About Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls is a named waterfall in Tucker County, West Virginia, located about 11 miles east of Parsons. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Blackwater Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 39°06′50″ N, 79°29′00″ W (39.11385, -79.48322). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Engine Run (stream, 0.3 mi), Shays Run (stream, 0.9 mi), and Pendleton Creek (stream, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Falls of Seneca, 20 miles to the south.
A long boardwalk with stairs leads to views of this 57-foot waterfall in a scenic recreation area.
More Photos
583 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Blackwater Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Blackwater Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Blackwater Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Blackwater Falls holds a 4.8 average from 171 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Blackwater Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Engine Run — stream, 0.3 mi
- Shays Run — stream, 0.9 mi
- Pendleton Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Beaver Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
- Devils Run Spring — spring, 1.7 mi
- Devils Run — stream, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 39.11385, -79.48322. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Blackwater Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blackwater Falls located?
Blackwater Falls is in Tucker County, West Virginia, about 11 miles east of Parsons. Its coordinates are 39.11385, -79.48322 (39°06′50″ N, 79°29′00″ W).
What town is closest to Blackwater Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Parsons, WV, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Blackwater Falls?
The closest is Falls of Seneca (20 mi south). Others within reach include Tolliver Falls (27 mi), Upper Swallow Falls (27 mi), and Lower Swallow Falls (27 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Blackwater Falls?
Blackwater Falls appears on the USGS Blackwater Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.