Blackwater Falls State Park Backcountry Loop
Highland technical loop above famous amber falls
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3240 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Capable 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Davis, WV |
| Land manager | West Virginia State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this loop, or do I need a built rig?
A stock Wrangler or 4Runner with decent all-terrain tires can run it, but skid plates are non-negotiable on the rocky sections. Lifted rigs with lockers will have an easier time — the trail earns its 'difficult' rating through sustained rock and uneven forest road, not one dramatic obstacle.
When does the trail typically open and close each year?
Best window is April through November. Winter closes or severely limits access due to snow and ice at elevation — this sits above 3,000 feet and West Virginia highlands get real winter. Spring mud can also be brutal on the softer sections, so check conditions after heavy rain before committing.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp overnight?
West Virginia State Parks manages this area, so check in with Blackwater Falls State Park directly before your trip — rules around backcountry access and dispersed camping can change. No widespread fee-based permit system is in place as of now, but self-registration or prior contact with the park office is the right move.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be prepared for?
The rocky forest road segments are where the trail bites — expect sustained shelf road, loose rock, and tight tree lines that punish wide tracks or poor line choice. With 2,100 feet of elevation gain packed into 18 miles, you're climbing and descending technical terrain back-to-back, so overheating brakes and drivetrain stress are real concerns on the descents.
Is there reliable water on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Water crossings exist on this loop, but don't count on them for drinking without a solid filter — treat everything. Davis, WV is your last reliable fuel stop before heading in; it's small, so top off the tank because you won't find a gas station mid-loop and cell service is spotty enough that you can't count on navigation help if you run dry.
Trail track
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