BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK
WEST VIRGINIA
AN OVERVIEW
West Virginia is a rugged, mountainous, figure-it-out-yourself kind of place. And Blackwater Falls State Park has these features plus tons of waterfalls, winding rivers, and cliffs with drastic viewpoints as far as the eye can see, and deep into the valleys below.
The name of the park comes from the color of the water running through the mountains here, which is easily noticed in the winter. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles, although, with the right light, it gets some orange and blue tones too.
Lying in the lush forests of the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls boasts scenic views in every direction. Perfect for a day-trip as it sits about 3 hours from DC, or a great weekend away, this park has very attractive trails, some marked, and some, well, like I said, figure it out yourself at your own risk.
I prefer to visit in the fall, around mid- to late-October, when the forests are doused in color and the wind picks up, spreading the golden leaves all around the valley. But a winter adventure could be just as rewarding when you get snow and ice all around you.
The other great thing about visiting Blackwater is that you can come here for half a day and get a lot out of it, and then visit a nearby West Virginia attraction, like Seneca Rocks, Dolly Sods, or many others. Seneca Rocks is a quick visit, but my favorite spot to explore in West Virginia is Dolly Sods, and here’s my guide for that park. Also, if you are here for the waterfalls, be sure to get out of the park boundaries for a walk along Douglas and Albert Falls, as these also are great and more remote hikes in the area.
A Guide
Blackwater falls
The park gets its name from these falls because they are the main attraction, and, truthfully iconic. I’ve seen them in fall and winter and both times were equally stunning - every season surely brings a new perspective to these falls and I’ll be heading back in spring and summer to complete the four seasons.
Since these falls are so easily accessed - a quick 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot on a boardwalk - the parking lot and the falls can get packed. This also is the case because the parking lot serves as the main store, food stop, and bathroom for the park. So, plan ahead.
There are three different vantage points to see these falls. The first two require you to start at the main parking area. When you leave your car, head down the boardwalk from the parking lot and you’ll have two viewpoints on this path, one at the base of the falls, and one from a bit higher up. They are both easy to access and you’ll never leave the well-made path or the boardwalk.
The first vantage point is the mid-way stop down the boardwalk. This spot offers a nice elevated view between the trees from a small platform that veers left from the main steps.
The second vantage point brings you right up to the falls at the bottom of the boardwalk. From here you can feel the water crashing down and the noise level rises as you inch toward the edge of the platform.
The third vantage point is from the opposite side of the river. It is a short drive away at the “Black Water Falls view point.” Bring more zoom here as you will be a lot higher than the other locations in relation to the falls.
Elakala falls
The Elakala Falls offer a more rugged option for those looking for remote waterfalls and some effort to get to them. Park at the Blackwater Lodge and you’ll find the path is on your left, semi-hidden by the pine trees. After a short 5 minute trail heading down through the trees, you will come to a bridge, and the falls are directly under your feet.
The bridge provides a view at the canyon below, but you can barely see the falls from here. The proper way to see these falls is to get off the path since the main trail does not really offer great views of the water. You will notice several different man made paths that lead down to the water. Just choose the safest ones to get down there without slipping or further destroying the trees and their roots.
Elakala Falls actually is a series of 4 separate waterfalls that begin at the bridge and carve their way down Shay’s Run until they reach the bottom of the valley and flow into Blackwater River. Most people visit the first fall and either turn back or continue down Elakala Trail, which does not lead to any more waterfalls - it merely traverses through the trees until it connects with the main road on the opposite end without even giving any great views since the area is so heavily forested.
The first and main waterfall here will be recognizable if you do some research beforehand - it is right below the bridge and most well known for the swirl the water creates at its base.
A few last things to note for Elakala Falls:
First, in the fall and winter seasons, these falls really show their personality with some inspiring beauty. In the fall, you’re treated to some beautiful foliage and colorful leaves flying all around you as they make their way down from the trees. And in the winter, you’ll find solitude and huge ice crystals all over the sides of the waterfalls - if it’s cold enough, the falls may even freeze.
