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    Blackwater Falls State Park

    4.6 (93 reviews)

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    Rhonda W.

    Great free thing to do. Be careful driving ... the roads are curvy and need to go slowily ..plus never know when a deer will jump out. We came 6 months ago after very dry summer and just glad there was some water at the falling. This spring we have had ALOT OF RAIN, so the falls were frisky. Im old and having physical issues but made it down all the stairs and back up but did take a few pauses to rest and enjoythe view. The steps were not easy for short legs and some were uneven. But even with all the rain ... wasnt muddy or slippery. Several viewing stations but worth going to bottom. Lots of ferns and pretty foliage.

    Rob B.

    The amount of times I've been here in my life are countless, and each and every time is as special as the first time. It's one of my favorite places to visit in West Virginia and a truly special place. It's so peaceful, tranquil, and absolutely spectacular! To see it in all of its glory I recommend that you come in the fall months. I also recommend you check out the view from the other side of the falls as well because the view is much more beautiful. Enjoy :D

    Blackwater falls
    Kara S.

    Did a road trip to West Virginia and stayed in Davis,WV. Blackwater Falls State Park was one of our top on the list to visit while we were down there. There was a big group of us including a baby and dogs, and thankfully this state park we could bring both lol The Falls were really pretty, but you couldn't get very close or venture off the walking path at all. Our favorite was definitely Lindy point! We didn't hear about it until a local at a coffee shop told us to check it out. It was an easy walking path out, but since it was a weekend it was very busy. It was definitely worth going out there though for a beautiful view!! Only downside is that it started to pour down rain, so the trail got really muddy but it made for a fun memory lol

    John B.

    I was surprised that a valley of this size existed in Central West Virginia, as drives through other parts of the state are typically more mountainous. I hadn't planned a stop, but was diverted by signage and found this to be a perfect park for a passing traveler. Parking was available with a gift shop and visitor center quite close to a boardwalk which leads down to several waterfall views. The falls, more brown than black, still were an interesting sight. The high-tannin water is a common feature of the Carolinas, where flatter land and slow moving water allow tannins to seep in from the ample plant life, but I wasn't expecting to see it in West Virginia. While I wasn't there for a long time, the campgrounds and trails seemed amenable to a visit of any length. For the day-tripper, there was no charge to pay.

    Arrived and saw the waterfall. Love the sound of water and really beautiful.
    Leila D.

    Had a picnic lunch and then checked in to the lodge. Nice and clean and beds and pillows are comfy. Apparently the cabins are nice but didn't see them. Had a swim in the indoor pool and played table tennis and some games in game room.The only thing was we had blind and no blackout curtain so the parking lot lights made themselves known and the morning light got us up early. Overall we had a brilliant time and would stay again.

    Liz M.

    Beautiful area. I made a detour while heading home to Ohio from the East coast. Quiet, serene, great place for a pit stop or sightseeing. (Visited August 25, 2021)

    Blackwater Falls!
    Eric K.

    Hard not to give natural beauty anything less than a 5 - definitely deserved here! Parked at the Visitor Center near Blackwater Falls, hit the gift shop, grabbed a bite for lunch (pulled pork was good) & headed down to the falls. Lot of steps down & back but they were in sections with various viewing platforms along the way - some nice vantage points for pics. We also visited Elakala Falls near the lodge (which had EV charging stations!) and searched out Douglas Falls (which is not in the park but is S of Thomas). We also had dinner at the Smokehouse at the lodge - some nice views at the overlook behind the building as well! Great park - great views - great trails! Definitely worth a visit!

    More laurel
    Jen J.

    Must-see if you are in the area! Don't be fooled by the "only .4 miles to the falls" main trail misconception as the steep stairs are not for the faint of heart--or strollers or wheelchairs. So beautiful! The laurel was blooming while we were there too. They have a cute gift shop with logo items, gifts, and small local goods. They also have a snack shop with ice cream etc, but we didn't try the food. Great stop and easy to find.

    Black water falls from closer trail with rainbow
    Amanda M.

    Awesome weekend, exceeded expectations! We rented a cabin for 2 nights at black water state park in March. Weather was mild but still snow in some areas. I have highlighted different areas of the park for reference. Cabins We stayed in one of the 4 bedroom newer cabins. The cabins were very clean and well laid out. There are two bedrooms on the right side of the cabin with twins beds with a bathroom in between. The larger beds are on the left side of the house with another full bath. The bathrooms were very spacious. Gas fireplace was nice. The kitchen had everything you need to cook. All the basics are included like pots, pans, dish soap, plates, silverware etc. just remember to bring charcoal if you plan on cooking on the grill. There is also a fire pit in the back. Lodge The lodge was under construction when we visited so the restaurant was not open. They did have bathrooms available to use. Nature center There is a nature center by the pond and it was open. Great place to take kids with some activities inside. The pond outside had people fishing. Trails The trails were awesome. Most of them are somewhat of a challenge considering we went in March and even though the temperature was mild there still was snow and ice in some areas. There are also a lot of rocks and tree roots so you will need very good hiking shoes. We hiked about half the trails and they were all beautiful and well marked by colors. The intersections also had signs that helped identify the paths. I highly recommend getting map from the lodge and carrying it on you while hiking. Phone service is spotty and could not be relied on. Sledding hill Highly recommend going at night under the lights. It is very family friendly. You ride a conveyer up the hill while sitting on your sled. Lay back and enjoy the stars. Then you get to the top and pull your sled to the top of the hill. You do get going very fast and it takes a few tries to get the hang of turning and balancing. We took a 2 year old and 4 year old. There is also a nice fire ring at the bottom so other family members can hang out while you go down or warm the kids up. I highly recommend staying for 3 nights if you want to feel like you saw everything. That would give you enough time to hike most of the trails and enjoy the sled hill along with anything else you want to do. Also if staying in the park bring food. There is some convenience stores close but I did not see a grocery store nearby.

