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Set high in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park has been one of the greatest attractions in West Virginia for hundreds of years – and thanks to some recently upgraded features at the lodge, you now have even more reasons to visit this year!
The 2,300-acre park, set along the magnificent Blackwater Canyon, has recently experienced $6.85 million worth of major upgrades, particularly to the historic Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge.
Now updated with new facilities while retaining its historic charm, the lodge offers 54 modern rooms and suites, a restaurant, lounge, and gift shop, conference rooms, and pool facilities.
The recent improvements are just another reason to visit an area that has for centuries been considered one of the most pristine, scenic places in the country. In the park, the Blackwater River winds its way through the deep wooded gorge, carving spectacular features out of the rock.
The park, river, and falls get their name from the water, which is amber-tinted by the tannins of the surrounding hemlock and spruce tree needles.
At the head of the canyon is the iconic 57-foot Blackwater Falls, framed by forest of spruce and hemlock, offering a unique magnificence every season of the year.
There are multiple viewing points for the falls, including the boardwalk near the trading post, where you can descend over 200 steps to an observation deck and feel the cool spray from the waterfall on your face. Alternatively, you can see a great view of the falls from the opposite side of the river, via the smooth paved Gentle Trail.
Downstream of the falls, the Blackwater River cuts through a beautiful wooded gorge, providing more amazing photo opportunities. Several trails, including Lindy Point, Pace Point, and Pendleton Overlook, offer excellent views down the canyon. Nestled in the woods, Elakala Falls plummets into a picturesque series of pools on its way down the gorge to the Blackwater River.
In addition to its more than 20 miles of trails, the park offers many other warm-weather activities such as mountain biking, boat rentals on Lake Pendleton, swimming, and fishing, along with a picnic and recreational area and a small nature center.
The recent renovations to the park, completed in February, are just one portion of the extensive upgrades that have been undertaken across the West Virginia State Park system recently.
Over the last five years, the state has spent more than $151 million on improvements to every state park and forest. This has been rewarded with an over fifty percent increase in tourism to see our state's many natural wonders.
Besides its stunning waterfalls, forests, and canyons, add modern comfort and upgraded lodge facilities to your list of reasons to visit Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia this year! Here are three more waterfalls to chase while you’re in the area.
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