Blackwater Falls State Park Cabin Rentals: The Best Vacation Destination
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LOOKING TO RENT A CABIN AT BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK?
If youâre looking for a cozy place to stay during your trip to Blackwater Falls, their cabin rentals are the way to go! Between the classic and vacation cabin rentals, you canât go wrong. Whether youâre booking a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo adventure, these Blackwater Falls cabin rentals have got what you need.
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Cabin Rentals at Blackwater Falls: An Overview
This state park does a fantastic job of providing visitors with numerous accommodation options. Blackwater Falls offers 39 total cabin rentals. There are two options to choose from – classic cabins or vacation cabins.
Here is a brief overview of all of the different accommodation options that this state park has to offer:
Cabin Rentals at Blackwater Falls
Let’s get to it! Booking a cabin rental at Blackwater Falls is arguably one of the best decisions to make the most out of your West Virginia adventure. You’ll get the luxury of a kitchen and shower while still experiencing nature’s remoteness.
Both the classic and vacation cabins are open year-round at Blackwater Falls. Check-in is at 4 PM and check-out is at 10 AM. You can book your reservations directly on their website. Letâs break down the amenities and specifics for each option:
Classic Cabins
Blackwater Falls State Park offers 26 classic wood cabin rentals, located in the woods near the lodge on the south side of the park. These cabins are fully furnished with an equipped kitchen. They also come with linen service, a bathroom and shower with towels and an open fireplace. They have water, electric, and HVAC units so you can enjoy your stay comfortably.
In addition to supplying you with the basics, these cabins have a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. If you find yourself rained in, you wonât be short on entertainment! These classic cabins come in various layouts, although you can generally accommodate one to four people.
These cabins are also close to plenty of hiking trails, so you donât need to drive anywhere to take in the views. Choose to explore Balanced Rock or Ekala Falls by taking a trail from your cozy wood cabin.
Vacation Cabins
Blackwater Falls offers 13 vacation cabins located on the north side of the park near the nature center and Pendleton Point. They are four-bedroom, two-bath vacation-style cottages that offer the same amenities the classic cabins have and more.
In addition to the amenities listed above for the classic cabins, these units also offer a washer and dryer, dishwasher, gas fireplace, and outside porches to look out into the surrounding forest.
The vacation cabins can accommodate up to eight people and are located closer to Blackwater Falls. Additionally, there is a playground, gift shop, and picnic area nearby. Take the Dobbin House trail to Blackwater Falls overlook, or take it in the opposite direction all the way to Pendelton Lake.
If youâre planning a family or group trip to Blackwater Falls, these vacation cabins are in a prime location with all the essential amenities for your stay.
Other Accommodations
If cabin rentals aren’t your jam, there are a few other types of accommodations that Blackwater Falls State Park offers.
Camping
There is one campsite in Blackwater Falls. It is open from late April through the end of October depending on the weather. It contains 65 campsites, and the first 30 are open for backcountry camping.
All campsites include electrical hookups. There is also a centrally located bathhouse that includes hot showers, a laundromat, and dumping stations. Visitors can book a campsite for up to 14 consecutive nights.
There are water supplies scattered throughout the campground, and the bathhouse is ADA-accessible. From the site, you have two trails nearby: Balsam Fir Trail, and Dobbin House Trail which takes you to the nature center or Pendleton Lake.
You can book a campsite either online, over the phone, or at the campground office. Make sure to research vehicle restrictions, cancellation, and refund information before booking your stay!
Tentrr Campsites
If the regular campground doesnât do it for you, consider booking a Tentrr campsite. These campsites are located near the Blackwater River, offering beautiful views, exceptional fishing spots, and endless outdoor adventures right in your front yard.
The Tentrr campsites are pre-set canvasâ on wooden deck platforms. They come furnished with a queen-sized bed with a memory foam mattress, side tables, and a propane heater to keep you warm at night. There are two wooden chairs located just outside the tents, giving you the ability to take in the breathtaking sunrises or stay up late stargazing.
Tentrr sites also include picnic tables, a fire pit with a grill, a solar shower, and a portable camp toilet. If the shower and bathroom options arenât your cup of tea, youâre always welcome to use the other park facilities as well. These sites are pet-friendly!
You also have the option of renting an additional pop-up tent for extra guests, though they will need to supply their own air mattresses or sleeping pads. You must book a minimum of two nights if youâre visiting on a weekend.
There are five total sites which are all non-electric. You will need to bring your own firewood, bedding, and food. Make sure to pack everything you bring out with you, otherwise, you might be charged a cleaning fee.
These Tentrr campsites are the perfect in-between option between the cabins and campgrounds at Blackwater Falls. To access these campsites, visitors will need to hike a quick 15 minutes, which gives this accommodation a slight backcountry feel to it.
Visitors are allowed to park one vehicle at the trailhead, and additional vehicles can park at the Lodgeâs overflow lot. You can book online, call ahead, or make a reservation on the Tentrr website.
