About This Park
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls, along with a few of the park’s other features like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook, are some of the state’s most photographed spots. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views year-round by taking the steps to the falls or using viewing platforms. The park has 20 miles of hiking trails, the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast in the winter, a comfortable lodge and more.
Contact
- Phone: 304-259-5216
- Email: blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov
- Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260
Nature Center
The Nature Center at Blackwater Falls State Park provides opportunities for children, young and old, to explore the wonders of our backyard and beyond. Interpretive activities and programs are available year-round.
Click here to view the full Activities Program.
History
The area that is now Blackwater Falls State Park has been a favored destination for adventurers since the 1800s. The land came under the protection of the state parks system in the 1930s when the West Virginia Power and Transmission Company, which owned the Blackwater Canyon, donated 446 acres around a scenic overlook at the head of the canyon, including the falls itself. The park was formerly established in 1937. In 1955, the state began adding cabins, a lodge and fishing facilities.
Dining
The Smokehouse Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers a well-rounded menu with seasonal and holiday buffets. The Smokehouse also caters banquets, receptions and barbecues for special groups, business meetings, family reunions and weddings. For current menu items, visit the Smokehouse at Blackwater Falls Facebook page or call 304-259-5216 and ask for the restaurant.
Restaurant Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Breakfast Buffet Weekends from 8 – 11 a.m.
Winter Restaurant Hours Start November 28, 2022
Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Closed from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Note: On holiday Sundays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Weekend,
and President’s Weekend the restaurant is open from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Additional Information
Disc Golf
Blackwater Falls State Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course. The first hole is located and starts behind the nature center and plays around the back field. Hole 10 starts near the side of the nature center, crosses the road and plays through the woods with Hole 18 completing play back to the nature center parking lot.
Bring your own disc or purchase a disc at the Trading Company store or the boat house located across the parking area from the nature center. There is no fee to play.
Disc golf at Blackwater Falls has a unique layout. The front nine and back nine introduces players to pollinator habitat. The possibility of seeing butterflies, moths, and other wildlife is possible.
There is ample parking in the nature center complex at Blackwater Falls State Park.
Sled Run
Snow Much Fun!
Experience the thrill of racing down more than a quarter mile of fresh mountain snow on the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park. The longest sled run on the East Coast, the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-do every year. Create cherished memories and experience wintertime fun with friends and family at Blackwater Falls. The sled run link will have days, hours, and fees, and online ticket purchase links posted as available.
Blackwater Trading Co.
Located at Blackwater Falls main view area, this trading post style feature is a must see when visiting Blackwater Falls. Retail items, public restrooms, information, and a snack bar are located here. This area also has outdoor seating for relaxation prior to or from the short walk to Blackwater Falls view point and the boardwalk closer to the falls. The trading post is open year-round with daily hours. The snack bar opens late spring through the end of October and features pepperoni rolls, ice cream and other visitor favorites. The snack bar is open daily in the summer season and open Wednesday – Sunday in mid-spring and October. Hours may vary.
Trails
Download Park Trail MapAllegheny Trail
Balanced Rock Trail
Balsam Fir Trail
Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail
Cherry Lane Trail
Davis Trail
Dobbin House Trail
Elakala Trail
Gee Haw Trail
Gentle Trail
Lindy Point Trail
Pase Point Trail
Pendleton Trace Trail
Red Spruce Trail
Rhododendron Trail
River Road Trail
Shay Trace Trail
Spudder Track Trail
Stemwinder Trail
Watertank Trail
Yellow Birch Trail
Nearby Attractions
Canaan Valley Resort
Blackwater Falls State Park is less than seven miles from Canaan Valley Resort State Park. This area is a hiking and biking paradise, and more!
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Visit the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, with 16,225 acres managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge features 31 miles of year-round trails, hunting and fishing opportunities.
Davis and Thomas, WV
Get a taste of small-town West Virginia and visit the nearby towns of Davis and Thomas for art shops, breweries and restaurants, live music and other local favorites. For more information about these towns and more activities in the area, visit the Tucker County CVB’s website here.
Monongahela National Forest
Spanning nearly a million acres, this forest encompasses one of America’s most diverse ecological regions. Hundreds of bird species live here, as do 8 types of endangered animals and 75 kinds of trees. Highlights include Spruce Knob (the state’s highest peak at 4,863 feet), rustic camping, picnicking, and backpacking.