Blackwater Falls State Park

Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, Tucker County, West Virginia, takes its name from the amber-colored waterfall on the Blackwater River, where tannic acid from decaying hemlock and red spruce needles stains the water a rich dark brown. The 63-foot-high Blackwater Falls is the park's centerpiece — one of the most photographed natural features in West Virginia — accessible via a short 214-step wooden staircase descending to an observation deck at the base. The park covers 4,034 acres in the Allegheny Highlands at elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, creating a sub-alpine environment with red spruce forests more typical of Canada than Appalachia. In addition to the main falls, the park has secondary highlights: Lindy Point overlook on the rim of the gorge provides a sweeping view of the canyon stretching downstream, and Elakala Falls — a series of four waterfalls on Shay Run accessible from the lodge area — is a quieter alternative. The park's 20 miles of hiking trails range from the paved walkway to the falls overlook to multi-day backcountry routes into the Canaan Valley. Mountain biking trails, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in winter round out the activity options. The Blackwater Falls Lodge, perched on the gorge rim, offers cabins and rooms with canyon views. Fall foliage season in October transforms the park's mixed hardwood and spruce forest into deep reds, oranges, and gold that draws visitors from across the mid-Atlantic region. The park is located 12 miles from Canaan Valley Resort State Park, making the two a natural pairing for a multi-day Tucker County itinerary.