Located in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is a popular outdoor destination. The wildly popular park is home to some of West Virginia’s most photographed natural landmarks, including the rushing waters of its namesake Blackwater Falls and the nearby Elakala Falls.
Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike through the wilderness or a quick stop for dramatic photos, Blackwater Falls State Park is sure to please.
The park’s remote location makes getting there an adventure. There are several regional airports nearby, but the larger airports in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. are about three hours away. If you fly into the former, take a few moments to enjoy a picturesque vantage point with skyline views of the city.
Enjoy the city amenities while you can — Blackwater Falls State Park is near the small towns of Davis and Thomas, which have only a few restaurants and grocery stores. They’re charming, for sure, but don’t expect a lot of modern amenities.
Thankfully, the surrounding landscape compensates for the scarcity of lodging and dining options. Blackwater Falls is the main attraction, but the area has a plethora of outdoor activities beyond hiking and photography. Disc golf and sledding, as well as a nature center and golfing at the nearby Canaan Valley Resort State Park, make it easy to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting Blackwater Falls.
Photographing Blackwater Falls in West Virginia
To photograph the cascading Blackwater Falls, take a short hike along the Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail. This begins at the Trading Post parking lot and leads to the waterfall. It is about a quarter mile long, but there are more than 200 steps to navigate.
At the bottom, you’ll find an overlook deck with stunning views of Blackwater Falls. The Gentle Trail is an easier option; park near the maintenance area to find this hike, which is suitable for all skill levels.
The water that flows from Blackwater Falls is dark, as one might expect given its name. This is because the nearby trees’ needles produce tannic acid. When these needles fall into the water, they gradually turn it dark amber. And as it cascades over 50 feet down Blackwater Falls, it makes for some dramatic shots.
Similar to another picturesque and popular waterfall in neighboring Pennsylvania, it’s difficult to take a bad photograph of this natural wonder.
Keep in mind that this area is extremely popular, so you will most likely encounter crowds. Be cautious during your hike, and wear boots with excellent traction, as the steps can become slippery, and navigating through crowds can be difficult. Consider arriving on a weekday or early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
Exploring Blackwater Falls State Park and the surrounding area
The park’s namesake, Blackwater Falls, is just one of many attractions to visit. After you’ve taken a few hundred photos of the cascading water feature, head to the Elakala Trail. This begins at Blackwater Lodge and runs for half a mile, taking you to breathtaking views of Elakala Falls.
You could also combine this with Yellow Birch Trail for a scenic 4.6-mile hike. Another must-see is Lindy Point Overlook, which is less than a mile long and leads to an elevated observation deck with views of the Allegheny Mountains.
Blackwater Falls State Park also features an 18-hole disc golf course. If you have your own gear, you can begin playing immediately outside the Nature Center. If you didn’t bring your own disc, you can buy one at the nearby Trading Company Store. Before beginning your round, stop by the Nature Center to enjoy a variety of activities for both children and adults.
When you’re ready to return to civilization, consider visiting West Virginia’s highest and most underrated town. It’s small, but has a cozy vibe and a few hearty restaurants.
Sirianni’s Café serves delicious pizza, and Milo’s cocktail bar has a lively atmosphere. While we recommend camping or staying at a lodge closer to nature, such as Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge, the Alpine Lodge, located just steps away from restaurants and a grocery store, offers very affordable rooms.
