Blackwater Canyon Railroad Grade
Historic railway through dramatic Appalachian gorge
The rusted rails are long gone, but the Western Maryland Railway’s engineering marvel still cuts through Blackwater Canyon like a ledge carved into stone. This 10.7-mile rail-to-trail conversion follows the old railroad grade from Coketon to Hendricks, hugging the canyon walls 200 feet above the churning Blackwater River. The most dramatic section passes through Pendleton Point, where the track was blasted from sheer rock faces, and crosses the Big Run portal where trains once disappeared into mountain darkness.
This is an easy to moderate route suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though the crushed limestone surface can get muddy after rain. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with spectacular autumn colors in late September. No permits required, but bring your own water and fuel up in Davis or Thomas. The payoff is pure Appalachian drama — deep gorges, waterfalls, and some of the most untouched wilderness left in the Mid-Atlantic. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 10.7 mi / 17.2 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Davis, WV |
| Land manager | West Virginia State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | wvstateparks.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without any mods?
Yes. The trail runs on a former railroad grade, so it's relatively flat and graded gravel. Stock high-clearance vehicles handle it fine — you don't need a lift or lockers here.
When does the trail close, and is snow a real problem in winter?
The trail is best accessed April through November. Winter snow and ice are common at 3,200 ft elevation in the West Virginia highlands, and the canyon can hold moisture and freeze hard — check with Blackwater Falls State Park before attempting it off-season.
Do I need a permit or day-use fee to run this trail?
No permit is required and there's no fee to drive the railroad grade. It falls under West Virginia State Parks management, but access is open — just stay on the designated route.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
There's no genuinely technical section — this is a scenic gravel drive, not a rock crawl. The challenge is loose gravel, tight canyon walls in spots, and limited turnaround room. Expect a slow, careful pace, not a workout for your suspension.
Is there anywhere to camp along the trail, or do I need to book lodging in Davis?
Dispersed camping along the railroad grade itself is not permitted — this is state park land with specific camping rules. Blackwater Falls State Park has established campgrounds nearby, and Davis has a handful of private options; book ahead on weekends in fall when leaf-peepers flood the area.
Trail track
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