Second, the sun will take its sweet time to pierce into this small valley, so plan to have low light settings ready to go, and be patient. I generally start my morning at one of the lookouts, preferably Pendelton for sunrise. Then I make my way over to Blackwater Falls once the sun is high enough to illuminate the falls. And I then visit Elakala to get some hiking in just before the light clears the bridge and the trees.
Third, if you have proper gear and an adventurous spirit, go for the other waterfalls, but I warn you it is not very easy to get to them. I have only gotten as low as Elakala #3 as getting to the bottom of Shay’s Run can be very difficult and time-consuming. To get to these falls, same rules apply: navigate the trees carefully and follow the sound of the water.
The photo above is of Elakala #3, which was very sketchy to get to. The other two photos (right and below) are Elakala #2, which is accessible if you continue down the Elakala Trail for about 100 yards from where you left the main fall, and from there, simply leave the path and start carving through gaps in the trees and shrubbery.
The difficulty in getting to the bottom falls in Shay’s Run lies in the lack of any clear path to the other waterfalls - its sincerely is a “figure-it-out” rock and tree scramble that leads you aimlessly following the sound of the water.
What makes it harder is that the area will generally be wet and slippery, and any discernible path will covered in fallen leaves and branches, making it tough to know where you’re stepping and whether the ground below you is in fact sturdy. You will need to have both hands free so you can hold on to branches, climb over rocks, or crawl under some fallen tree trunks.
As you follow the sound of the water and get closer to the falls, the path becomes all the more dangerous because slipping means you may find yourself falling into the water, so make every step count, carefully.
Pendelton overlook
This is my favorite overlook in the park although it is ranked as the second most popular after Lindy Point. Sunrise here is splendid with the sun behind you and the Blackwater River perfectly in frame. I generally start my day here before making my way over to the falls.
The platform for the viewing area is nice because you have a stable place to take a look around - and you have those cool viewing machines to gaze through - but keep going farther out around the trees in lining the edge of the overlook and head to the opening where you’ll find some exposed cliffs. Carefully head toward the rocks for the best view in the park. It can be slippery after rain or snow and there is a chance of high winds, so use caution when approaching the cliffs.
From this overlook, you will see the lodge across the valley as well as all 4 of the Elakala Falls down Shay’s Run. It’s a wonderful place to start the day in the park.
lindy point
Claimed to be the most impressive (and popular) view in all of West Virginia, Lindy Point is a 20 minute walk from the parking lot through the lush forest. There are great all-around views here, but I liked the framing at Pendleton better. That’s not to say that you should not wander out here, because you absolutely should get out to this trail to take in these views.
From the trailhead, you’ll pass some large stones and then be on your way down a dirt path for a little under a mile. The foliage gets more dense as you get closer to the cliffs and bears have been known to wander through the area so exercise caution.
What’s also great about getting out to Lindy are the roads you’ll wind through on your way.
You’ll be stepping over fallen branches and roots protruding from the ground until you come to the boardwalk leading you to the main platform at the end of the trail, where the forest opens up and the layers of mountains ensnare you in every direction.
You can go rogue here, at the platform - again, carefully - and leave the boardwalk and viewing area and walk on the large rocky cliffs for different angles and perspectives at the valley below. This location probably is great for both sunrise and sunset, but expect to not have it to yourself.
douglas and albert falls
The entirety of Blackwater Falls can be completed in half a day, especially if you have a targeted plan in the park and arrive early. If that’s the case, a mere 15-20 minute drive outside the park are two gorgeous sets of waterfalls on a river that links up with Blackwater: Douglas and Albert Falls. The best times to shoot here are just after sunrise and late afternoon so the sun can peer through the trees into the riverbed.
Enter Douglas or Albert Falls into google maps and you should have no problem getting there. You will head to the town of Thomas, pass a gas station, a few rural homes, and finally an art studio before you veer off the paved road onto gravel. The last sign of “you’re on the right way” is a rickety old wooden bridge. From there, park the car and walk 5-10 minutes until you reach the falls on your left.
Similar to other falls in the area, there really is no defined path when you navigate the falls. You’ll notice a rope leading to the base of the falls from the main bike path you’re walking down, and from there, find your own way. If you’re close to the river on the rocks, be careful because it is very slippery, and the water is not the cleanest. The rocks get their red color from toxic runoff from the old mining days in the area.