The Lodge
The Blackwater Falls Lodge is located on the south rim, overlooking the stunning gorge below. The lodge offers 54 renovated cozy rooms with mid-century architecture that provide a historical atmosphere. The back patio of the lodge overlooking Blackwater Canyon is a sight you donât want to miss!
The lodge offers multiple room types. Choose between queen and twin, king, queen, two double, or two twin bed arrangements when booking your stay. Each room includes a private bathroom stocked with soap, free wifi, and a television for entertainment.
If youâre looking for something to eat, the lodge features a snack bar and a full-service restaurant. Check out The Smokehouse for a dine-in experience in a room with wrap-around windows and great accessibility. If youâre looking for something small to eat before heading outdoors, stop by the Trading Post snack bar – there are plenty of options to choose from!
The lodge also features fantastic areas for large gatherings. To the left of the lodge entrance, youâll find a conference room with a capacity for 200 people. Perfect for family reunions, wedding receptions, or work retreats!
Additionally, youâll find a game room to spend time with loved ones. The lodge also features an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. The lodge is a great place to be if the weather takes a bad turn during your time at the park.
Check-out is at 4 PM and check-in is at 11 AM. You can book a reservation online or over the phone.
About Blackwater Falls State Park
Now that we’ve covered cabin rentals at Blackwater Falls, let’s dive deeper into information on the park, main attractions, and things to do in the park.
Blackwater Falls State Park is located in Davis, West Virginia. Itâs situated in the Alleghany Mountains, about three hours away from Washington, DC.
The state park is named after Blackwater Falls – one of the parkâs main attractions. In the 1930s, the West Virginia Power and Transmission Company donated 446 acres and Blackwater Falls was formerly established seven years later as a state park. In 1957, cabins, lodges, and fishing facilities were added to the park.
Main Attractions at Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls may offer plenty of cool accommodations, but you might be wondering, is it even worth visiting? The answer is YES! Blackwater Falls has a handful of breathtaking attractions that will make it worth your stay.
Blackwater Falls
This 57-foot cascade is one of the main attractions of the park, known for its amber waters and grandiosity. The park is after all named after it! This waterfall is one of the state’s most photographed spots, and for good reason.
Blackwater Falls is open year-round and is wheelchair accessible. Descend down 200 steps or the wheelchair ramp to the viewing platform to take in this West Virginia wonder.
Additionally, you can take a trail from the parking lot to explore the bottom of the falls near the creek. This trail can be quite dangerous, so be careful of the terrain. This alternative trail is perfect for those who want to get away from the crowd.
Ekala Falls
The Ekala Falls are part of four waterfalls of what is known as Shayâs Run. It is located in the Blackwater Canyon and is surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes.
This waterfall is extremely easy to access, as its trail begins from the parking lot of the lodge. The trail is fairly short, and the first viewpoint of the first waterfall is under a half-mile walk. There is a wooden bridge overlooking the first falls that serves as a fantastic viewing platform for visitors.
Hikers should be cautious to travel beyond the second waterfall as the terrain is rocky and steep. As you continue to explore, each waterfall gets harder to reach because there is no marked trail after the first falls.
Lindy Point
Lindy Point is a breathtaking overlook into Blackwater Canyon. This vantage point is exceptional for its forest views. Its unique stacked rock pillars make this attraction even more unique!
To access Lindy Point, youâll need to hike .3 miles from the parking lot, located one mile past the sled run area. Itâs considered a moderate hike, despite the short distance. This overlook is 3,000 feet in elevation – plenty of height to take in the canyon.
In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski to the overlook. Lindy Point is breathtaking no matter what season you visit, which is even more of a reason to check it out.
Pendleton Point Overlook
Pendleton Point provides another overlook of Blackwater Canyon. This vantage point is less known and therefore less busy. Youâll get panoramic views of the entire park and the winding river from this outlook!
To reach the overlook, take the trail for .25 miles until you reach the wooden platform. Itâs wheelchair accessible and an easy trail to complete. The trail is paved and the platform has railings, so it is wheelchair, stroller, and children-friendly.
The platform has tower viewers so that visitors can view the surrounding area using these permanent binoculars. Like Lindy Point, in the winter, cross-country skiers can use this trail to take in the overlook. This is an extremely underrated attraction, so make sure to add it to your itinerary!
Taking a road trip? Read my next post on 10 Best Scenic Drives in West Virginia!
Things To Do
No matter what time of year you decide to go, there will always be plenty of things to do during your trip. That is one of the things that makes Blackwater Falls such a great park to visit – itâs open year-round! Check out some all-time favorite activities based on seasons below.
Summer & Fall Activities
There are plenty of great things to do during the summer and fall at Blackwater Falls. Turn to the lake to go boating, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Additionally, check out this park map to explore the park’s hiking trails.
Boating
Come experience life on the water at Pendleton Lake!
