Blackwater Falls State ParkAbout Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is a state-managed park in Tucker County, West Virginia, centered on Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot (about 17 m) waterfall on the Blackwater River. It is a regional recreation area in the Allegheny Mountains known for its canyon scenery.
The park’s highlights include the main waterfall, several shorter cascades upstream, and multiple overlooks and short hiking trails. Trails and viewpoints such as Lindy Point and the Elakala Falls trail are the park’s primary draws for day visitors and photographers. Seasonal activities include hiking and scenic viewing in summer and fall, and winter hiking and snowshoeing when trails are snow-covered.
Park facilities and trails have been developed and maintained through the 20th and 21st centuries and the site has long been used for public recreation and nature appreciation. Management is by the West Virginia state park system.
The park lies near the town of Davis in northeastern West Virginia, in Tucker County, within the highlands of the Allegheny Mountains.
- Best viewpoint: Best light for photos is at sunrise or sunset from the Lindy Point overlook, which gives a broad view of the canyon and river.
- Water colour: The waterfall’s amber-brown colour comes from tannins leached from surrounding hemlock and spruce, which stain the water year-round.
What to See#
- Blackwater Falls: Sits on the Blackwater River and drops 57 feet (about 17 metres), forming the park’s central scenic feature and namesake.
- Elakala Falls: A series of cascades located upstream from the main falls, reached by short trails that follow the Blackwater Canyon.
- Lindy Point: A roadside overlook reached by a short trail from parking, offering wide panoramic views of the canyon and river below and popular at sunrise and sunset.
Best Time to Visit Blackwater Falls State Park
A mountain park in West Virginia best visited in autumn for foliage or winter for icy formations; summer offers the green, active-visitor experience.
Weather & Climate near Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1207 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - 1° | -9° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -8° - 3° | -7° | 82 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 8° | -2° | 101 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 103 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 19° | 13° | 117 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 114 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 13° - 25° | 19° | 126 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 25° | 19° | 105 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 96 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 15° | 7° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 9° | 1° | 96 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -6° - 4° | -6° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Blackwater Falls State Park
From Davis, WV, follow WV-32 south and then Blackwater Lodge Road toward the park; signage is clear. The park is about 6 miles (10 km) south of Davis. There is a main parking area near the lodge and upper overlooks; additional parking and trailheads are spread through the park.
Tips for Visiting Blackwater Falls State Park
- Walk the short, paved trail from the upper overlook to the falls for the best vantage point early in the morning before buses arrive.
- In winter the trails freeze; bring microspikes for the stairways and paths.
- Photographers should use a polarizer to reduce surface glare and enhance the amber tones of the water.