The Falls
Blackwater Falls State Park in northern West Virginia is approximately four hours west of Washington, DC. The falls are at the brink of the Canyon of the Blackwater River and the park offers several observation points. There are many campsites and cabins available at the park. Hotel reservations can also be made at the Blackwater Lodge.
Instructions
An Afternoon of Hiking at Blackwater Falls
1. Follow directional signs to the Blackwater Falls Trading Post and parking area. There are two options down to the falls: a casual forest trail or 214 wooden steps.
2. Take the steps down. The steps are part of an extensive boardwalk that includes several viewing decks. The first view of the falls is at the first deck. Stop here and take photographs. The tree branches provide a great natural frame.
3. Reach the canyon floor and continue on the walk, now level with the river, up to the pool. Here, the closest point to the falls is still far enough away to keep the visitor dry. The river has divided in at least three places as it begins its descent. While much of the water flow drops freely, a stone precipice causes a second substantial fall as well as several other trickles.
4. Return to the parking area via the trail. It makes a gradual ascent along the ridge of the canyon before ending at the parking area.
5. Drive west past the campground to the road’s end and the Harold S. Walters Nature Center. Discover the local plant and wildlife on display as well as the geology of the canyon and waterfall.
6. Return to the vehicle and backtrack a short distance. The park has many hiking/cross-country skiing trails. One in particular is the Dobbin House Trail. The trailhead is just south of the Nature Center. A little over a one-mile round trip, this trail offers a great view of yet another waterfall: Pendleton.
7. Hike to Pendleton Point Overlook, which is accessible via a parking area along North Rim Road.
8. Return to the vehicle and drive toward the park entrance. Follow directional signs crossing the Blackwater River to the south rim of the canyon. There are several overlooks along this road. Two in particular also allow access to yet another waterfall: Elakala.
9. Park the vehicle in the parking area of the Blackwater Lodge and access the Elakali Falls Trailhead, located at the lodge. The trail crosses over a ravine where the Elakali Falls drops into the canyon. The trail continues to the falls overlook.
10. Continue on the trail and cross the South Rim Road. The Elakali Trail becomes the Balanced Rock Trail. One can hike a two-mile round trip, up the ridge, to the rock.
Tags: parking area, Blackwater Falls, another waterfall, Blackwater Lodge, Blackwater River, directional signs, Elakali Falls
