Accommodations
Cabins, campgrounds, resorts, and the occasional splurge - everywhere we've actually laid our heads.
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls, along with a few of the park’s other features like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook, are some of the state’s most photographed spots. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views year-round by taking the steps to the falls or using viewing platforms. The park has 20 miles of hiking trails, the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast in the winter, a comfortable lodge and more.
Free
For us, this was a stop on the way (a little bit out of the way) to our final destination, Cabins, WV. For more photos and video of Blackwater Falls State Park, check out our article, Blackwater Falls State Park: A Quick, Easy Stop.
Trails and Overlooks
Most visitors start with the short walk down the Gentle Trail's boardwalk and steps to the main falls overlook — it's the easiest route to the classic photo. From there, the park's 20 miles of trails branch out to Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook, each offering a different angle on the canyon. Hikers looking to go further can pick up the Allegheny Trail or Yellow Birch Trail, which run deeper into the park's red spruce and hemlock forest.
Blackwater Lodge sits above the canyon with rooms overlooking the grounds, and the park also has cabins and a campground open late April through October. In winter, the park's sledding hill — home to the longest sledding magic carpet lift on the East Coast — is one of the area's most popular family activities.
Where is Blackwater Falls?
The park is in Tucker County, about two miles from the town of Davis, in West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains.
What county is Blackwater Falls in?
Tucker County.
Is there a fee to visit?
Admission to the park is free. Lodging, camping, and activities like the sledding magic carpet have separate fees.
When's the best time to visit?
The falls are worth seeing year-round, but fall (typically late September through mid-October) draws the biggest crowds for foliage, and winter brings sledding and snow-covered overlooks.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV, 26260
Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/
Get Directions: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV, 26260