The lake is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and visitors have the option to rent a boat! After Labor Day, boat rentals are only available on the weekends. Youâll need proper licensing to rent a boat during your trip.
Outdoor Adventures
If boating isnât for you, there are plenty of other summer and fall outdoor activities available. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore Pendleton Lake!
Additionally, you can always check out one of the game courts with friends and family. The tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts are open during the summer months. Equipment is provided by the park, so all you have to do is show up!
Swimming
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Pendleton Lake is open for swimming! Grab your swimsuit and take a dip or hang out on the small beach. There is no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk.
Additionally, Canaan Valley Resort has an outdoor heated swimming pool from Memorial to Labor Day and is open to the public. It is located less than ten minutes away!
The lodge also has an indoor hot tub and pool that is available to guests. Visitors who are staying at the other campground sites or cabins can also access it for a small fee.
Winter & Spring Activities
Lucky for you, Blackwater Falls is one of the best West Virginia state parks to visit during the winter and spring! From snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, geocaching, or completing the sled run – this park has got something fun for everyone!
Geocaching
Blackwater Falls has numerous hidden cache sites for all of you who are into geocaching. There are three areas for geocaching in this park: Bridge Over Tannin Waters, âRockâ A-Bye Baby, and Shayâs Run! While geocaching can be something to enjoy year-round, itâll add an entertaining activity to your winter adventures.
The Sled Run
Introducing the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast: Blackwater Falls sled run! Itâs open from the middle of December to February and is great at keeping the kids entertained.
This sled run weaves through the thick forest brush and fluffy winter snow for a quarter mile. Glide through the park at a fun and quick pace of 25 miles per hour! At the bottom, youâll find the 14,000-foot âwonder carpetâ thatâll bring you back to the top of the hill.
With your ticket, youâll be able to access the run for a total of two hours. Itâs advised to arrive 20 minutes before your time slot to watch a brief mandatory safety video. You can book your tickets online or at the lodge.
Snow Sports
Additionally, visit the Warming Hut to rent some cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore the park in the winter months! There are 10 miles of cross-country ski trails, and you can snowshoe on any of the hiking trails in the park. If youâre new to either activity, lessons are available there too.
The Warming Hut offers a full menu of warm drinks, hot soup, and homey stew to keep you comfortable after your outdoor adventure. Warm up by the large fire ring while you enjoy all that Blackwater Falls has to offer in the wintertime.
Year-Round Activities
Despite some of the activities mentioned above being season-dependent, you can enjoy hiking and fishing for the majority of the year at Blackwater Falls!
Hiking
Explore Blackwater Falls’ 20 miles of hiking trails year-round! Hiking guides and maps are available for purchase at the park office. You can also check the website to see individual hiking trail routes if youâre looking for one in particular!
Exploring more of West Virginia? Check out my post on the best hiking trails in Harpers Ferry!
Fishing
Although fishing isnât an option in the winter, enjoy fishing at Pendleton Lake in the summer, spring, and fall months!
There are plenty of fish to catch in Pendleton Lake! Catch trout, bass, bluegill, and catfish in the waters. In the spring and summer, the Blackwater River is also regularly stocked with trout. Make sure you purchase a West Virginia fishing license before your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve covered Blackwater Falls activities, attractions, and accommodations. Let’s jump into some questions frequently asked about the park and surrounding area.
How many waterfalls are at Blackwater Falls?
There are three waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park. They are Blackwater Falls, Ekala Falls, and Pendleton Falls. Blackwater Falls has the highest cascade, but both Ekala and Pendleton Falls are extraordinary in their own ways.
How long does it take to walk down to Blackwater Falls?
It takes about 15 minutes to walk down the steps to the viewing platform of Blackwater Falls. You will need to descend about 200 steps to reach the platform closest to the falls. If you’re visiting in the winter, be cautious of slippery steps.
Can you swim in Blackwater Falls?
You canât swim in Blackwater Falls, but if youâre visiting in the summer, you can swim in Pendleton Lake. Itâs open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Additionally, if youâre staying at the lodge, there is an indoor swimming pool and hot tub for guests. If youâre staying at a campground or cabin, you can also access the swimming pool and hot tub for a small fee.
Why is the water black at Blackwater Falls?
The riverâs water appears to be black from the tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.
UP NEXT: Best Places to Stay Near New River Gorge
Conclusion: Cabin Rentals at Blackwater Falls State Park, WV
Blackwater Falls State Park offers things to do year-round and has incredible attractions to visit. There is so much to do during your time there, itâs highly unlikely youâll get to see it all in one day. If you want to make the most out of your trip to Blackwater Falls, consider staying at one of their cabin rentals, Tentrr campsites, or at the lodge.
With no entrance fee and over 20 miles of hiking trails, itâs worth it to stay a night! Whether youâre taking a solo trip, planning a romantic getaway, or getting together with friends over the weekend, Blackwater Falls has plenty of accommodations to choose from.
Happy travels!