Best Trails in Blackwater Falls State Park

A great family hiking trail with beautiful views of the falls.

This is a great trail. Hiked on a Friday, out to the point then back around the loop via Dobbin House Trail. The hike was very peaceful, saw no other hikers during our trip. The view from the lookout is beautiful. Past the lookout, there are some great small waterfalls cascading down to the river.

Fun terrain and gorgeous view at the end. It’s a moderate trail, it would be a little tricky for little ones.

Lovely fairly easy

Twelve of us stopped here on our way back from Seneca Rocks to Yough Lake. We’d already hiked all day, so we were pretty spent. That being said, this was definitely a walk, not a hike. It was almost completely stairs, and remember that you have to come back up after going down. I agree with the many reviewers who call this moderate, not easy. We had changed out of hiking shoes and into flip flops, and for some, that was a mistake. There were two viewing platforms along the boardwalk, and the falls were beautiful. I now understand why they’re on every postcard and magnet in every WV gift shop.

Did this hike on a wet Saturday. Saw no one on the hike except for a forest ranger. Beautiful forest with a nice overlook point. Rated moderate but totally suitable for kids. We ended up doing a loop which was fun and totaled about 5 miles. Lots of trails back there so take a map so you don’t get lost. At some points can be confusing which way to go. Easily accessible from the lake. We had a great time and not too muddy even though had rained.

This was one of the better trails I explored in the area. There are many optional trails to return to the lake. On a Saturday, this trail was lightly trafficked, probably because the trailhead is difficult to find. Start at the Nature Center, which features live turtles, a snake, and taxidermy exhibit and go to the left of the lake until you cross a short bridge. Also, take a map to determine which trail to take.

The falls were amazing! There is another viewpoint, although not as close, at Gentle Trail (very short, easy walk on opposite side) that features a 'storybook forest' for kids.

Not a bad trail, but it wasn't anything spectacular. Besides the rock, the best part of the hike was the amber colored (blackwater) stream along Shay Trace trail by the lodge.

It seemed very busy all day (Saturday), so we stopped at 1830. It emptied out by then with over half the parking spaces remaining. If stairs don’t bother you, it is easy- a walk and not a hike. Take your camera for many photo opportunities along the boardwalk!

I highly recommend it! The ending view is like Lindy which is more popular, but this one has fewer people. For our Saturday summer hike, we only passed another couple. Park at the lake and hike back the Dibbon House Trail. It is well marked too! We saw three hawks soaring the canyon.

It’s a short, easy hike with a few muddy spots. We visited early afternoon on a Saturday so parking was tight. Expect to possibly to park along the road or hike back from the Nordic (snow/ski) parking lot (a mile or so away).

We came after the immense rain over the past few weeks. It was an easy trail, well marked, and muddy (as expected).

The falls are so pretty. I have been here multiple times. The falls are different every time. I have seen them frozen over in December, and roaring after a healthy rainfall.

An easy trail though parts are usually very muddy, at least in spring. Views are stunning at the overlook.

The falls are beautiful! I come here every year with my family and little dog and we love it. The stairs can be a workout but aren't too bad. The falls are well worth it.

Loved the rock...it really doesn’t look as though it’s just one single one! The trail is labeled as easy and while it wasn’t hard, it had a lot of roots making the hike tricky at times.

Great trail and a great view as a reward. There is only a small area to overlook from with no safety features for little ones!

Blackwater falls state park is so fun! Most of the roads are paved and it is easy to navigate. The campground had nice hot showers and was very spacious. I would get there early and reserve your spot as it fills up quickly! The falls are beautiful as well with rhododendrons everywhere. We also tried paddle boarding on the lake and the petting zoo. I highly recommend!

The falls were pretty, we started right near the lodge, where the falls is, rest of the hike was just forest, peaceful but not as exciting as I had hoped it to be.

Short, easy hike to a spectacular view

This was a great hike. A lot of forest views. We went up to Balanced Rock and kept going until we came out at the "farm" where the Yellow Birch Trail started. It had rained the day before, so boots were definitely nice to have. You can go down to the Elakala Falls if you continue down the right, over the hill, where you can see somewhat of a trail. The rocks are slippery (obviously), so use caution. There wasn't a lot of traffic on this trail. In 2 hours we only passed four people. If anyone else is into stickers for their water bottles or laptops, the gift shop by the actual Blackwater Falls has a ton. Great trail!!

This is more of a short easy walk than a hike. Regardless, the waterfall is very beautiful. I would post pictures but it have been well covered by others previous to me. I read in the West Virginia visitor's guide that these falls are the most photographed place in all of West Virginia. Although the falls were out of the way from any large cities (thankfully), the entire park was clean and it is definitely worth visiting when in West Virginia.

This is a must see for any WV visitor. As mentioned in other reviews, I would call this a short, but moderate hike due to the stairs leading down to the falls. Hike this after some major rainfall for an unbelievable, powerful, waterfall experience. Note that there is handicap access from the other side of the park. The view is a little farther away, but still spectacular.

Great half day hike. Fairly scenic especially at the overlook. As mentioned, mostly shady, some rocks and roots. Basically, a cliff view. As always, hang on to your little hikers.

Easily overlooked gem... Easy short hike to a spectacular view. I've always ended up hiking this trail late in the day. I'm sure picture taking would be better in the morning. Hunt this little guy down. You won't be disappointed.

Nice leisurely hike. I took my Dad who is 76 and in decent shape and my sister who is not really in to hiking. They both enjoyed the scenery and did not complain that it was too hard. A lot of the trail was pretty muddy but passable. It had rained quite a bit in the past few days. We made this a loop by taking the Red Spruce trail to the Water Tank trail back to the parking lot.

Beautiful falls! Fairly easy just lots of stairs.

Very easy short out and back trail with a few muddy spots from the the rain. The view was beautiful!

Absolutly Beautiful falls, State park is kept in excellant condition.

This is worth the stop. Although i would not review it as easy because of the incline and steps.

With everyones different skill level i would definately call it moderate.