We've done Blackwater Falls twice — once in winter with Ketaki, once in spring with friends. Both trips from Herndon, both about 3.5 hours of driving through increasingly beautiful mountain terrain. It's one of the easiest weekend escapes from the DC/Virginia area that nobody talks about enough. The falls are genuinely spectacular in both seasons but they're completely different experiences — winter gives you ice formations and a snow-covered landscape with zero other visitors, spring gives you full water flow and green trails that are easy and beautiful. Both are worth doing.
About 3.5 hours via I-66 W → I-81 S → US-33 W into the mountains. The last hour on US-33 through the Allegheny Mountains is genuinely beautiful — winding mountain road, elevation gain, the landscape completely changing around you. Cell signal gets unreliable after Harrisonburg — download offline maps before you leave. Roads into Davis are plowed in winter but carry chains or all-season tires as backup.
Winter vs Spring — Which to Choose
Winter (Nov–Mar) is the photography trip. Eight inches of snow on everything, ice formations framing the falls, mist rising off the water in the cold air. The park is essentially empty — you'll have the trails to yourself, the light is soft and diffused, and the contrast between the dark water and white surroundings is extraordinary. It's cold (bring proper layers, not just a jacket), but the payoff is a landscape that looks like nowhere else on the East Coast. Ketaki got some of her best shots of any trip here in winter.
Spring (Apr–May) is the easier, more social trip. Full water flow from snowmelt makes the falls louder and more dramatic. The trails are mud-free by late April, the forest is greening up, and the weather is genuinely pleasant. Better for groups who aren't photographers — it's just a straightforwardly beautiful hike with a spectacular waterfall at the end.
Winter is the photography season at Blackwater — the snow creates natural composition and the empty trails mean you can take your time with every shot. The ice formations around the falls change daily. Morning light through the snow-covered trees is extraordinary. If you're going primarily to photograph, go in January or February on a clear day after fresh snowfall.
The Plan
Drive In → Davis → Settle + Dinner
Leave Herndon in the morning — no need to rush, you have the whole afternoon. The drive through the Shenandoah Valley and up into the Alleghenies is the start of the experience, not just the commute. By the time you arrive in Davis the elevation change is real and the air is noticeably colder and cleaner.
Davis, WV is a small mountain town that doesn't try to be anything other than what it is. A main street, a few restaurants, an Airbnb scene that's grown up around the park. In winter, half the businesses are closed and the quiet is striking — not desolate, just properly still. In spring it's slightly livelier but still far from touristy.
There is a burrito place in Davis that is significantly better than it has any right to be in a small mountain town. Meat-based burrito, perfectly seasoned, dense and well-wrapped by someone who clearly knows what they're doing. We went twice in one trip and it was equally good both times. Find it, order the meat burrito, eat it after a day outdoors. This is not optional.
Day 1 evening is simple — check in, walk around Davis briefly, eat well, sleep early. The falls are tomorrow.
Blackwater Falls State Park — Full Day
The park entrance is literally 5 minutes from Davis — one of the great advantages of staying in town. Leave early, especially in winter when the morning light on snow is the shot.
Blackwater Falls — the main attraction — is a 57-foot amber-colored waterfall (the dark color comes from tannic acid from fallen spruce and hemlock needles upstream). The boardwalk from the visitor center takes you down to the main overlook in about 10 minutes. In winter: ice formations on the rocks, snow on every surface, mist rising off the water in the cold. In spring: full flow from snowmelt, the sound is louder, the surrounding forest is beginning to green. Either version is worth the drive.
The trail network in the park is well-maintained and not technically demanding — this is not a strenuous hiking destination, which makes it accessible for any group. The Balanced Rock Trail, the Lindy Point overlook (spectacular view of the canyon and river below — do not skip this), and the Elakala Falls trail (a series of smaller falls accessible via a short hike through the forest) are the three worth doing.
Lindy Point is a short 1.4-mile round trip hike that ends at a cliff overlook above the Blackwater River canyon. The view of the river bend far below with forested canyon walls on both sides is the best landscape shot in the park — better even than the main falls for a wide vista. In winter the frozen river in the canyon is extraordinary. In spring the gorge is lush green. Go in either season.
Spend most of the day in the park — there's enough trail variety that you won't run out of things to see. Head back to Davis by late afternoon, get the burrito again if it's still your last night, and drive home the next morning.
Logistics
When to Go
Winter (Jan–Feb): best for photography, empty trails, ice formations. Go on a clear day after fresh snowfall. Bring proper cold-weather gear — base layer, mid layer, waterproof outer, good boots. Spring (late Apr–May): best for groups, easier hiking, full water flow. Either works; they're just different trips.
Where to Stay
Airbnb in Davis — the only sensible option. Look for something with good heating (non-negotiable in winter), a kitchen for coffee and breakfast, and ideally a fireplace or wood stove for the winter version. Book 3–4 weeks ahead; there aren't that many options and the good ones go fast on weekends.
Budget (per person)
- Gas (from Herndon round trip, split): ~$25–40
- Airbnb (2 nights, split): ~$60–100/night each
- Park entry: ~$5–10/vehicle (or free with WV state parks pass)
- Food (2 days): $25–50/day — Davis is cheap