Up
in the northeast corner of West Virginia, where Maryland takes its big bite,
is Blackwater Falls State Park ( a couple miles from the town of Davis). In
this neat park is Blackwater Falls on, you guessed it, the Blackwater River.
The river cascades through a 500+ foot deep gorge, here, but the State of
West Virginia has, thoughtfully, provided an observation point on the rim
plus an easy-to-negotiate staircase to the foot of the falls.
Getting
there is very straight forward. From I-79, take exit 99 and follow US-33
east to US-219 NORTH (about 36 miles). Turn left and follow US-219 to Thomas
(about 34 miles) and turn right onto WV-32 which will take you into Davis.
In Davis, just beyond the intersection of WV-93 (which will be on your
right) you will see County Road 29 (there was a sign showing it as
Blackwater Falls Road) and turn right. Follow this road , crossing Park
Forest Road 801, to Park Forest Road 804. It will be on your left and is
almost 1.5 miles from where you turned off of WV-32. This is known as the
Canyon Point Road. Turn left and park in the parking area.
If
you are coming from I-81, take exit 247 and follow US-33
west, through
Harrisonburg, to Harman (about 76 miles). Turn right onto WV-32. (Note: if
it is winter and the snow is bad, continue on US-33 to Thomas and turn right
onto WV-32 which will take you into Davis. Then follow the directions in the
previous paragraph.)
Assuming
no snow, follow WV-32 all the way to Davis (about 21 miles) and look for
Henry Street. At Henry, turn left. This becomes Blackwater Falls Road.
Follow this road , crossing Park Forest Road 801, to Park Forest Road 804.
It will be on your left and is almost 1.5 miles from where you turned off of
WV-32. This is known as the Canyon Point Road. Turn left and park in the
parking area.
Photos and other information
about Blackwater Falls:
