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Looking for a short and sweet hike in West Virginia? Consider the Blackwater Falls State Park in the Allegheny Mountains. At the heart of this state park are the 62-foot Blackwater Falls that plunge down as the Blackwater River enters the rugged eight-mile-long Blackwater Canyon. There are plenty of short trails here to view the Blackwater Falls and discover the wider forests, canyons, and smaller waterfalls of the state park.

Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is known as "almost heaven" and is certainly a state everyone should visit. West Virginia has long been a tourist destination, with the Washington elite long going there for the hot springs. Today one can still stay at The Greenbrier and see the resort that many presidents have frequented (it also has an old Congressional nuclear fallout shelter).

Why The Blackwater Falls Are So Loved (And Photographed)

The Blackwater Falls are typically said to be the highest waterfall in West Virginia (although there are higher cave falls). Come in the winter and see the waterfall iced over completely. No matter when one comes, one will see why the Blackwater Falls is one of the most pictured attractions in the state.

  • Tannic Acid: Darks the Water And Gives The Blackwater River The Name

The river is named for its tannin-darkened water. The park protects red spruce and eastern hemlock upland forest, as well as other trees.

  • Height: 62 Feet or 19 Meters
  • Location: In The Allegheny Mountains, West Virginia

The Blackwater Falls is a year-round attraction with plenty of skiing opportunities in the winter.

Related: What You Should Know About The Congressional Fallout Shelter

Attractions And Accessibility Of The Blackwater Falls State Park

There are some other smaller waterfalls in the park, like Falls Run, Elakala Falls, and Pendleton Falls. These are also accessible by trails in the area. The state park also has the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast, as well as a cozy lodge.

Visitors can hike along a broad trail from the parking lot to a wooden walkway and overlook. That trail descends 320 feet. For the more adventurous, there is another steeper trail that extends all the way to the base of the falls.

  • Viewing Platform: There Is A Viewing Platform For Blackwater Falls

While there, pop into the Smokehouse Restaurant. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its hours vary daily, so refer to the West Virginia State Park website for more info.

Related: What To Do In Point Pleasant, West Virginia (Including The Annual Mothman Festival)

Trails In Blackwater Falls State Park

The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails - most of these are quite short - although some are also difficult. There are too many hiking trails in the Blackwater Falls State Park to list fully here, but here are some of them.

Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail:

The Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail is the main viewing trail. It starts at the Trading Post and goes 200 steps down to the observation deck beside the falls. For an easier walk, consider taking the Gentle Trail.

  • Distance: 0.25 Miles
  • Difficulty: Easy to Somewhat Difficult

Lindy Point Trail:

The Lindy Point Trail is the trail to take to overlook. Gaze out at 3,000 feet over the Blackwater Canyon. In the winter, it is possible to ski to the overlook.

  • Distance: 0.3 Miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Gentle Trail:

The Gentle Trail is the short and paved path that leads to the observation deck that overlooks the Blackwater Falls. It leads from the parking area.

  • Distance: 0.25 Miles
  • Difficulty: Easy

Allegheny Trail:

The Allegheny Trail starts at the northern entrance to the park and goes south of the riding stables.

  • Distance: 1.2 Miles
  • Difficulty: Somewhat Difficult to Difficult

Balsam Fir Trail:

The Balsam Fir Trail goes through beech and maple groves and through a stand of balsam fir. It is a loop that goes from the Harold Walters Nature Center.

  • Distance: 1.5 Miles
  • Difficulty: Somewhat Difficult to Difficult

Cherry Lane Trail:

This trail can be used in the winter for cross-country skiers. As a hiking trail, it's easy, but as a cross-country ski trail, it's somewhat difficult to difficult.

  • Distance: 1 Mile
  • Difficulty: Easy

Dobbin House Trail:

The Dobbin House Trail connects with the Monongalia National Forest Trail System going passed Pendleton Lake dam.

  • Distance: 0.75 Miles
  • Difficulty: Easy to Somewhat Difficult

Next time in West Virginia, stop by and see one of the state's most loved attractions.