Blackwater Falls State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackwater Falls State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Blackwater Falls
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 Blackwater Falls State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Tucker County, West Virginia, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 2,358 acres (9.54 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,897 ft (883 m) |
| Established | 1937 |
| Named for | Blackwater Falls on the Blackwater River |
| Governing body | West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |
Blackwater Falls State Park is a beautiful park in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, West Virginia, USA. The main attraction is Blackwater Falls. This amazing waterfall drops about 62 feet (19 m) as the Blackwater River flows into the rugged Blackwater Canyon. It's one of the most photographed places in West Virginia. The river gets its name from its dark, tea-colored water, which comes from tannins from plants.
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Exploring Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park covers about 2,358 acres (954 ha). It is home to tall red spruce and eastern hemlock trees. You can also find yellow birch, American beech, red maple, and black cherry trees here. The park is located about two miles (3 km) southwest of Davis.
The Amazing Blackwater Falls
The "Great Falls" of the Blackwater River are truly special. They drop about 62 feet (19 m) into the Blackwater Canyon. These falls are often called the highest above-ground falls in West Virginia. A large rock in the middle splits the water, making the falls look unique. In winter, the falls can freeze completely, creating a stunning icy scene.
You can reach the falls by walking down a trail from the parking lot. This trail leads to a wooden walkway and an overlook. For a different view, a longer trail called "Gentle Trail" on the other side of the river also offers great views.
Other Waterfalls and Trails to Discover
The park has many other trails and smaller waterfalls to explore.
- The nature trail near the park lodge is easy to use, even with a wheelchair. It leads to Lindy Point, which has an amazing view of the Canyon.
- You can find Falls Run, a multi-ledge waterfall that drops 30 feet.
- Shay Run is home to Elakala Falls, which drops 40 feet.
- Pendleton Run has Pendleton Falls, a 20-foot drop with other cascades nearby.
A Look Back at the Park's History
People have been visiting Blackwater Falls for a long time. The first person to explore the area is not known for sure. However, in 1853, an illustrator named David Hunter Strother wrote about his adventures in the Blackwater Country. This was the first time the falls were written about for many people to read.
A lodge called the Dobbin House was built near the falls in 1858. It was a popular place for visitors in the 1860s and 1870s. Over the years, more people learned about this beautiful spot.
In the 1930s, land was given to the state by the West Virginia Power and Transmission Company. This helped protect the falls and made it easier for people to visit. Blackwater Falls was officially made a state park in 1937. More land was added in the 1950s, making the park even bigger.
At first, the park was only open for day visits. But in the mid-1950s, many improvements were made. They built 25 cabins and a lake for fishing and skating. A large lodge with 55 rooms, called "The Lodge in the Sky," was also built. It opened in 1957. By 1960, about 240,000 people visited the park each year!
More land was added to the park in 2000 and 2002 by West Virginia Governors Cecil Underwood and Bob Wise. This helped protect more of the beautiful Blackwater Canyon.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Blackwater Falls State Park offers many activities for visitors.
- Stay at the Lodge: The park has a lodge with 54 guest rooms.
- Rent a Cabin: There are 39 cabins available, some of which have been updated.
- Go Camping: The campground has 65 campsites, and 30 of them have electricity.
- Eat at the Restaurant: Enjoy a meal at the park's restaurant.
- Visit the Nature Center: Learn about the park's plants and animals. It's open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Outdoor Adventures:
- Mountain biking
- Cross-country skiing (you can rent skis in winter!)
- Hiking
- Fishing in Pendleton Lake and the Blackwater River
