Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia is Blackwater Falls State Park. A place that turns into a snow-covered wonderland each winter. With its quiet trails, frozen waterfalls, and serene vistas, this park offers the potential of both a relaxing and idyllic retreat or an adrenaline-packed getaway as it beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. The park is home to 20 miles of hiking trails, the longest sled run on the East Coast, and some of the state’s most photographed viewpoints. Here’s our guide to making the most of a winter weekend in this breathtaking destination.
Getting to Blackwater Falls State Park
Located in Tucker County, within the Potomac Highlands region of West Virginia, this state park is about a 2.5 hour drive from Washington, DC, 3 hours from Pittsburgh, PA, and 3.5 hours from Baltimore, MD making it the perfect weekend getaway from any of these cities! And while this park is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the US population, it is not accessible by rail or other public transportation routes, and the best way to access it’s different attractions is by car. Road trip anyone?
When to Visit Blackwater Falls State Park
While this post specifically highlights wintery things to do, Blackwater Falls is truly a year-round destination. We’ve visited in the summertime, during peak fall foliage, and of course in the winter, and have never had a bad experience. That being said, be sure to plan accordingly for the season, as road conditions here can sometimes be less than ideal, and cell phone service it not available along many of these country roads.
Unmissable Experiences in Blackwater Falls State Park
Chase Waterfalls along West Virginia’s Waterfall Trail
West Virginia is home to over 200 waterfalls that are spread across the state, and even boasts a state-wide waterfall trail made up of over two dozen cascades, two of which are located in this park.
Blackwater Falls: The park’s star attraction, Blackwater Falls, is an especially breathtaking sight during winter. It holds the title of being West Virginia’s tallest waterfall, and there are two different vantage points to admire the 57-foot cascade from as it dramatically plunges into the gorge below.
- Whether you’re a fan of winter hiking or not, the easy trek to the iconic Blackwater Falls Overlook via Gentle Trail is a must-do. Getting to the overlook takes less than five minutes, and provides a breathtaking view of the park’s namesake.
- Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail: This trail starts at the Trading Post parking area and leads to one of West Virginia’s Almost Heaven swings, and to boardwalk composed of over 200 steps that lead to an observation deck with beautiful views of the falls.
Elakala Falls: This trail begins right at Blackwater Falls Lodge, and leads to the 35ft Elakala Falls. The .6 mile out-and-back trail winds through hemlock forests and over bridges, with the fall becoming visible at about the .2 mile mark.
Take in the Views of Blackwater Canyon
With 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing trails, Blackwater Falls State park offers something for every one. A map and summary of all of the park’s trails can be found here, but we wanted to shout out two of our favorite overlooks below:
Lindy Point Overlook: Sitting at an elevation of 3,000ft and overlooking the Blackwater Canyon, this 0.7 mile trail provides sweeping 180 views of the 1,000 foot gorge below. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a viewing platform, multiple overlooks, and a 35ft chimney rock. Note: There is a small parking area at the trailhead on Canaan Loop Road that only accommodates a few cars.
Pendleton Point: This overlook provides another beautiful view of Blackwater Canyon. It can be accessed with a short walk from the spacious parking area and is accessible for those with wheelchairs and strollers. We couldn’t recommend packing a picnic and catching the sunset here more. There is also a 0.9-mile loop trail to explore.
Ride down the Longest Sled Run East of the Mississippi
If you’re up for a few hours of fun, this former bunny hill turned sled run is the perfect addition to your park visit. It boasts the title of being the longest sled run in the eastern United States, and each ride begins with a “magic carpet” conveyor belt ride up to the top of the hill – no trudging up involved!
The sled run usually opens mid-December and operates Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are timed in 2 hour slots and are $28 per person on Thursdays and $33 dollars per person Friday-Sunday. You can snag your tickets here. There is an indoor store and outdoor firepits that serve as warming stations. Sleds are provided, but be prepared with your own winter weather gear (snow pants and gloves are a must, and goggles are recommended as well). Sleds speeds may reach up to 30MPH but you are totally in control. Go as fast or slow as you want and make sure you are dressed for the thrill!
We documented our full experience on the East Coast’s longest sled run over on Instagram. Click here to watch!
Things to Do nearby Blackwater Falls State Park
Drive Canaan Loop Road if you have an ORV//want to get a little mud on your tires. This 18 mile long road will take you from Appalachian highway (route 32) right into Blackwater Falls State Park or vice versa. Starting from route 32, the first 12-14 miles of this road are suitable for any car and provides access to multiple hiking trails and roadside camp sites/pullouts along the way. The remainder of “road” however, is the epitome of a 4WD trail and totally worth the drive. The road will then bring you back to hard pavement right at the Lindy Point Trailhead within Blackwater Falls State Park and is why we like to call it the “Bat Cave entrance” to the park. This is technically a public road so no permits are required and while there are some seemingly challenging spots, this road can easily be done without a winch, a lift, or the need for 4L. We have driven it a few times now in our stock Rubicon on 33’s, no problem (we do recommend airing down a little though… not necessarily for traction, just to smooth the ride a bit). It does get a little tight in a few areas so pin stripping is a possibility but other than that an around great beginner trail.
