Blackwater Falls State Park Travel Guide

 
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  •   Blackwater Falls State Park
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  •   Blackwater Falls State Park
    by KARLPORTER56
  •   Blackwater Falls State Park
    by KARLPORTER56
  •   Blackwater Falls State Park
    by KARLPORTER56
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      wish we could build our house here
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Explore Blackwater Falls State Park

Things to Do  

whitewater rafting

whitewater rafting, Blackwater Falls State Park

 Scott&mb Says:  We went rafting with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures (www.blackwateroutdoors) and had a blast! The kids loved it and said it was the highlight of the trip. The scenery was spectacular down and along the river. Best trip of the year! 

The Blackwater River Canyon

The Blackwater River Canyon, Blackwater Falls State Park

 calcaf38 Says:  Difficult trails allow experienced hikers to descend to the river, which has dug an impressive canyon through the mountains. Our group admired the canyon from the top, as our bus was able to park next to a handicap-accessible vantage point. We enjoyed the early morning... 

Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park

 calcaf38 Says:  Our ranger apologized about the low water volume of the falls following a dry Summer.My group saw the falls from a handicap-accessible boardwalk. There are some more dramatic viewpoints, but access to those entails numerous steps. In spite of all these limitations, you can... 

The Balanced Rock, and Trails

The Balanced Rock, and Trails, Blackwater Falls State Park

 calcaf38 Says:  The trails at Blackwater Falls State Park go through several different habitats, including rhododendron and mountain laurel. None of the vegetation is ancient, because the park was completely burned down in the early XX Century. One semi-arduous trail leads to a handsome... 

Elakala Falls, and Trails

Elakala Falls, and Trails, Blackwater Falls State Park

 calcaf38 Says:  These falls are close to the Lodge. You can reach them via a rather steep trail which contains some steps.The park is criss-crossed by many well indicated trails. You would have a hard time getting lost here.http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/blackwaterparkmap.pdf 

Hike down to the falls

Hike down to the falls, Blackwater Falls State Park

 PinkFloydActuary Says:  The park has several sign posts that will direct you to where to go. Right near a gift shop/sandwich stand will be a fairly good sized parking lot. Down from the parking lot is the trail. They do warn you of the fact that this is a 200+ stair trail down, so the hike up is... 

Blackwater Falls Ski slope

Blackwater Falls Ski slope, Blackwater Falls State Park

 KARLPORTER56 Says:  There are many more upscale ski slopes in the area but for beginning or just a day of inexpensive skiing this seems to be a great place. Plenty of rentals, a store, a large cafeteria. A good place just to have fun skiing for a day if you don't want to go all out. 

Boardwalk to Blackwater Falls

Boardwalk to Blackwater Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  214 steps to the bottom, where you can see Blackwater Falls. It isn't possible to hike all the way down when snow or ice is on the trail. Park Rangers close the boardwalk about half way down because the wood gets very slippery. 

Hotels  

Blackwater Lodge: Retro Lodge Amidst Natural Splendor

Blackwater Lodge: Retro Lodge Amidst Natural Splendor, Blackwater Falls State Park

 calcaf38 Says:  The Lodge is very well organized for groups. My buddies and I arrived in various states of disrepair, and were quickly whisked to our rooms. The Lodge is a tad musty, but it is enjoyably "old modern" in a Truman / Eisenhower way. A recent addition containing a convention... 

The Lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park: Rest, recreation, and dining

The Lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park: Rest, recreation, and dining, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  The lodge contains a great room, recreation room, pool, conference center, gift shop, and restaurant. Great recreation room -- terrific for making puzzles or playing games. 

The Lodge: Quiet winter get-away near Canaan Valley

The Lodge: Quiet winter get-away near Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  Wonderful lodge in one of West Virginia's most beautiful state parks. The Lodge has an indoor pool, restaurant, game room, reading/television room, and conference facilities. The Lodge is near miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. 

Restaurants  

Snack Bar: Fairly reasonable

Snack Bar: Fairly reasonable, Blackwater Falls State Park

 PinkFloydActuary Says:  Right next to the gift shop and trail head is one of the two dining options in the park. This is a little snack bar that offers about 5-6 options (hot dog, hamburger, chicken sandwich, etc.) The prices are fairly reasonable (similar to fast food) - the chicken sandwich came... 

Restaurant at the Lodge

Restaurant at the Lodge, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  It's the only restaurant in the area -- the closest restaurants would be in Davis -- but the food is good and the prices are reasonable. You can't beat the convenience.The restaurant is on the main floor, as is the gift shop and the conference facility. The rooms are on the... 

Nightlife  

The Lodge: Puzzles and games
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2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

wilsonjw 114 reviews
Great room at the Lodge

Great place to work a puzzle or play a family game. The great room has a great fireplace and television for those who need one.

Dress Code: Casual and comfortable

Written Jan 25, 2003

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Tourist Traps  

Game room at The Lodge

Game room at The Lodge, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  The [electronic] game room at the lodge has many pinball and video games. Keep your quarters in your pocket! Work a puzzle or play a board game. 

Trading Post

Trading Post, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  Blackwater Falls State Park has a Trading Post located near the top of the trail that leads to the falls. If you're looking for something for the grandkids, this is the place for you! The shopping in Davis isn't much better.... 

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Map of Blackwater Falls State Park