Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail
Dropping through the deep gorge between Thomas and Hendricks, the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail delivers a challenging, scenic backcountry ride or hike past waterfalls, forest, and historic industrial remnants.
At a Glance
Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail drops nearly 1,500 feet through a dramatic gorge between Thomas and Hendricks, following the historic West Virginia Central & Pittsburgh Railway grade. The challenging 10-mile trail descends past waterfalls, historic coke ovens, and remnants of logging camps, offering adventurous hikers and mountain bikers one of West Virginia’s wildest backcountry rail-trail experiences. Steep grades, remote sections, and rugged conditions make this trail best suited for experienced outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude in the Monongahela National Forest.
Activities
- Hiking
- Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
Features
- River
- History
- Waterfall
- Interpretive Signage
Difficulty
Season
All Year; Day-Use
Area Trails
Blackwater Canyon
Recreation Sites
Item #1
Item #2
Item #3
Safety
The BCRT is a multi-use trail; remember to yield appropriately and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
While this trail is in good condition, it has not yet been adopted as a system trail. It is not actively being managed by the US Forest Service.
Directions
The southern trailhead shares a trailhead with the northern terminus of the Allegheny Highlands Trail along 2nd Street in Hendricks.
The northern trailhead is along Douglas Road, outside Thomas, off US-219, with a small parking area before the gate.
Nearby Towns
Downtown
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