Explore Funky Mountain Towns
Just a stone’s throw away from Blackwater Falls State Park lies the quaint and inviting small towns of Davis and Thomas, West Virginia. Both have populations of under 700 individuals and seamlessly blend their Appalachian history with modern day eclectic vibes. As you stroll through their downtown areas, you’ll find a blend of charming boutiques and local restaurants. We’ve linked some of our favorites below:
– StumptownAles (brewery) – McClumsy (lifestyle apparel brand) – Sirianni’s Pizza Cafe – The Purple Fiddle (cafe & live music venue)
Climb West Virginia’s Tallest & Oldest Fire Tower
A recent survey by the Forest Fire Lookout Association estimates that only about 300 fire lookout towers are still manned today, many by volunteers. Lucky for us, this one in WV is not one of them and is now open to the public. Instead of looking for lighting strikes and smoke plumes, it now provides beautiful 360° views of the Mountain State.
Olson Tower sits 3.7K ft. above sea level on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County. It can be accessed for most of the year by driving 1.5 miles down a dirt road off of Appalachian Highway (RT. 48), but does sometimes get snowed shut, so be sure to check current conditions before attempting the drive. If you’d rather hike up, it’s also a stop along the 6.5 mile moderately-rated Allegheny Trail Loop in the Monongahela National Forest.
Unique Places to Stay within an 1.5 Hours of Blackwater Falls State Park
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, you’ll find just what you’re looking for in one of the diverse range of unique accommodations near Blackwater Falls State Park. From cozy cabins to luxury tiny homes, these lodging options offer something special for every traveler. Links to some of our favorites within an hour of the park can be found below and check our Instagram round-up of these spots here:
Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins is home to 20+ luxury log cabins that range in size from 1-4 bedrooms. This property is located on the banks of a private access trophy trout stream in Hopeville Canyon within Seneca Rocks Spruce Knob Nat’l Recreation Area. They boast on-site hiking trails and even a secluded jump rock.
Lost River Vacations‘ luxury tiny homes comfortably sleep 4-6 and are located just outside of Lost River State Park. Their “Black Oak” tiny home has a hot tub, and we found it to be the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of adventuring.
Ascent at Lost River is an elevated two bedroom A-frame cabin that is located in Lost City, WV near Lost River State Park. It is perfect for a romantic retreat or friends getaway. The views from the outdoor deck are stunning, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll find it hard to pull yourself away from the cabin when its time to get out and explore the area.
The Wabi Sabi Cabin comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests, making this ideal for couples, friends, or families. It is near Trout Pond Recreation Area in George Washington Nat’l Forest.
Black Bear Resort‘s homeowner-owned cabins in Davis, WV are located between Blackwater Falls State Park + Canaan Valley State Park, and perfect for those looking to stay close to, but not inside of Blackwater Falls State Park.
Where to Stay in Blackwater Falls State Park
If you’re looking to stay in the park itself, there are various accommodation options that cater to different preferences, group sizes, and needs:
Blackwater Falls Lodge: The lodge within the park offers 54 comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The lodge includes a restaurant, lounge area, an indoor pool and hot tub, game room, and fitness room, making it a convenient and comfortable choice. It also provides reliable WiFi, and is a great spot to check you phone, weather, download offline maps, etc. as you will not have service in the majority of the park.
Cabin Rentals: For a more private and secluded stay, the park offers various cabin rentals. These cabins range from small, intimate units to larger family-sized accommodations. There are 52 cabins in total to choose from, and 10 of them are pet-friendly.
During the warmer months, primitive camping and glamping is also available. For more information on all of the park’s accommodations, check the WV State Parks‘ website. There are also some great Airbnbs in the area too!
Tips for a Perfect Outdoorsy Winter Retreat
One final note: Winter hiking/adventuring can be an exhilarating experience, but it requires extra preparation due to the conditions. Here are some tips for ensuring that your getaway is safe for you and for Mama Nature.
- Plan Ahead + Prepare: Prior to your trip, and again before setting out on each hike, review the weather forecast to be aware of any upcoming storms. You should also familiarize yourself with the trail you plan to hike. Winter conditions can obscure markings, so having a map and compass or GPS is crucial. We all know that days are shorter in winter, so start your hike early to make the most of daylight hours, plan to finish your hike well before sunset, and always carry a flashlight just in case! You should also inform someone of your plans, including your route and expected return time, and then check in with them once you’re back.
- Layer Up: Pack and wear moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin, insulating layers (like fleece or wool), and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and warm socks. Wear insulated, waterproof boots with good traction and consider bringing additional gear like crampons or snowshoes based on conditions.
- Pack Essential Gear including navigation tools like a paper or downloaded offline-map, compass, GPS, first aid kit, emergency gear (including a whistle, fire starter, space blanket, and a multi-tool), extra food and water, and a headlamp/flashlight. More information on the 10 Essentials can be found here.
- Monitor Your Body: Be aware of signs of hypothermia or frostbite. If you or anyone in your group experiences symptoms like confusion, uncontrollable shivering, numbness, or pale skin, take action immediately.
- Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Respect the environment by packing out all trash, staying on trail, respecting wildlife and other visitors in order to minimize your impact on your surroundings. Also, if you’re new to the outdoors, consider taking the Leave No Trace 101 online course. It only takes 45 minutes to complete, and research shows that a person trained in Leave No Trace is 5X more likely to protect nature.
Bottom Line: Whether you come for the frozen waterfalls, charming cabin stays, or to send it down the East Coast’s longest sled run, the region’s beautiful landscapes, quirky towns, and welcoming locals will have you wanting to plan a return trip before you even leave. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone seeking tranquility amidst nature’s beauty, Blackwater Falls has something for everyone.
Truely enjoyed all the events that you have explored. West Virgina has great places to explore. Thanks for the trip of a life time !! Loved the sled ride too!!