Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia
Welcoming Fall in the Mountain State
Plan Your Visit | Destinations | Natural Beauty
Fall is my favorite season. Of course, fall in Texas means it isn’t as hellishly hot. The first fall cold front, usually in late September, temporarily drops our temperatures into the 80s (70s, if we are lucky), and leaves don’t turn until late November. Even then, fall foliage is hit-or-miss.
As my final trip of 2023 was ending that October, my uncle wanted to show me Blackwater Falls State Park in rural West Virginia. At the time, my uncle had a side business officiating weddings, and he had recently officiated a wedding at the overlook with a view of the falls and told me I must see it.
I don’t have a favorite color — I have a favorite color palette, and it’s the earthy, brilliant colors of fall. There is nothing that can contain my glee when I can experience real fall foliage. When I review my photos of this visit to Blackwater Falls State Park in full fall foliage, I feel the crisp fall air every time.
Blackwater Falls is named for the amber waters of the 57-foot cascade “tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles” that fall into the Blackwater River. It is located outside of Davis, WV.
After an hour on the long, winding country roads from Buckhannon, we made it to Blackwater Falls. It was a partly cloudy, perfectly crisp fall day. At times, it was a bit chilly, and I enjoyed every fall minute of it.
By then, the trees were turning brilliant red, orange, and yellow, and fallen leaves covered the walkways. This park surely is beautiful any time of the year, but there was something magical about the fall foliage. For this fall-loving Texan, the magical foliage made Blackwater Falls State Park a natural choice for the launch of Annie All Around.
There are many amenities in the park, but my uncle and I simply walked the park to experience Blackwater Falls and West Virginia’s natural beauty. The trail from the parking lot offers a quiet, leisurely stroll I found relaxing.
In addition to the overlook that gives you an amazing view of the Blackwater River, you can get close to the falls by taking the boardwalk, which goes down 200 steps to an observation deck. This area was a bit crowded, so observe, take pictures, then let others enjoy them, too.
From the roar of the falls to the palette of autumn colors all around, my visit to Blackwater Falls State Park was a reminder of why West Virginia is called “Almost Heaven.” If you find yourself in the Mountain State, this stop deserves a place high on your list.
