Tucker County is part of the statewide West Virginia Waterfall Trail, a collection of more than 40 waterfalls across the Mountain State. With a free digital passport, you can check in at each stop, track your progress, and earn waterfall-themed prizes as you explore.
When you book your stay in Canaan Valley, WV, with Best of Canaan Real Estate Sales and Vacation Rentals, you can truly experience why this place is “Almost Heaven.” With comfortable lodging and local insight from a team that knows this area inside and out and can’t imagine living anywhere else, you are always close to the moments that make this region unforgettable.
Best 4 Waterfalls in Tucker County, West Virginia
Blackwater Falls
Located in Blackwater Falls State Park, this iconic 57-foot cascade plunges into the Blackwater River, creating one of the most photographed waterfalls in West Virginia. The falls take their name from their rich amber hue, colored by tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.
Visitors can follow the main Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail from the Trading Post parking area, descending more than 200 steps to a stone patio and observation deck beside the falls. For an easier option, the paved Gentle Trail leads to an overlook with a beautiful elevated view of the cascade.
Elakala Falls
This beautiful series of four West Virginia waterfalls is tucked within a dense hemlock and red spruce forest. Flowing along Shays Run, the water carries the same tannin-rich hue, cascading over layered rock in a series of small, stair-step drops.
The Elakala Trail begins near the lodge and leads through a cool, shaded forest to a wooden bridge that crosses directly above the first waterfall. From this vantage point, you can look down as the water tumbles into the gorge below.
Douglas Falls
From a small gravel parking area off Douglas Road, a short trail winds through the forest alongside the North Fork of the Blackwater River, leading to the base of the Douglas Falls and nearby swimming spots.
It spills over layered rock in a broad, 35-foot cascade, creating one of the most striking waterfalls in West Virginia. Multiple vantage points offer different perspectives, from close-up views near the water to wider angles farther downstream.
Falls of Pendleton
Tucked deep within Blackwater Falls State Park, the Falls of Pendleton offer a more remote experience. Pendleton Run descends over a moss-covered cliff before tumbling into the Blackwater River below, creating a long, multi-tiered cascade hidden within the canyon.
While there is no official trail, visitors can catch glimpses from roadside overlooks across the gorge. For the best views, visit during the winter when the trees are bare, and the full beauty of the cascade is easier to see through the forest.