    Grace W.

    Beautiful waterfall with a nice boardwalk path to the falls as well as another overlook if you do not want to fight the crowds. Busy on weekends even during COVID and most folks aren't wearing masks. You just have to be patient. Preferred Douglas Falls and Ekalaka Falls because you can wade in and get right up to the falls. They are also less crowded because you actually have to hike down rocks to get there.

    Lindsay B.

    The beauty of this state park is unmatched! The trails are all well marked and pathways seem to be kept really well. There are also really nice overlooks for those that need handicapped access. I only wish I weren't so scared of heights and hadn't looked down because I struggled with the height and drop offs. So many deer that are protected and free roaming, so many drivable outlooks for adventurers of all kinds. Definitely a slice of Heaven to put on your bucket list and visit! Make sure to stop off at Blackwater Trading Company for some snacks (I saw some folks with nachos, bratwursts and cheese and beer) and souvenirs!

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    The food was great and the views were fantastic. Everybody was very friendly and helpful.

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    1 year ago

    just make sure you can climb like 20 flights of stairs! what an amazing place! we go back all the time

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    A gorgeous place to view one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Enjoyable hikes and a great time awaits you here

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    Easy with kids. No hiking just lots if stairs. Went on a Saturday and it was busy but not to crowded.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Blackwater Falls State Park

    Is this the park that has the magic carpet sled run?

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    Review Highlights - Blackwater Falls State Park

    We also had dinner at the Smokehouse at the lodge - some nice views at the overlook behind the building as well!

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    Swallow Falls State Park

    Swallow Falls State Park

    4.7(86 reviews)
    27.3 mi

    Nice paths, old-growth trees, waterfalls, slow waters, wild birds, dragonflies!…read more Swallow Falls State Park near Deep Creek Lake, MD, is a nice park with well-marked paths and plenty of parking. We hiked half-a-day (Jun 2026) from the parking lot to scenic waterfalls in forests where Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone camped-in 1921. We saw some of the 37-acres of 360-year-old eastern hemlock and white pine trees, the largest of the few areas in Maryland that have never been logged, bypassed during the eastern-US logging boom of the the late 1800s and early 1900s. They tended to look a little scraggly around the base, i suppose from living an un-trimmed life in the un-tamed weather and climate. We were thrilled to read that, on June 16, 2026, the removal of old-growth forests that were threatened by bridge construction on Swallow Falls Road was blocked by the courts. Thank-you to the folks of Garrett County and the Chesapeake Legal Alliance!!! We love these old trees :-) We heard twittering birds, possibly blackburnian warblers, chickadees, nuthatches, and kinglets. We followed a rising rumbling sound, and found ourselves at a tall waterfall that roars and mists. We were careful to avoid rushing waters, and found that wading and crossing were pleasantly refreshing and not too slippery. We saw kayakers, and one paused to explain they liked these calmer waters for beginners and for staying in condition in less challenging settings. We loved the gold and black "black-shouldered spinylegs" dragonflies, we and may have glimpsed a rare all-black "sable clubtail" dragonfly, who flitted about but didnt wait for a photo or an entomology app. Let's say we saw one :-). It was a lovely cooler half-day deep in nature in a not-too-challenging environment in rare-these-days old-growth forests.

    What a wonderful afternoon out in nature! The falls were beautiful and the hike was pretty easy. We…read morewere visiting some friends up in deep creek and we decided to take it outside and enjoy this beautiful day. So glad we did, it was one of the first "nice" days of spring when we attended. It was pretty crowded, but we still had no issues parking and even enjoyed the scenic drive to the park.

