Elakala Falls Trail
Allegheny Highlands / Blackwater Falls, West Virginia
Activity
Hiking / Forest Waterfall
Distance
0.5 mi round trip
Route
Out & back
The adventure
Shays Run slips over a sandstone lip into a shadowy ravine, its water spilling through a lush forest that feels hidden just steps from the lodge. The first Elakala cascade is framed by hemlocks, moss, and steep canyon walls.
The trail is short, but the changing sounds of water and the dark woodland setting make it feel like a secret corner of the Alleghenies. Rain can transform the cascade from delicate threads to a dramatic torrent.
ONCE YOU’RE THERE
From the lodge, follow the marked Elakala Trail to the established view of the upper waterfall and return on the same path.
LOCAL INTEL
There are multiple falls downstream, but the lower ones are not a casual marked-trail continuation.
TRAIL CONDITIONS & SAFETY
Stay on the marked route; the ravine has steep slippery drops.
FEES & ACCESS
No general entrance fee is charged for this adventure.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Year-round; slippery after rain.
What to expect
- Upper Elakala cascade
- Hemlock forest
- Short waterfall hike
Good to know
- Getting there
- Drive to the signed Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge parking area. Walk behind the lodge to the marked Elakala Trail; do not descend off trail to lower cascades.
- Safety
- Stay on the marked route; the ravine has steep slippery drops.
- Route notes
- There are multiple falls downstream, but the lower ones are not a casual marked-trail continuation.
- Fee
- Free — no required entrance or parking fee.
- Entrance fee
- No general admission fee listed; confirm any parking or activity charges.
- Dogs
- allowed-on-leash.
- Season
- Year-round; slippery after rain
Photos