Top

Waterfalls of the Blackwater River Canyon

In the Monongahela National Forest near Hendricks and Davis, West Virginia, the Blackwater River boasts a series of stunning cascades.

In 1852, Philip Pendleton Kennedy ventured through the Canaan Valley and the Blackwater River’s upper regions. His observations in “The Blackwater Chronicle” remarked, “Perhaps nowhere else in our vast land has such breathtaking beauty been revealed.”

Today, the Blackwater and North Fork Blackwater Rivers echo Kennedy’s descriptions. The waters take on a tea-like hue, thanks to the tannins from the surrounding spruce and hemlock trees’ decaying leaves.

The North Fork winds past the towns of Thomas and Douglas. This area was previously the hub of the Davis Coal & Coke Company’s significant coal mining and coke production. Although it was a source of employment and vital mineral extraction, the environmental cost was immense. Acid mine drainage severely compromised water quality, leading to a once trout-rich river turning lifeless.

Recent efforts to revive the Blackwater River have seen some success in curbing acid mine drainage. However, high alkalinity persists, staining the river’s rocks a distinct orange. This serves as a stark reminder of the nation’s evolving environmental safeguards.

Yet, the Blackwater River and its tributaries remain some of West Virginia’s most picturesque, credited to their isolation, cascades, and largely preserved nature.

Resources

Albert Falls

Albert Falls is an approximate 10-foot-high cascade waterfall along the North Fork Blackwater River. It is located approximately 500 feet south of Middle Run and is the northernmost waterfall along the river, or approximately 1,200 feet north of the gravel parking area at the end of drivable portion of the Rail Falls Road (County Route 27/3).

Teresa Falls

Teresa Falls is an approximate 10-foot-high cascade waterfall along the North Fork Blackwater River. It is located approximately 1,500 feet south of Albert Falls and 250 feet north of Douglas Falls, or approximately 400 feet south of the gravel parking area at the end of drivable portion of the Rail Falls Road (County Route 27/3).

Douglas Falls

Douglas Falls, a 35-foot-high waterfall, is one of the most interesting because of clear water flowing over contrasting orange-hued boulders surrounded by towering hemlocks and rhododendrons.

Kennedy Falls

Just south of Douglas Falls is the 30-foot-high Kennedy Falls, named for explorer and author Philip Pendleton Kennedy who wrote so eloquently of the area.

The Blackwater Canyon Trail (No. 142), a 12.2-mile single-track trail between Hendricks and Thomas, closely follows the North Fork Blackwater River and Blackwater River. Once the right-of-way of the West Virginia Central & Pittsburgh Railway, it was for years abandoned before being reclaimed by off-trail hikers as essentially a goat path. More recently, the trail was developed with official trailheads and minor improvements to its stability.

Through its meandering path through the North Fork Blackwater River and Blackwater River canyons, it passes by numerous waterfalls and cascades sheltered by towering hemlocks and rhododendrons.

  • Douglas Falls, a highly photogenic waterfall for its orange-tinted rocks and clear waters, is located just an easy .10 mile walk from the Douglas trailhead for the Blackwater Canyon Trail.
  • Kennedy Falls is located nearly a half-mile from the Douglas trailhead, accessed via an informal and challenging path that involves some climbing and steady footings to get to the base.

Via Traillink

From US Route 48 and WV Route 32 in Thomas, follow Douglas Road south for 1 mile. After crossing the North Fork Blackwater River on a one-lane bridge, turn left and follow Rail Falls Road (County Route 27/3) for 1 mile. After crossing an old railroad bridge, park in the gravel parking lot.

Weather

Davis Weather
0

American Byways is an exploration-focused website that helps you discover hidden gems, find unique waypoints, and trek to spectacular natural wonders.

Leave a Comment