Blackwater Falls State Park Backcountry Loop

This challenging backcountry loop starts at the iconic 57-foot Blackwater Falls, where tannic acid from hemlock and red spruce gives the water its distinctive amber color. The route climbs through dense mountain laurel thickets on old logging roads, passing the remnants of 1920s logging camps before reaching the high plateau country around 3,200 feet elevation. Technical sections include steep rocky climbs and narrow shelf roads with significant exposure.

Rated difficult due to steep grades, loose rock, and tight maneuvering around massive boulders left by ancient glacial activity. A capable 4WD with low range and skid plates is essential, along with recovery gear for the inevitable stuck situation. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though snow can linger into May at elevation. The reward is backcountry camping with panoramic views across the Allegheny Mountains and access to some of the most pristine wilderness left in the eastern United States.