Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis, West Virginia, centers on a 57-foot waterfall and the forested rim of Blackwater Canyon. West Virginia State Parks manages this Tucker County destination through the Division of Natural Resources. For a first visit, choose between the stairway beside the falls and the separate paved Gentle Trail overlook.

Waterfall views and canyon walks

The falls have an amber tint from tannins associated with fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The short approach does not mean the main viewpoint is effortless: the Boardwalk Trail descends more than 200 steps from the Trading Post parking area.

Elakala Trail offers another waterfall walk from the south end of Blackwater Lodge. Its half-mile route crosses above Elakala Falls and continues along the canyon rim.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Stairs and shared routes

Allow for the climb back from the main falls deck. The quarter-mile Gentle Trail provides a separate paved approach to an overlook. River Road Trail carries some vehicle traffic, so remain alert while walking there.

Visit responsibly

Keep dogs and cats leashed and restrained. Do not feed wildlife. Use designated grills or fire areas, and camp only on designated numbered sites. Quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The state park rules cover these conditions.

Reservations and overnight planning

Use the park's lodging information and booking links to select a cabin or campsite. Match your chosen site to its operating season, especially for a visit after October. Winter facility limits apply even where camping continues.

Maps, location, and access

The park is near Davis in the Allegheny Mountains. Its contact address is 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260. The main falls boardwalk starts at Trading Post parking. Gentle Trail starts from a different parking area across from the maintenance area.

Use the official trail descriptions and park map link to choose the correct starting point before walking.

Nearby parks

• Canaan Valley Resort State Park is another local road-access option in the Davis area, at 230 Main Lodge Road.
• Fairfax Stone State Park is near Eglon on West Kempton Road. It is a separate day-visit stop without overnight accommodations.

Choose a short viewpoint walk or a longer hike

The quarter-mile Boardwalk Trail suits visitors prepared for its staircase. Gentle Trail is also a quarter mile and reaches a different observation deck. Elakala Trail adds a moderate half-mile walk near the lodge. These options let you build a visit around one waterfall or add another trail without treating every viewpoint as the same outing.

Facilities and accessibility

The paved Gentle Trail is the practical viewing alternative to the long boardwalk staircase. Check its suitability with park staff for your particular mobility needs. Cabins and numbered campsites provide overnight options, with the seasonal campground limits listed above.

About the park

The wider trail system totals about 20 miles. The falls are one feature of a mountain park that also includes forest walks and canyon overlooks.

History

The park dates to 1937. Its early protected land included a donation around the head of Blackwater Canyon during the 1930s. The state began adding cabins, a lodge, and fishing facilities in 1955.

Forest habitats

Hemlock and red spruce are part of the falls' setting as well as the explanation for their color. Viewing the waterfall and walking through the surrounding forest reveal different parts of the same landscape.

Contact

For current access and accommodation details, contact Blackwater Falls State Park at 304-259-5216 or [email protected].