A 57-foot amber waterfall, trails & sledding near Deep Creek Lake — an easy WV day-trip escape.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park sits in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, West Virginia, about an hour from Deep Creek Lake. The park takes its name from its centerpiece: a 57-foot cascade where the Blackwater River tumbles over a rock ledge, its water stained a deep amber by tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Established in 1937, the park protects roughly 2,358 acres of upland forest and is home to some of West Virginia's most photographed scenery, including Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook.
With 20 miles of hiking trails, a historic lodge, and the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast, Blackwater Falls makes an easy day trip from your Deep Creek Lake vacation rental, and a nice change of scenery if you want to pair lake days with a mountain waterfall hike.
The Falls & Scenic Overlooks
The main falls are reached by a boardwalk staircase (about 200 steps) leading down into the gorge, or by the shorter, paved Gentle Trail, which leads to an accessible upper viewing platform for visitors who'd rather skip the stairs.
A few other park landmarks are worth building into your visit:
- Elakala Falls — a series of smaller cascades on Shays Run, an easy walk from the lodge area.
- Lindy Point — a rock outcropping overlook with sweeping views into Blackwater Canyon, especially popular at sunset and during fall foliage.
- Pendleton Point Overlook — another canyon viewpoint, a short walk from the parking area.
Sledding & Winter Activities
In winter, the park is home to the longest sledding magic carpet lift on the East Coast, drawing families for a full afternoon of sledding without the hike back up the hill. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular here in season.
Hiking
Blackwater Falls has about 20 miles of trails ranging from short, paved walks to more rugged canyon-rim routes, so it works for casual visitors and serious hikers alike. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails — see the FAQ below for details.
Where to Stay
Blackwater Falls has its own lodge and cabins on-site for an overnight stay, but many visitors prefer to make the falls a day trip from a Deep Creek Lake vacation rental — enjoying lake activities the rest of the trip while still fitting in a mountain waterfall hike. What better place to start than Railey Vacations, Deep Creek Lake's largest vacation rental company!
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Getting to Blackwater Falls from Deep Creek Lake
Blackwater Falls State Park is roughly 40 miles from the Deep Creek Lake area, and most guests find the drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on where you're staying around the lake. The route winds through farmland and mountain scenery on the way into Tucker County, West Virginia, making the drive itself part of the trip.
- Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260
- Phone: (304) 259-5216
- Nearest town: Davis, WV (about 2 miles from the park entrance)
Because it's close enough for a half-day or full-day outing, Blackwater Falls pairs well with a longer Deep Creek Lake stay — many guests visit the falls in the morning and head back to the lake in the afternoon, or combine it with a stop in Davis or Thomas, WV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blackwater Falls State Park located?
Blackwater Falls State Park is located in Tucker County, West Virginia, in the Allegheny Mountains, near the town of Davis, approximately 45 minutes to an hour from Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.
How far is Blackwater Falls from Deep Creek Lake?
It's roughly 40 miles, or about a 45-minute to one-hour drive, depending on where around the lake you're staying.
How tall is Blackwater Falls?
The main falls drop about 57 feet over a rock ledge into Blackwater Canyon.
Can you swim at Blackwater Falls?
Swimming isn't allowed at the falls themselves or in the Blackwater River, due to strong currents and slippery rocks. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the park opens a designated swimming area at Pendleton Lake instead.
Are dogs allowed at Blackwater Falls State Park?
Yes - leashed dogs are welcome on the park's trails, campgrounds, and grounds. Pets aren't permitted inside the lodge or most cabins without prior arrangement. Please call the park ahead if you're bringing a pet and plan to stay overnight.
Is Blackwater Falls Lodge open?
The lodge and restaurant operate year-round; visit the WV State Park Official Site or call (304) 259-5216 to confirm current hours or make a reservation.
What's the best way to see the falls if I can't manage a lot of stairs?
Take the Gentle Trail, a short, paved path to an accessible upper viewing platform - you'll get a full view of the falls without the ~200-step boardwalk staircase.