West Virginia’s most photographed waterfall drops 57 feet into an eight-mile gorge, with the river’s amber tint coming from tannic acid leached from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The main overlook requires just a quarter-mile boardwalk walk from the parking area, offering multiple viewing angles of the falls and canyon. Mist creates rainbows on sunny afternoons, and the roar echoes up from the gorge.
Peak colors hit late September to early October when the surrounding hardwoods explode in reds and golds. Winter turns the falls into an ice sculpture, but boardwalks can be treacherous. The park serves as a perfect waypoint when running the nearby Canaan Loop Road or Dolly Sods circuits — just 20 minutes from either area.
West Virginia's iconic amber waterfall and canyon
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Davis, WV |
| Miles from pavement | 0.25 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Partial |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $3.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Land manager | State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Picnic table, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |