Blackwater Falls State Park is known for its waterfalls, overlooks, and tranquil forest walks. It is a family-friendly destination with lots of fun and easily-accessible landmarks.
But, the more seasoned hikers looking for challenging climbs or long-distance routes will be disappointed, as most destinations in the park are easy and short.
Trails in Blackwater Falls State Park:
- Blackwater Falls Overlook
- Lindy Point Overlook
- Pase Point Loop
- Elakala Falls to Balanced Rock Loop
- Pendleton Point Overlook
- Albert, Douglas, and Kennedy Falls
- Beaver Creek and Moon Rocks Loop
- Yellow Birch Trail to Blackwater Falls Overlook
1. Blackwater Falls Overlook
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 0.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 140 ft
- Time to Complete: 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Blackwater Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in West Virginia. It is the most-visited landmark in the area and gives the park its name.
There is a good water flow throughout the year, but the waterfall partially freezes in winter, sometimes reducing to a trickle. And if you want to see the cascade at full power, it’s better to visit in spring.
Access to the waterfall requires navigating a set of steps, over 200 of them, which is easy for most. But take extra care in winter and consider bringing microspikes.
2. Lindy Point Overlook
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 1 mile
- Elevation Gain: 50 ft
- Time to Complete: 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Lindy Point Overlook Trail is another short and easy route with fantastic views. Instead of waterfall vistas, you will discover a stunning panorama of the Blackwater River canyon.
Like many trails in the area, the best time to visit is in fall when the mountains turn golden. But during other seasons, the short walk is worth the views, too.
Also, because the overlook faces west, consider visiting during sunset hours – it is absolutely gorgeous.
The only downside to this trail is parking. There is space for just a few cars, so you might have to wait your turn.
3. Pase Point Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 4.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 420 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Pase Point Loop consists of Pase Point Trail and Perimeter Trail that make a 4-mile loop through the surrounding woods.
Even though the route runs on top of the river canyon, the views are limited due to the tree cover. There is only one spot where you can look out over the gorge and take in the views of the nearby mountains – Pase Point – about a third of the way out.
This trail is suited for hikers who enjoy walks through serene woods but also families and beginners who want to avoid steep climbs.
The route is excellent at any time of the year. You can try snowshoeing in winter, see rhododendrons bloom in late spring, or enjoy the colors of the fall.
4. Elakala Falls to Balanced Rock Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 414 ft
- Time to Complete: 2h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Elakala Falls to Balanced Rock Loop has a lot going for it. There is a beautiful waterfall not far from the trailhead, the Balanced Rock formation that will leave you wondering how it came to be, and pleasant, mixed woods with lots of wildlife and rhododendrons. It’s a charming, peaceful hike.
The route consists of a few trails that loop together. After the waterfall, continue to the Balanced Rock, and then loop back via Cherry Lane Trail. All paths are clearly marked, so it is an easy route to follow.
5. Pendleton Point Overlook
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 1 mile
- Elevation Gain: 60 ft
- Time to Complete: 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Pendleton Point Overlook has one of the best views in the park. And because it’s so easy to reach, you definitely shouldn’t miss it.
The spot has several stone ledges that offer sweeping views of the river gorge, surrounding mountains, and a cascading waterfall on the opposite hillside – it is breathtaking.
The only complaint about the overlook is that it gets crowded, but there are more ledges than people realize, so just continue on the path, and you will find a clearing.
6. Albert, Douglas, and Kennedy Falls
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 3 mile
- Elevation Gain: 84 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Although these falls are not a part of the park, Albert, Douglas, and Kennedy Falls are charming cascades near the town of Douglas that are worth checking out.
The access road to the waterfalls has railroad and mining heritage, and there are informational stands along the way that history buffs will enjoy.
It’s an easy hike on a flat, gravel road, but if you want to get close to the falls, it requires a scramble which may not be for everyone. Still, visiting three waterfalls in one short hike is the best value for a mile you will ever get.
7. Beaver Creek and Moon Rocks Loop
- Type: Loop
- Trail Length: 9.4 mile
- Elevation Gain: 814 ft
- Time to Complete: 5h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Beaver Creek and Moon Rocks Loop is a hiking and mountain biking route on the other side of Davis. It is part of the Camp 70 trail system that explores Beaver Creek and Yellow Creek.
The terrain is relatively flat but rocky and muddy, and some sections get flooded during the wet weather, so consider waterproof footwear. Also, unlike many other hikes in the area, the Camp 70 trails are sun-exposed, with only patches of shade here and there.
The biggest highlight of the route – Moon Rocks – is a peculiar rock formation that looks like it has been bombarded with meteorites leaving small craters. Still, even if you aren’t fascinated by geology, these trails offer a lengthy hiking option for those who aren’t afraid of the miles.
8. Yellow Birch Trail to Blackwater Falls Overlook
- Type: Out and Back
- Trail Length: 3.5 mile
- Elevation Gain: 318 ft
- Time to Complete: 1h 30min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: Trailhead Lot: Google Maps
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Yellow Birch Trail follows Blackwater River to the biggest attraction in the park – Blackwater Falls. But unlike the #1 option, where you get close to the falls, the trail offers only a glimpse of the cascade.
If seeing the waterfall is the number one priority for you, then it’s better to choose the #1 trail on this list; it has much better views. Yet, if you saw the falls already and looking for a route with an excellent turnaround point, this is the option for you.
When it comes to conditions, the hike is pretty easy and relatively flat in a typical forest setting with mud, roots, and some rocks.
And the best thing about this route is that the second most popular waterfall in the park – Elakala Falls – is right by the trailhead, so you get two for the price of one!
Final Thoughts
Blackwater Falls State Park is very well developed, and all of its landmarks are easily accessible by hikers of any skill level. It is a very family-friendly destination.
Hopefully, you got a feel for the area and can now plan your visit with more confidence.
