The Best Places to Visit at Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls Park, home to the eponymous Blackwater Falls, is one of our favorite places to go in West Virginia when we have a free weekend. Often we'll head there if we have out of state guests, or we just want to find some time to kill on a nice day. That's because Blackwater Falls Park, and the two towns surrounding it, is the perfect blend of beautiful views, good food, and local arts.

Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls

Obviously, there's the big one: visit Blackwater Falls! With a drop of 62 feet, it gets it's unique tea-like color from the tannins in the water. It is impressive, the kind of waterfall you'd see two wayward travelers tumbling over in a movie. Imagine being the first person to see it, that had to be amazing!

You'll park at the top of the waterfall and make your way down several wooden stairs to a large rocky landing site. It's here where you'll really start to hear the roar of the waterfall, but you won't get a good look at it until you make your way down the second set of stairs.

For those of you who aren't feeling that many stairs, there is a handicap accessible overlook on the other side of the falls. The view is just as stunning!

It can be pretty busy here depending on the time of year, but it's worth it! Don't forget to stop at the Blackwater Trading Company on your way out for some cool souviners, a snack, or a (clean!) bathroom break.

Elakala Falls

Elakala Falls from below the bridge

Right beside the Blackwater Falls Lodge (also where you'll find the Smokehouse Resturant) is the trail to the Elakala Falls.

Elakala is actually a series of 4 waterfalls, with the main trail leading you right on top of the first waterfall. Go a little further and you can see the first waterfall from your spot on a mossy rock or one of the sprawling tree roots. This is where I (Liz) normally park it while Gus ventures further down.

The trail to the bottom is barely a trail, so proceed with caution. But once you're down there, the view is gorgeous. More adventerous types can also climb down further, to see the other waterfalls that make up Elakala.

On the trail to Elakala

Lindy Point

The view from Lindy Point

When you're done with Elakala, don't forget to check out the Lindy Point Overlook!

As you're leaving the lodge parking lot instead of turning left to head back into Davis, take a right. You'll follow that road until it's no longer paved, and can park your car right at the trailhead for Lindy Point.

The trail to the overlook can be a little muddy, but it's easy to follow: there's only one path!

Once you're there you'll see a breathtaking view of the Blackwater Canyon, one that is especially gorgeous at sunset. We often save this view for the end of the day, but it's stunning no matter when you go.

The muddy trail to Lindy Point

Sirianni's

When Gus and I visited Italy last year, we were excited to see what "real" Italian pizza was like. Turns out, it's a lot like the pizza at Sirianni's!

Sirianni's is a small, locally owned resutrant in the town of Davis that is one of our favorite places for a bite to eat. There's a lot of the typical Italian fare, although we're suckers for a good Margharita pizza. Bring cash, but if you forget there's an ATM in the corner.

It's a small place, so sometimes it's good to call ahead and see how crowded it is. There are lots of great food options in both Davis and Thomas, this one is just one of our favorites!

Waiting inside Sirianni’s

Douglas Falls

Douglas Falls

Back to waterfall hunting! In the neighboring town of Thomas is one of our favorite hidden treasures, Douglas Falls.

Douglas Falls is off the beaten path, taking Douglas Rd from Thomas down to Rails Fall Rd. You'll pass by a creek (keep your eye out for beavers!) as well as a series of old coke ovens. You'll see Albert Falls on your left, but it's definitely not the main attraction.

You'll come to lot just before a gate, which is where we usually park. Up the road on your left you'll see Douglas Falls which drops 20ft from the top. You can keep going on the road to find a trail down further from the waterfall, or you can use the rope tied up at the entrace to make your way down.

It's a great place for photos, and a nice place to rest on a warm day, with your feet in the water under the falls.

TipTop

A snack break at TipTop

Another food spot we always visit is TipTop coffee in Thomas. The coffee and teas are fantastic, with lots of different milk and flavor options to choose from.

I always get a molasses cookie with my drink, since it reminds me of the kind my Mimi used to make growing up. Gus is not a coffee person, but enjoys a good matcha latte from here.

Thomas Main Street

Now that you have your coffee, it's time to hit the stores! Thomas has an impressive array of cool stores all along it's main street. You have McClumsy that sells funky t-shirts and hats (I got this one for my brother one year). Nellie Rose Textiles sells custom clothing that have been hand-painted and dyed by the owner. Santangelo sells beautiful pottery and housewares that I love looking at every time.

Next door is the Creature Gallery, where you can buy prints from Seth, a local artist who specializes in illustration and mixed media. For even more prints, t-shirts, and oddities, Bloom next door is my go-to place for finding cool postcards and stickers to send to my friends.

There are a ton of new businesses that have opened up in Thomas over the last few years, but even if you don't buy anything there are still lots of cool little spots to enjoy!

Purple Fiddle

The Purple Fiddle is a great place to hear some very cool bands, espeically if you're into country, bluegrass, folk, or indie music. The tickets are super affordable, so it's a great place to discover your favorite bands in a small, intimate setting.

In our experience it's best to get food before you come here. But they've got great light fare and a massive selection of local canned beers, tap beers, and wines.

Come Visit Blackwater Falls Park

These are just a few of the cool things you can do in the Blackwater Falls Park area. There's sledding in the colder months, a ton of hiking trails, camping, and so many other great resturants!

To see more great photos of the Blackwater Falls Park (in all different seasons, so you know what you're getting into), check out the photo gallery. You can also book a photography session with Gus at the park, so you can make sure these beautiful views are a permanent part of your story.

And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us by sending us an e-mail or submitting a contact form!