Blackwater Falls State Park Travel Guide

 
by calcaf38
 
  •   Blackwater Falls State Park
    by calcaf38
  •   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. 

Hiking

Hiking, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  There are many hiking and crosscountry ski trails in Blackwater Falls State Park. 

Beyond the "gate" on the boardwalk

Beyond the "gate" on the boardwalk, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  I recommend the boardwalk, though it can be strenous for some. 

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. 

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

The Lodge: Puzzles and games, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  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. Casual and comfortable 

Shopping  

Trading Post: Get your souvenirs here!

Trading Post: Get your souvenirs here!, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:   The Trading Post carries most of the usual souvenir merchandise. The snack bar is closed in winter. 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Wooden Walkways are very slippery in Winter.

Wooden Walkways are very slippery in Winter., Blackwater Falls State Park

 KARLPORTER56 Says:  Especially in March... the wooden walkways are also very slippery, so be careful. 

That next step is a doozy!

That next step is a doozy!, Blackwater Falls State Park

 wilsonjw Says:  Be careful when hiking in the canyon. 

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.... 

The Place

Plan a Blackwater Falls State Park vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Blackwater Falls State Park locals

Experience Blackwater Falls State Park
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The People

 
Our Members Say
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 I recommend the boardwalk, though it can be strenous for some. 

 

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Top Blackwater Falls State Park Writers

1

Beautiful Destination for Fall Foliage

calcaf38 profile photo

 For someone who always travels alone - and far - this was a change. I had the opportunity, through my work, to escort 48 Independent Living residents to Blackwater Falls State Park. I enjoyed... 

2

Blackwater Falls Scenes

KARLPORTER56 profile photo

 This is another great pic of the Falls.. 

3

Blackwater Falls

PinkFloydActuary profile photo

 Blackwater Falls is a beautiful sight to see in West Virginia. Right outside the town of Davis, this park has several hiking trails and a lodge, but there's little doubt what the key attraction is....... 

4

Blackwater Falls State Park

blanter profile photo

 I've got some interesting experiences in Blackwater Falls State Park. I'd love to share with you the 0 tips I've written, the 3 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created. 

5

Blackwater Falls

traveling2some profile photo

 Beautiful place to spend some great family time. Quiet with friendly people. Is one of those places where time stands still. 

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