Blackwater Falls State Park sits in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. Like Tahquamenon Falls, the amber water for the park’s namesake waterfall is tinted by tannins from fallen eastern hemlock and red spruce.
I visited at a lovely time in late October. Vibrant leaves popped among the evergreen trees.
Blackwater Falls State Park
There are 20 miles of hiking trails. I hiked to two of the best-known features on my first visit – Blackwater Falls and Elakala Falls – and enjoyed two overlooks on the main drive. These waterfalls are part of the official West Virginia Waterfall Trail.
Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail
From the Trading Post parking area, over 200 wooden steps lead to multiple viewpoints for the 57-foot Blackwater Falls. I started at the upper overlook. Connoquenessing sandstone forms the canyon walls and falls. Connoquenessing is a Delaware Indian word meaning “for a long way straight.”
Then, a long series of steps follows Blackwater River. I confess, this had some of my favorite views with the waterfall and canyon.
Finally, there is a lower overlook next to the falls. People were packed into this square, but this was one of my best crowded waterfall experiences. Everyone rotated in and out of the front corner after a few moments of enjoying the falls and snapping some photos.
Blackwater Falls Overlook
This overlook has a universally accessible path from the main road to a wooden overlook. This view was excellent to catch more of the canyon and fall colors with the waterfall.
I preferred the far-left corner of the overlook because I could hide the lower overlook behind trees, which blocked views of random people.
Elakala Falls
Elakala Falls is actually a series of four cascades on Shays Run. There is a bridge over the first waterfall. From the trail, there are only slight glimpses. I had to scramble down to the base to get a clear view of the 35-foot cascade.
After snapping a few photos, I moved to the side just in time to watch a couple get engaged!
There is no official trail to the other cascades, and they are progressively harder to reach.
The 0.5-mile Elakala Falls Trail curves from the south end of the lodge back to the main road. There was one longer wooden staircase. Those looking to make a slightly shorter loop can walk back on the road. I couldn’t see much beyond the waterfall as the canyon was blocked by trees, so the full trail would only be useful to me to connect to the Balanced Rock Trail.
Pendleton Falls Overlook
The Falls of Pendleton forms where Pendleton Run tumbles into Blackwater River. This small roadside overlook sits across the canyon. During my visit the falls weren’t easily seen but the canyon was beautiful none-the-less.
There are so many more areas in Blackwater Falls State Park to explore! I will absolutely visit again. Even better, there is a restaurant within the park to take a break and refuel.