Blackwater Falls State Park Trails

This trail starts at the Trading Post parking area and leads to a stone patio and boardwalk more than 200 steps down to an observation deck beside Blackwater Falls. This is the main viewing area for the falls.

NOTE: For beginner access to the view, take Gentle Trail.

This scenic trail begins at the main park road across from Elakala Trail, crosses Shay Trace and Red Spruce Riding trails, continues to Balanced Rock Trail and ends near Cabin 13. Be ready for a somewhat challenging, yet rewarding hike.

This trail begins at the main park road across from Elakala Trail, crosses Shay Trace and Red Spruce Riding trails, continues to Balanced Rock Trail and ends near Cabin 13. This trail is somewhat difficult to new hikers.

This trail leaves the Harold Walters Nature Center by way of the maintenance road across the dam of Pendleton Lake and connects to the Monongalia National Forest Trail System.

This trail connects the Harold Walters Nature Center with Supper Track Trail and links to the beginner cross-country ski loop.

Gentle Trail is a short, paved path to an observation deck overlooking Blackwater Falls. It begins at the parking area across from the maintenance area and ends at the observation deck. Enjoy this easy hike at Blackwater Falls State Park.

Pendleton Trace Trail connects the Harold Walters Nature Center with the North Rim Road. This trail is rated as easy and makes for a perfect stroll throughout Blackwater Falls State Park.

Red Spruce Trail originates at the barn, winds through spruce and hemlocks and ends at the entrance to the cabin area. In the winter, the trail is a primary cross-country ski trail to most park locations.

River Road Trail begins at the maintenance area road, where Yellow Birch Trail ends. This trail is an old railroad grade that directly links to the town of Davis. The trail runs along the Blackwater River, which provides good fishing opportunities for hikers. NOTE: Some vehicle traffic occurs on this trail.

Stemwinder Trail parallels the state park boundary and connects Red Spruce Trail and Davis Trail. The trail blaze is blue with a blue square. This trail is perfect for beginners.

Watertank Trail begins across from Blackwater Lodge and provides skiers with access to Red Spruce Trail. It follows a steep uphill grade and forms a “T” intersection with the Red Spruce Trail.

Rhododendron Trail starts near Cabin Number 9, travels through hemlock and hardwoods and connects with Balanced Rock Trail near Cabin 13. For an easy to moderate hike, get some steps in at Rhododendron Trail.

Shay Trace Trail starts just past the lodge at Shay Run, crosses the Red Spruce Trail, the cabin area road, Cherry Lane Trail and goes onto the base at the sled run warming hut. Enjoy a moderate trek that boasts some beautiful scenery.

Access Spudder Track Trail via Gee Haw Trail from the Recreation Building and the North Rim Road at either end. It is part of the beginner loop for cross country skiers. Give this trail a try for an easy to moderate trek through the woods of Blackwater Falls State Park.

This trail leaves the park to the north at the park entrance off state Route 32 and to the south of the riding stables. This trail is relatively challenging.

This trail begins at the stables and leads to a network of trails in the Monongahela National Forest. For a somewhat challenging hike, give Davis Trail a try.

This trail starts at the south end of Blackwater Lodge, bridges the upper section with a great view of Elakala Falls, continues along the canyon rim and ends at the main park road across from Balanced Rock Trail. Rated moderate in difficulty, this trail is suitable for new hikers and experienced ones alike.

Pase Point Trail is an extension of the Dobbin House Trail that runs through hardwoods and rhododendron to Pase Point, overlooking the North Fork of the Blackwater River. This trail poises a challenging, yet rewarding journey to the end.

Yellow Birch Trail is a challenging trail that begins at the park road near the lodge entrance, crosses the stable entrance road and continues to the maintenance area road. Hikers can then cross the park road to the Gentle Trail.

This trail begins at the park road before Cabin Number 1, intersects Shay Trace Trail and continues to the cul-de-sac at Cabin Number 26. For cross country skiers, this trail is considered somewhat challenging to difficult.

Located one mile past the sled run parking area, Lindy Point Trail sits at 3,000 feet overlooking the Blackwater Canyon. The trail has a small parking area one mile below the sled run area. In the winter, skiers can ski to the overlook (1.37 miles). This trail is rated moderately challenging.