Elakala Falls

Blackwater Falls Fall Foliage: When to Go and What to See

Blackwater Falls fall foliage is one of the best reasons to plan a fall getaway to the Alleghenies. The park sits at more than 3,000 feet in Tucker County, West Virginia, so its hardwoods turn color two to three weeks ahead of the lower elevations across Maryland and Virginia. That head start is exactly why Blackwater Falls fall foliage pulls visitors from across the region every October, all chasing the same view: red maples, yellow birch, and golden oaks framing the park’s 57-foot waterfall.

One of the best fall getaways is to add a stay on Deep Creek Lake. This allows you to spend one day on the Maryland side of the lake exploring Swallow Creek Falls and the best things to do on Deep Creek Lake. Then, spend the other day across the state line at the Blackwater Falls, giving ample time to enjoy both locations without rushing.

When Is Peak Blackwater Falls Fall Foliage?

Plan for the first two to three weeks of October. Because of its elevation, Blackwater Falls state park fall foliage typically peaks earlier than most of West Virginia and the wider mid-Atlantic. While lower elevations are just starting to turn, the park’s red spruce, hemlock, and hardwood mix is often already past its brightest color by late October.

The first weekend of October is usually the safest bet for peak color, and by the third week the canopy is thinning and browning. Weather shifts the timeline slightly each year, so checking a current fall foliage tracker before you go is worth the extra step. If you can only commit to one week without checking anything else, the first full week of October gives you the best odds.

Best Trails and Overlooks for Fall Color

You do not need serious mileage to see great autumn color here. The Blackwater Falls Boardwalk leads straight down to the base of the main falls, where amber, tannin-stained water set against orange and red foliage makes for the view everyone comes to photograph. It is paved and manageable for most fitness levels, though the stairs back up will get your heart rate going.

For the wider canyon view, the overlook above Blackwater Canyon is a short but moderately challenging walk from the parking area, opening onto tree line after tree line of color stretching toward the horizon.

Elakala Falls deserves its own stop. It is actually a series of four waterfalls along Shays Run as the creek drops into the canyon, and the first cascade, roughly 35 feet, is an easy walk from the trailhead near the lodge. The other three require more scrambling and are not necessary if you are short on time, but that first fall alone is worth the detour. Wear hiking boots, since the boardwalk gets slick with wet leaves in October.

More to See Near the Park

If you are already making the drive from Deep Creek Lake, build in time for Davis, West Virginia, just two miles from the park entrance, with breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor gear shops lining its short main street. For a longer day, Canaan Valley fall foliage offers a different vantage point on the same season, with open meadows in place of dense canyon forest.

Your Deep Creek Lake Bed and Breakfast Home Base

If you are building a trip around Blackwater Falls fall foliage, you need a home base that makes the drive worthwhile on both ends. Lake Pointe Inn sits directly on the shore of Deep Creek Lake in McHenry, Maryland, about an hour from the park entrance, close enough for an easy day trip.

This Deep Creek Lake Bed and Breakfast offers twelve guest rooms in an Arts and Crafts-style mansion, a gourmet breakfast each morning, and lake views from the wrap-around porch. Guests can take out kayaks and canoes or relax by the outdoor fire pit as the evening cools down.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blackwater Falls in West Virginia?
Blackwater Falls State Park is in Tucker County, West Virginia, near the town of Davis, about an hour and a half from Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.

When is peak fall foliage in West Virginia?
Higher elevations like Blackwater Falls typically peak in the first two to three weeks of October, ahead of lower-elevation areas across the state.

What is the best time to see fall foliage in West Virginia?
The first full week of October is generally the most reliable window for catching color at its brightest at higher elevations, though a foliage tracker can confirm year to year conditions.

Is Blackwater Falls open in the fall?
Yes, the park is open year round, and fall is one of its busiest and most popular seasons.

Fall weekends at Deep Creek Lake and Blackwater Falls fill quickly once the leaves start turning. If you are planning a Blackwater Falls fall foliage trip, check availability and book your stay at Lake Pointe Inn today.