Trail Info

Distance: 4.2 Miles
Directions: BLACKWATER LODGE
Trail Type: Loop
Trail Rating:  DIFFICULT (3) 
Parking 70 Spots or less
Dog Friendly: Yes
Family Friendly: Yes , ages 5+

What to pack

• 2 water bottles
• hiking shoes or Trail Runners
• Light snack
• Bug Spray

Extras

Blackwater TRAIL MAP

West Virginia Trail Finder

The Experience

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You will love: Magical waterfalls, robust forest and easy to manage trail navigation. This hike blends all things of beauty together , its why you like hiking.
You need to know:  State Park entrance fee

ELAKALA TRAIL - BALANCED ROCK - SHAY TRACE LOOP
​The trail head and your adventure begins at Blackwater Lodge parking lot.  The trail begins with the Elakala trail, a wide dirt trail that quickly leads to the Elakala Falls. the trail takes you right over the falls with overwhelming sounds of the waterfall combined with the beautiful view of water leaping 35 ft. down to the rocky descent to the Blackwater river. The falls are tucked away in to the hill side, between a rocky gorge and towering trees. The trail provides access to go down near the falls for the opportunity to picture take or just enjoy the ambience of this magical area. From here, the trail continues snaking along the forest with minor ascent areas, The terrain is wonderfully crafted with built in steps in erosion areas. The trail is just at 1.0 mile in length before you meet up with the Balanced Rock trail. The start of the trail will have you cross route 29 first , before trekking into the grove of Hemlock and Pine. The trail is well maintained and marked, it will roam with mild elevation gain or loss, the most notable thing about this trail is that it waterlogs easy. You will probably have noticed that the Elakala falls and all water areas within the park and on this trail appear amber in color. FUN FACT: the reason for this water color is tannic acid, from the local hemlock and red spruce needles. Let's continue, the Balanced trail is a 1.6 mile round trip event culminating in a large stone outcrop, truly a large stone balancing precariously on a smaller boulder. There is no view here but makes for a fun place to snack, explore and climb around. From here backtrack the way you came for 1.0 mile until you reach the intersection of the Shay Trace trail. Take a right and continue your adventure, this trail will lead you back to the starting point of Blackwater Lodge. The shay trace trail does have a few water crossings and a large creek crossing all within this beautiful topography. This trail is safe for the little ones and a nice outing within this beautiful park.

HIKE ON!