Blackwater Canyon Trail
Trails West Virginia Blackwater Canyon Trail
West Virginia · Tucker County

Blackwater Canyon Trail

Historic rail grade through Blackwater Canyon with river views.

Rating
Length
6.0 mi
Difficulty
6
County
Tucker
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Estimated total time: Varies

Blackwater Gentle Trail

Paved accessible route to Blackwater Falls overlook.

Time not available

Blackwater Elakala Trail

Canyon rim trail with views of Elakala Falls.

Time not available

Blackwater Balanced Rock Trail

Scenic route through spruce forest toward Balanced Rock.

Time not available

About This Trail

Tracing a former Western Maryland Railway grade for 12 miles between Hendricks and Thomas, this canyon trail climbs 1,200 feet along the Blackwater River. Endangered West Virginia flying squirrels and Cheat Mountain salamanders inhabit the surrounding forest, and the roaring river provides a steady soundtrack.

Location

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Coordinates: 39.1266, -79.5144
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Getting There

From Thomas, park at the lot on East Avenue/WV-32, about 0.3 miles south of the dam. A short walkway leads to the trail, which follows an old railroad grade south through the canyon to Hendricks.

Nearby Trails

Blackwater Gentle Trail

Paved accessible route to Blackwater Falls overlook.

View Trail

Blackwater Elakala Trail

Canyon rim trail with views of Elakala Falls.

View Trail

Blackwater Balanced Rock Trail

Scenic route through spruce forest toward Balanced Rock.

View Trail

Blackwater Dobbin House Trail

Easy connector from Nature Center toward forest trail network.

View Trail

Blackwater Red Spruce Trail

Spruce and hemlock trail connecting key park areas.

View Trail
All Trails

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