200 Steps to Wonder: Discovering Blackwater Falls

When you pack up the car in Washington, DC and head west into the mountains, you don’t quite know what to expect. It’s a 4.5–5 hour drive out of the city, winding through rolling hills and small towns until the roads open up into fresh mountain air. By the time you reach Davis, West Virginia, you’re more than ready to stretch your legs — and that’s when the real adventure begins at Blackwater Falls State Park.

This state park is home to one of the most photographed waterfalls in West Virginia. The falls are about 57 feet tall, and the water has a unique amber color from tannins in the surrounding hemlock and spruce trees. That’s actually how the falls got their name — the water looks almost black as it plunges into the gorge below. It’s a sight you truly can’t find anywhere else nearby, and it’s powerful enough to make you stop and just breathe it in.

The Journey to the Falls

Once you park near the Trading Post, the family hike begins. It isn’t long, but it feels like an adventure, especially with kids. First, you walk past the little Trading Post — the perfect place to grab a snack or souvenir after the hike. From there, a wooden boardwalk trail leads into the trees. The air smells fresh, the forest feels alive, and you can already hear the distant rush of water.

Then come the stairs. Over 200 wooden steps lead you down toward the main observation deck. For little legs, it’s a workout, but it’s also part of the fun. The sound of the falls gets louder and louder with every step until suddenly you’re standing at the bottom, face-to-face with the thundering power of Blackwater Falls.

The mist rises from the base, cooling your skin, and the view stretches out in front of you like something from a postcard. The kids point and laugh at how loud it is, and you can’t help but pull out your camera to capture the moment. It’s one of those views that pictures will never fully capture — you just have to be there.

Other Ways to See the Falls

If stairs aren’t ideal for your family, don’t worry. There’s also the Gentle Trail overlook, a shorter, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly path that still offers a stunning view of the waterfall. It’s proof that this park was designed for everyone to enjoy.

Another fun option is to explore the Elakala Falls trail, which starts near the lodge and gives families a quieter, more tucked-away waterfall experience. And if you’re up for more adventure, the Lindy Point overlook is one of the most beautiful spots to catch a mountain sunset after visiting the falls.

Best Times to Visit

Every season brings a new personality to Blackwater Falls. In the spring, melting snow and rain make the falls rush with incredible power. In the summer, the trails are shaded and green, perfect for family hikes. In the fall, the entire gorge explodes with color — reds, oranges, and yellows surrounding the dark waters of the falls. And in the winter, the waterfall often freezes into magical ice formations, creating a completely different landscape. No matter when you come, there’s always something breathtaking to see.

More Family Fun in the Park

Beyond the falls, Blackwater Falls State Park has so much for families to do. In warmer months, you can rent boats or kayaks at Pendleton Lake, or enjoy a picnic by the water. There are miles of hiking trails, some easy enough for little ones and others more challenging for adventurous families. In winter, the park is home to one of the longest sled runs in the East, complete with a magic carpet lift that makes the ride even more fun for kids.

The Almost Heaven Swing at the park is another must-try. Perched with a sweeping view of the mountains, it feels like flying — and it’s a favorite photo stop for families.

If you want to stay longer, the park has cabins, campsites, and a lodge, so you can turn a day trip into a weekend getaway.

Family Tips for Visiting

✔️ Wear sturdy shoes for the stairs and trails 👟

✔️ Bring water and snacks, especially with kids🍎

✔️ Start early if you want to avoid crowds

✔️ Stop at the Trading Post for bathrooms, snacks, and souvenirs

✔️ Bring layers — the mountain air can feel cooler than DC

Why It’s Worth the Drive

At the end of the day, standing at the bottom of those stairs with the roar of Blackwater Falls in front of you, it hits you — the long drive, the stairs, the planning… it was all worth it. Watching the kids take it all in, laughing together as a family, and capturing a memory you’ll talk about for years makes the trip unforgettable.

Blackwater Falls isn’t just a waterfall — it’s a place where nature, family, and adventure come together. And for anyone looking for an escape from the city, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best memories are found when you go a little farther and take the steps

down to see something extraordinary.