Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley together form one of West Virginia's most rewarding high-country day-trip combinations, reachable from Elkins in about one hour via US-33 West to WV-32 North—a 50-mile drive through the Allegheny Mountains into Tucker County. The two destinations sit within 15 miles of each other, making them natural companions for a single full day in the West Virginia highlands.
Blackwater Falls takes its name from the tannic, amber-colored water of the Blackwater River—darkened by decaying leaves from surrounding red spruce and hemlock forests—as it drops 57 feet over a sandstone ledge into a deep gorge. The main falls viewpoint is reached via a 200-step wooden boardwalk descending from the parking area, about a 10-minute walk each direction. The lower platform delivers a direct eye-level view of the falls face and the mist-shrouded gorge below. Elakala Falls, a smaller cascade through a hemlock glen, is reached via a 0.25-mile trail from the day-use area and is frequently less crowded than the main falls. The Balanced Rock Overlook trail (0.7 miles round trip) offers high-level canyon views for a different perspective.
Canaan Valley, 8 miles north of Blackwater Falls via WV-32, is West Virginia's highest valley, sitting at approximately 3,200 feet elevation and holding the state's largest wetland ecosystem. Canaan Valley Resort State Park operates as both a downhill ski resort (December through March) and a summer recreation destination with mountain biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and flat valley walks. The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, covering 16,000 acres of the valley floor, has self-guided wildlife observation trails where bear, beaver, and migratory waterfowl are commonly encountered.
October is the premier month for this trip: the high elevation causes red maple and yellow birch to peak two to three weeks earlier than lower-elevation West Virginia forests, bringing brilliant color to the Blackwater gorge rim in late September to early October. Winter visits (December through February) shift the focus to downhill and cross-country skiing at Canaan Valley Resort. Thomas, a small arts town 4 miles from the park entrance, has galleries and independent cafés including Tip Top Cellar, a craft beer destination in a Victorian building.
How to get there
- Car only
Location
Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260
39.1156, -79.4906 View on map
Highlights
- Blackwater Falls: 57-foot amber-tinted waterfall viewed from a 200-step boardwalk descent to gorge level
- Elakala Falls: compact cascade through hemlock glen via a 0.25-mile trail with lighter crowds
- Canaan Valley at 3,200 feet: West Virginia's largest wetland and prime wildlife observation habitat
- Canaan Valley Resort downhill skiing December through March with some of the region's most reliable snowfall
- High-elevation fall foliage peaking in late September to early October, weeks ahead of valley areas
Tips for visiting
- The boardwalk to Blackwater Falls involves 200 steps; descend in the morning before afternoon heat and humidity build in summer.
- October weekends are the park's most crowded window; arrive before 8 a.m. to secure parking at the main falls overlook lot.
- Canaan Valley Resort's lodge restaurant is the most reliable lunch option in the area year-round; the town of Davis (4 miles from the park) has independent cafés.
- Ski season at Canaan Valley Resort runs December through March; lift tickets and rentals should be reserved online in advance for holiday weekends.
- The WV-32 corridor through Thomas connects Blackwater Falls to Canaan Valley and passes galleries and Tip Top Cellar, a notable craft beer stop in a historic Victorian building.
When to visit
Late September to early October for high-elevation fall foliage peaking 2–3 weeks ahead of valley areas; December through February for downhill and cross-country skiing at Canaan Valley Resort. Arrive before 9 a.m. on October weekends to secure falls parking.
Accessibility
The main Blackwater Falls viewpoint is reached via a 200-step wooden boardwalk, which is not wheelchair accessible. An alternative paved overlook platform near the parking area provides a partial gorge-rim view without steps. Elakala Falls trail is an unpaved dirt path not suitable for wheelchairs. Canaan Valley Resort's lodge and golf facilities are largely accessible by car and paved paths.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Blackwater Falls from Elkins, WV?
Blackwater Falls State Park is approximately 50 miles from Elkins via US-33 West and WV-32 North, a drive of about one hour through the Allegheny Mountains. The town of Davis is 2 miles from the park entrance; Thomas is 4 miles from the park.
Can visitors swim at Blackwater Falls?
Swimming is not permitted in the Blackwater River within the state park due to fast currents and rocky gorge conditions. The park has no designated swimming area. Downstream areas of Blackwater River State Forest have limited flat-water access but are not managed swimming destinations.
Is skiing available near Blackwater Falls?
Yes. Canaan Valley Resort State Park, approximately 8 miles north of Blackwater Falls via WV-32, operates a downhill ski resort typically from December through March. The resort also has cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails. Timberline Mountain Resort, 14 miles from Davis, offers additional ski terrain at higher elevation.
When does fall foliage peak near Blackwater Falls?
The Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley area sits at 3,000–4,000 feet elevation, causing fall foliage to peak 2–3 weeks earlier than lower-elevation West Virginia forests. The prime window is typically late September to the first week of October for red maple and yellow birch. Davis and Thomas host fall foliage events in early October.
What is in Thomas, WV near Blackwater Falls?
Thomas is a historic mining town 4 miles from Blackwater Falls State Park that has developed a small arts and culture district over recent decades. East Avenue has galleries and independent vendors, and Tip Top Cellar—a craft beer bar in a Victorian building—is one of West Virginia's most distinctive drinking establishments. Pies and Pints in Thomas serves pizza with local craft beers.