Blackwater Falls State Park
Home to the 57-foot amber-colored Blackwater Falls, this state park offers waterfalls, hiking, paddling, and winter adventures in the heart of the Canaan Valley region.
At a Glance
Blackwater Falls State Park is home to the iconic 57-foot amber-colored waterfall that gives the park its name, drawing photographers and visitors year-round to West Virginia’s most famous cascade. The tannin-rich waters of the Blackwater River tumble over ancient sandstone, while 20 miles of trails, Pendleton Lake paddling, and winter activities like sledding and cross-country skiing offer four-season recreation. Located between Thomas and Davis with a lodge, cabins, and campgrounds, the park serves as a comfortable basecamp for exploring the Canaan Valley region.
Activities
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- ADA
- Sledding
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Picnic
- Swimming
- E-Bike
Features
- History
- Waterfall
Difficulty
Season
All Year; Day-Use
Blackwater Falls Trails
Trails
Blackwater Falls Trail
0.4
LENGTH
210
ELEVATION
Out-and-Back
TRAIL
MI
LENGTH →
FT
ELV ↑
Blackwater Falls Trail
Trails
Gentle Trail
0.1
LENGTH
0
ELEVATION
Out-and-Back
TRAIL
MI
LENGTH →
FT
ELV ↑
Gentle Trail
Trails
Balanced Rock Trail
1.2
LENGTH
250
ELEVATION
System
TRAIL
MI
LENGTH →
FT
ELV ↑
Balanced Rock Trail
Trails
Dobbin House Trail
3
LENGTH
330
ELEVATION
System
TRAIL
MI
LENGTH →
FT
ELV ↑
Dobbin House Trail
Trails
Elekala Trail
0.4
LENGTH
100
ELEVATION
System
TRAIL
MI
LENGTH →
FT
ELV ↑
Elekala Trail
Trails
Lindy Point Trail
0.4
LENGTH
70
ELEVATION
Out-and-Back
TRAIL
MI
LENGTH →
FT
ELV ↑
Lindy Point Trail
Recreation Sites
Item #1
Item #2
Item #3
Safety
Boardwalk and stairs may be slippery after precipitation.
Cell service may not be available during your hike. Please plan accordingly and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
While Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes are permitted in Blackwater Falls State Park, use is prohibited within the Monongahela National Forest. Please visit USFC for e-bike policies.
Directions
From Thomas and Davis, turn onto Blackwater Falls Road, which is located directly off WV-32. For Blackwater Falls Trail, continue on the Canyon Point Road loop; for Lodge, turn left onto Blackwater Lodge Road.
Nearby Towns
Downtown
15 Minutes
30 Minutes
60 Minutes
