Blackwater Falls State Park is one of the best reasons to plan a fall trip to the Allegheny Mountains. The park sits at over 3,000 feet in Tucker County, West Virginia, which means the hardwoods change color a full two to three weeks before they do at lower elevations across Maryland and Virginia. That elevation is exactly why Blackwater Falls fall foliage draws visitors from across the region every October, all chasing the same view: red maples, yellow birch, and golden oaks framing the park’s signature 57-foot waterfall. The park is worth a visit any time of year, from summer hikes along the canyon rim to snowy winter overlooks, but fall is when it’s truly spectacular.

Pairing a Blackwater Falls foliage trip with a stay at Deep Creek Lake turns a single day trip into a full weekend. Closer to home, things to do in Deep Creek Lake this time of year include apple picking at local orchards, quieter pontoon rides on the cooling water, and the shops and restaurants that line the lake. Many guests split the trip in two, one day on the Maryland side and one day driving over to West Virginia for the falls, which spreads things out and avoids trying to cram both into a single exhausting day.

If you’re building a trip around Blackwater Falls State Park, you need a home base that makes the drive worthwhile on both ends. Lake Pointe Inn sits right on Deep Creek Lake in McHenry, Maryland, about an hour from the park entrance, close enough for an easy day trip. Our Deep Creek Lake Bed and Breakfast offers twelve guest rooms, a gourmet breakfast every morning, and lake views, making it the kind of place you’re glad to return to after a day of hiking in the cold mountain air. Book your stay today!

When Is Peak Foliage at Blackwater Falls State Park?

The short answer: plan for the first two to three weeks of October. Blackwater Falls fall foliage typically peaks earlier than most of West Virginia and the broader mid-Atlantic because of the park’s elevation. While places at lower elevation are just starting to turn, the park’s red spruce, hemlock, and hardwood mix is often already past its brightest color by mid to late October.

The first weekend of October is usually a safe bet for seeing peak Blackwater Falls fall foliage. By the third week of October, the canopy is already thinning and turning brown. Of course, weather shifts year to year, so a quick search for a current fall foliage tracker is advised. But if you have to pick one week without checking anything else, pick the first full week of October to catch Blackwater Falls fall foliage at its brightest.

Best Trails and Overlooks for Blackwater Falls Fall Foliage

What makes this park work so well for a day trip is that you don’t need to hike long distances for great views. The trails below give you the best access to Blackwater Falls fall foliage without requiring serious mileage.

The Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail is short and leads straight down to the base of the main falls, where the amber, tannin-stained water against orange and red foliage makes for the postcard shot everyone comes for. It’s paved and manageable for most fitness levels, though the stairs back up will get your heart rate going.

For the wider canyon view, head to Lindy Point. It’s a short but moderately challenging walk from the parking area to an overlook that puts the entire Blackwater Canyon in front of you, tree line after tree line of color stretching toward the horizon.

Elakala Falls deserves its own stop. It’s actually a series of four waterfalls along Shays Run as the creek drops into the canyon, and the first one, a 35-foot cascade, is an easy walk from the trailhead near the lodge. The other three require more scrambling and aren’t necessary if you’re short on time, but that first fall alone is worth the fifteen-minute detour.
If you want more mileage, the Gentle Trail connects several of these points with less elevation change than the name suggests once you’re past the first stretch. Wear hiking boots, and be aware that the boardwalk gets slick with wet leaves in October.

More to See Near Blackwater Falls State Park

If you’re already making the drive from Deep Creek Lake, it’s worth building in time for the towns and wild spaces surrounding the park. Davis, West Virginia, sits just two miles from the park entrance, with breweries, coffee shops, and outdoor gear stores lining its short main street. Davis is a great stop on a Blackwater Falls fall foliage day trip if you want a break from hiking.

For a longer day, Canaan Valley is a short drive south and offers a different vantage point on the same fall color, with open meadows instead of dense canyon forest.

Visiting Blackwater Falls State Park

Before you go: Blackwater Falls State Park sits just outside Davis, West Virginia, in Tucker County, and there’s no entrance or day-use fee. The park itself is open dawn to dusk, though the lodge, gift shop, and other facilities keep their own hours, so it’s worth checking the West Virginia State Parks website if you’re planning around a specific stop. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails too, so there’s no need to leave the dog behind for a day of hiking. Our Innkeepers Suite is pet-friendly lodging on Deep Creek Lake.

Where to Stay for Your Blackwater Falls State Park Trip this Fall

If you are visiting Blackwater Falls State Park from the Maryland side, staying at Deep Creek Lake and making the drive over gives you a full weekend’s worth of things to do rather than choosing one destination over the other.

Our Deep Creek Lake Bed and Breakfast is built around exactly this kind of Blackwater Falls fall foliage season. Our location puts you close enough to the park for an easy day trip while offering plenty to do on the Maryland side, too. You get a hot breakfast before you head out, a comfortable room to come back to, and a quiet lakefront setting.

Fall weekends at Deep Creek Lake and Blackwater Falls State Park fill up quickly once the leaves start turning, and rooms go first. If you’re planning a Blackwater Falls fall foliage trip, check availability and book your stay now!