When most people think of the Grand Canyon, Arizona is the first state that comes to mind. However, many states have their own grand canyons, including West Virginia. Our diverse terrain lends to some truly spectacular views, and we’ve got the perfect hike for a picture-perfect outdoor adventure. Lake up those boots, because Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia might just become your new favorite hiking trail. Let’s check it out.
Blackwater Canyon is an eight-mile chasm flanked by heavy woods on both sides. It runs from the foot of Blackwater Falls to its confluence with Dry Fork. It is roughly 1,000 feet deep.
Wikipedia/Valerius Tygart
Blackwater Falls State Park is arguably the most popular end of the canyon, as it feeds into the Blackwater River that cuts its way through the canyon.
WikiMedia/Tim Kiser
Along the river itself runs Blackwater Canyon Railroad Grade Trail. The trail begins outside the canyon, runs along its eight miles stretch then exits the canyon again to connect with the larger Allegheny Trail, a 330-mile trail that spans the state.
Flickr/Judy Gallagher
One of the most popular landmarks along the canyon is the stone culvert at Big Run.
Wikipedia/Valerius Tygart
Though very old, the canyon did not come to the attention of the public until around 1853 when writer Philip Pendleton Kennedy wrote about an expedition to the area. David Hunter Strother popularized the canyon even further in 1855 when he wrote about his extended expedition of the gorge in Harper’s Monthly.
WikiMedia/Tim Kiser Today, the canyon upholds its popularity and is visited by a great many people each year. It is currently under the protection of the Forest Service, which allows maintenance of the trail to maintain hiker safety, but bans the use of the area for logging purposes, ensuring that this beautiful canyon will remain untouched for West Virginians to enjoy for years to come.
Have you ever had an adventure in Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia? What’s your favorite hiking trail in West Virginia? Feel free to comment below and tell us all about it.
Wikipedia/Valerius Tygart
WikiMedia/Tim Kiser
Flickr/Judy Gallagher
Today, the canyon upholds its popularity and is visited by a great many people each year. It is currently under the protection of the Forest Service, which allows maintenance of the trail to maintain hiker safety, but bans the use of the area for logging purposes, ensuring that this beautiful canyon will remain untouched for West Virginians to enjoy for years to come.
To learn more about West Virginia, check out these 15 beautiful rivers that are demanding your attention.
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Address: Blackwater Canyon Trail, Thomas, WV, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia March 07, 2020 Jackie Ann Where else can I find the best views in West Virginia? When it comes to scenic views, West Virginia doesn’t disappoint. The Mountain State is full of unbelievable views, and if you’re willing to do a little bit of exploration, you’ll be rewarded tenfold with some jaw-dropping scenery. One of the most popular views in West Virginia is Spruce Knob. Located within the Seneca Rocks National Recreational Area, Spruce knob is the highest point in the state, clocking in at 4,863 feet. For a more casual afternoon hike, head over to the New River Gorge where you can take the 1.6-mile Long Point Trail that will lead you to a breathtaking view of the New River Gorge Bridge. What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia? West Virginia’s diverse terrain lends to some incredibly scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, or you just have a few hours to kill, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails in West Virginia that you’re sure to love. The main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest has some mesmerizing views of the Cheat River Canyon, and while you’re there you’ll want to take the 1.5-mile Raven Rock Trail where you can get a different perspective of the canyon as well as a closeup view of Raven Rock. Are there any other natural wonders in West Virginia? If you’re looking to check out some of West Virginia’s most fascinating natural wonders, you’ll want to check out the Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg. Discovered in 1942, these caverns descend 120 ft. below the Earth’s surface and will take you about 45 minutes to walk through, and you’ll have a close-up view of The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite that might just be the largest in the country. For those that would prefer to stay above ground, a visit to Berkeley Springs is a mist. Close to 2,000 gallons of water flow from the springs every 5 minutes, and the water is constantly 74.3 degrees, although scientists aren’t sure exactly why.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Blackwater Canyon in West Virginia
March 07, 2020
Jackie Ann
Where else can I find the best views in West Virginia? When it comes to scenic views, West Virginia doesn’t disappoint. The Mountain State is full of unbelievable views, and if you’re willing to do a little bit of exploration, you’ll be rewarded tenfold with some jaw-dropping scenery. One of the most popular views in West Virginia is Spruce Knob. Located within the Seneca Rocks National Recreational Area, Spruce knob is the highest point in the state, clocking in at 4,863 feet. For a more casual afternoon hike, head over to the New River Gorge where you can take the 1.6-mile Long Point Trail that will lead you to a breathtaking view of the New River Gorge Bridge. What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia? West Virginia’s diverse terrain lends to some incredibly scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, or you just have a few hours to kill, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails in West Virginia that you’re sure to love. The main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest has some mesmerizing views of the Cheat River Canyon, and while you’re there you’ll want to take the 1.5-mile Raven Rock Trail where you can get a different perspective of the canyon as well as a closeup view of Raven Rock. Are there any other natural wonders in West Virginia? If you’re looking to check out some of West Virginia’s most fascinating natural wonders, you’ll want to check out the Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg. Discovered in 1942, these caverns descend 120 ft. below the Earth’s surface and will take you about 45 minutes to walk through, and you’ll have a close-up view of The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite that might just be the largest in the country. For those that would prefer to stay above ground, a visit to Berkeley Springs is a mist. Close to 2,000 gallons of water flow from the springs every 5 minutes, and the water is constantly 74.3 degrees, although scientists aren’t sure exactly why.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to scenic views, West Virginia doesn’t disappoint. The Mountain State is full of unbelievable views, and if you’re willing to do a little bit of exploration, you’ll be rewarded tenfold with some jaw-dropping scenery. One of the most popular views in West Virginia is Spruce Knob. Located within the Seneca Rocks National Recreational Area, Spruce knob is the highest point in the state, clocking in at 4,863 feet. For a more casual afternoon hike, head over to the New River Gorge where you can take the 1.6-mile Long Point Trail that will lead you to a breathtaking view of the New River Gorge Bridge.
What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia?
West Virginia’s diverse terrain lends to some incredibly scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, or you just have a few hours to kill, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails in West Virginia that you’re sure to love. The main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest has some mesmerizing views of the Cheat River Canyon, and while you’re there you’ll want to take the 1.5-mile Raven Rock Trail where you can get a different perspective of the canyon as well as a closeup view of Raven Rock.
Are there any other natural wonders in West Virginia?
If you’re looking to check out some of West Virginia’s most fascinating natural wonders, you’ll want to check out the Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg. Discovered in 1942, these caverns descend 120 ft. below the Earth’s surface and will take you about 45 minutes to walk through, and you’ll have a close-up view of The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite that might just be the largest in the country. For those that would prefer to stay above ground, a visit to Berkeley Springs is a mist. Close to 2,000 gallons of water flow from the springs every 5 minutes, and the water is constantly 74.3 degrees, although scientists aren’t sure exactly why.