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    Swallow Falls State Park
    Swallow Falls State Park
    Swallow Falls State Park

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    Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area

    Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area

    4.6(33 reviews)
    21.4 mi

    Seneca Rocks Trail. A number of years ago, my husband and I visited the educational Discovery…read moreCenter for the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, and got a great view of the Seneca Rocks from the parking lot. But, it was late in the day on a Sunday and we had a long drive ahead of us, so we decided not to attempt to hike up the trail, but we put it as yet another item on our bucket list. We returned to the area in Sept, 2025, specifically to attempt to do the hike. No concerns as to whether my husband would be able to do it, but I have to admit that I was apprehensive as to whether I could! The brochures say that it's 1.5 miles each way (up, and then back down) and you gain almost 850' in elevation. And, did I mention that I'm in my 60s, NOT a regular hiker, and with a medical condition that affects my balance? Nonetheless, my husband and I donned our hiking boots, put on some sunscreen, packed a picnic lunch, snacks, and water, and my hiking stick -- and we were on our way! The trail is wide and well-maintained and, as others have mentioned, has steep sections, especially in the switchbacks towards the top. It's a steady climb up, and my Fitbit registered some intense exercise, but my heart rate never reached its peak category. Given my balance issues, having my walking stick and an occasional hand from my husband, especially on the descent in steep areas with roots or stones, were helpful. I tried not to be discouraged by the two very fit runners who raced by us, recognizing that the majority of hikers and dogs on leash were panting at least to some degree! There are occasional benches, especially towards the bottom, and signs pointing out ecological features. There's an observation deck at the top, with gorgeous views of the valley below, as well as shaded benches to enjoy our picnic lunch. You can't see the rocks from the observation deck. However, some hikers scramble over some additional rocks for more views though signage warns that this can be dangerous. I'm happy to report that my husband and I both completed the hike, and we are now able to cross that item off of our joint bucket list. We celebrated our accomplishment by getting some ice cream at Yokum's, just down the street! Admission to the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and parking is free. Staff in the Discovery Center are exceptionally helpful. There are picnic tables and restrooms at the base, and the Seneca Shadows Campground is about a mile down the street.

    Literally a quick trip ( sadly), recommended by a friend, en route from Cass to Elkins…read more Absolutely beautiful and would have loved to have hiked this beauty. Hope to return one day ( Florida resident), preferably again in the fall to see the colors. Nature center sadly closed because of the government shut down.

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    Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
    Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
    Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area

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    Beach Tygart Lake

    Beach Tygart Lake

    3.0(2 reviews)
    31.2 mi

    I love this placemy fiancé and I along with our daughter enjoyed this beach thoroughly. We started…read moreoff with a kayak where you actually pull off from the beach area in you in at the beach. It's a little steep from the top to the bottom but otherwise great location really nice if you just want to come sit out get some sun and watch her kids play in water that it's very shallow To front desk people are very helpful and explained that the beach is completely free and it's swim at your own risk they also tell you the rules of what you canning cannot take down there the only complaint I have is that everything where you can eat and grill is at the top of the heel you have a lot of stairs to walk down so you have to be extremely careful if carrying a cooler chairs and things like that so just be aware of that when you have a chair or chairs or cooler maybe put everything in a backpack or give everyone in your party one thing to carry. The area to swim is very shallow and roped off so you really do not have to worry about your child going to far out as they really can't!Great place for the summer we will definitely be back

    not very disability accessible. wasn't aware that there was no ramp until we already got our…read morewristbands. had to take our wagon down the MANY many steps and walk my autistic sister down with it while making sure she didn't breakdown. the rest was fine though! would've appreciated a heads up on that though LOL

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    Beach Tygart Lake
    Beach Tygart Lake
    Beach Tygart Lake

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    Canaan Valley Resort State Park - King Room

    Canaan Valley Resort State Park

    3.3(90 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    I was disappointed with my stay at Canaan Valley Resort. As someone with disabilities, I found the…read moreproperty to be less accessible than expected, making it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. One of the most frustrating moments was at dinner. Our tour group was told we could not sit by the windows and enjoy the view because we were "with a tour and not paying customers." Considering many of us paid nearly $2,000 for this trip, that was insulting. We were also not allowed to order from the regular menu and pay ourselves if we wanted something else. Unfortunately, the meal provided left me sick for going on 2 days. The resort itself also had several maintenance and convenience issues. The ice machine on our floor was broken, the snack machine and soda machine was nearly empty, and the shower had VERY poor water pressure. The gift shop closed before 7 p.m., making it impossible to purchase basic necessities when needed. There was also very little to do in the evenings. The pool closes at 8 p.m., and by 7 p.m. most activities and amenities seemed to be shut down, leaving guests with few options other than returning to their rooms to watch TV. Overall, the resort did not meet my expectations, particularly regarding accessibility, guest experience, and customer service.

    Tube Park Review…read more This review is specific to the Tube Park. Highly recommend getting tickets ahead of time online. All sessions for the day were sold out when we visited. The lodge area for the tube park is very small, so don't expect to be able to change clothing quickly inside due to how busy it is. There's a fire place inside and a huge fire pit outside. Very small concession inside with about 8-10 small snack items to choose from. The staff here are top notch - very kind to each other and talkative to visitors. 10 minutes before the session starts, the group gets a safety briefing and reviews the rules. There's a nurse/medic on site. This is fun for the whole family. 1200 feet long and very fast. Be sure to read the requirements online for kids. Extra safety precautions are taken onsite for young kids.

    Photos
    Canaan Valley Resort State Park - Exterior Shot

    Exterior Shot

    Canaan Valley Resort State Park
    Canaan Valley Resort State Park - Lodge pool

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    Lodge pool

    Blackwater Falls State Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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