Blackwater Falls State Park Area
(39.107566, -79.496364)
No West Virginia waterfalling expedition would be complete without spending some time in the Davis, W.V. area. Blackwater Falls State Park is the perfect roost. You can camp, rent a cabin, or stay in the lodge. Lodge food is great and so is the service. Cabins are very nice. I haven't camped, but, I have met the host and they were most accomodating.
Blackwater Falls State Park is full of great waterfalls and trails. The lodge is nice and I can highly recommend the morning and evening buffet. The food is really good. Down home and delicious, and the staff here is quite friendly. There are a number of overlooks in the park. I highly recommend a walk out to Lindy Point for a sunrise or sunset. Pendleton Point is good too. Stop in the lodge for a map of the park.
Blackwater Falls itself has two viewing platforms. If you're in the park, you'll have no trouble finding them and the walks are easy. You can get information at the lodge. Additional falls include four on Shay's Run next to the lodge, a couple on Falls Run, five on Pendleton Run, and Engine Run is worth a hike as well, but may have some bushwhacking, as well as others outside the park but all very close by.
To get to the park, chart a course for Davis, WV. From there drive into the park on Blackwaterfalls Rd. There will be signs.
- First stop is Blackwater Falls, of course. There are two overlooks. Stop at the lodge and get a map of the area. There are a number of cool places to shoot in this park. Waterfalls are one thing, but there are several overlooks at Lindy Point, behind the lodge, and also at the Pendleton overlook. Lindy Point is great for sunset, but bring a flashlight for the walk out.
- Shay's Run - minuimum of four falls on this run. It's right next to the lodge.
- Falls Run - is near the Blackwater Falls "Gentle Trail" overlook on the lodge side of the gorge.
- Pendleton Run - is on the opposite side of the gorge from the lodge. Go to Pendleton Lake and park and follow the trail across the dam and work your way downstream.
- Douglas Falls - is not to be missed. It's near Thomas. You're going to want to look at a map. (39.124614, -79.519109). These coordinates will get you there. There are coke ovens along here as well.
- Dry Run - On your way to the next two falls take this detour on Surgarlands Rd. where the windmills are to see Dry Run. There are two falls here.
- Big Run - Big Run is on the western side of the gorge. It is accessed via US 219 on FR 18. After you have finished at Big Run AND if you have time and it's been raining!!!!! drop down the hill and check out a cute little fall called The Hambleton Spill. It's not a lot, but it's picturesque, on the side of the road and if it's been raining, should be a good photo op.
- If you want more, continue on through Hendricks on WV 72 where you can find Red Run. Additional falls can be found on Elklick Run, Dry Run, Mill Run and roadside on River Rd. if it's been raining.
Make sure you visit all the links above for full information. Also, check at the lodge for more information and a park map.
