Blackwater Falls Activities

Blackwater Canyon has miles of scenic bike trails. Waterfalls, beehive coke ovens and a stone archway add interest to the region’s stunning landscape. With more than 20 miles of trails to explore, you’ll will have plenty of distance to grow closer to nature at this beautiful state park.

Boating at Blackwater Falls State Park is a perfect way to get out on the water. The boathouse at Pendleton Lake, which is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, is a perfect stop for starting your fun in the sun. You can rent single kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards.

After Labor Day, boat/floatation rentals are available on weekends only through the fourth Sunday in October, weather dependent.

Pendleton Lake is in the Nature Center area. There is ample parking for lake use, swimming, nature center and programs and disc golf in this location.”

Blackwater Falls is one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia, making this state park one of the most scenic places to pitch a tent. Campers visiting the park can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, fishing and so much more. From glamping experiences to old-school campground setups, Blackwater Falls State Park makes a great destination for all campers.

There are many great fishing opportunities at Blackwater Falls State Park! You can catch bass, bluegill, catfish and trout at Pendleton Lake. The nearby Blackwater River also is regularly stocked with trout in the spring and summer. Before you head out, make sure you purchase a current West Virginia fishing license.

Blackwater Falls, like most West Virginia state parks, has hidden cache sites for geocaching enthusiasts.  Bring a small item or two for you to leave after you pick a new one from the geocache. Happy searching!

Blackwater Falls Geocache Locations:

Blackwater Ramparts
Bridge Over Tannin Waters
“Rock” A-Bye Baby

Nearby Canaan Valley Resort State Park’s 18-hole championship course boasts stunning views and numerous challenges, including 8 water hazards and 65 sand bunkers. It also has a clubhouse, pro shop and equipment rentals.

While the Blackwater Falls are the main attraction at Blackwater Falls State Park, there’s much more to discover while you hit the trails. The park offers more than 20 miles of trails for hikers to explore.

The vast Monongahela National Forest has numerous hunting opportunities. Typical big and small game include deer, bear, turkey, grouse and woodcock. Canaan National Wildlife Refuge is another popular choice. Its 23 wetlands provide habitats for waterfowl, grouse, deer, opossum, bobcats, and more. With plenty of heavily forested areas in the region, West Virginia is a hunter’s paradise.

Game courts and equipment such as tennis, volleyball and basketball are available during the summer months at Blackwater. You can enjoy the waters of nearby Pendleton Lake, beginning Memorial Day Weekend. In the winter, be sure and plan your trip to see and experience the Blackwater Falls Sled Run—complete with a 14,000-foot Wonder Carpet conveyor—the longest in North America! There is a warming hut where toboggans are rented, cross country skis and snowshoes are also available with lessons. The Warming Hut offers a full menu of hot drinks, homemade soups and hearty stews to nourish you after a long day in the snow. A large fire ring is available and the park offers seasonal programs for our winter visitors in addition to spring, summer and fall guests.

Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad has seasonal locomotive rides. Mystery dinner trips, mountain excursions and the Christmas Polar Express ride are highlights. Or drive to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park where you can ride on a nearby Shay locomotive and experience gorgeous views along the way.

Get your snowy sports activities in at Blackwater Falls State Park this winter. Open mid-December through February, the sled run is the epitome of family-friendly fun. It provides an exhilarating rush of cold mountain air with a brisk ride down a quarter-mile of fresh powder surrounded by frosted evergreens. Add more winter adventure by renting cross-country skis or snowshoes and tackling some of Blackwater Falls’ snow-covered trails. The park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails and ten miles of cross-country skiing trails.

Swimming at Blackwater State Park is a must-do when you have an urge to cool off. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, swimming is available at Pendleton Lake. Blackwater Falls Lodge also has a small indoor pool for registered lodge and cabin guests. Registered campground guests may use the indoor pool for a nominal fee. At nearby Canaan Valley Resort, a large outdoor heated pool is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.