

As part of an ongoing service contract with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Beardsley Architects + Engineers provided engineering and landscape architecture services for the replacement of the boardwalk trail system at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the 500th National Wildlife Refuge established in the U.S.

The project included removal of the aging on-grade boardwalk and installation of approximately 2,380 linear feet of new elevated trail, complete with viewing platforms and trail pull-offs designed to enhance the visitor experience and highlight unique ecological features such as an evergreen grove, pink lady slipper habitat, and a natural bubbling spring.

The ADA accessible design used modular, prefabricated segments to reduce environmental impact and improve cost efficiency. Materials include precast concrete piers, wood framing, composite decking, and powder-coated metal handrails. The project also added an accessible parking area and informational kiosk at the trailhead to improve public access and orientation.