Hike to Elakala Falls and Balanced Rock at Blackwater Falls

There are so many beautiful hiking trails at Blackwater Falls State Park. The trail to Elakala Falls is short (half-mile one way), but you can easily combine it with the trail to Balanced Rock to make a fun 2.8-mile loop.

In addition to the waterfall and boulders, the trail features numerous beautiful aspects, including glimpses of Shays Run, abundant red spruce and other conifers, and my favorite, rhododendrons.

If you’re visiting Blackwater Falls State Park, you’ll want to put this trail on your to-do list! And the guide below has everything you need to know.

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Falls of Elakala and Shays Run

Elakala Falls is one of four waterfalls along Shays Run, and it is the only one easily accessible by the hiking trail. The remaining three waterfalls have no dedicated trail and may be difficult and dangerous to access. You can see one of the falls from the Pendleton Point Overlook.

Based on the many iconic photos of 35-foot-tall Elakala Falls, I thought the trail would lead to the bottom of the waterfall, but it doesn’t. You’ll have to deviate from the trail to get a closer look at the falls. It was very wet and muddy during our visit, so I chose not to go all the way down. But you can still get a nice view.

Multiple Trail Options

One of the best things about Blackwater Falls State Park is the numerous hiking trails multiple combinations you can create from them, especially on the southern side of the park.

The guide below follows the Elakala Trail to the Balanced Rock Trail, then to the Red Spruce Trail, and finally to the Water Tank Trail, creating a 2.8-mile loop. However, you can easily shorten or lengthen your hike by combining any of the trails.

Parking

For the easiest access to the Elakala Falls Trail, you’ll want to park at Blackwater Lodge. The trail is on the western side of the parking lot (to the left of the lodge when looking at the entrance).

Amenities

Flush toilets, a gift shop, and a restaurant (hours vary) are all inside the Blackwater Lodge.

Pets

Leashed pets are allowed on the trails at Blackwater Falls State Park.

Limited Cellular Service

We had about 1 or 2 bars of service during our visit to Blackwater Falls State Park.

Download a Map

Before visiting Blackwater Falls State Park, it’s recommended that you download a map. However, if you forget, you can pick up a map at Blackwater Falls Lodge.

Be a Responsible Visitor

Remember to respect nature as you visit this park. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.

As these destinations become increasingly popular, it is essential that we remain diligent in keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.

Trailhead

We picked up the trail to Elakala Falls on the western (left) side of the Blackwater Lodge parking lot. It’s clearly marked and very easy to spot.

Elakala Falls

The trail to Elakala Falls begins as a gravel path but quickly transitions into a dirt trail, featuring numerous rocks and roots to navigate.

You’ll reach the footbridge crossing over the falls very quickly, but you can’t really see the waterfall that well. Continue along the trail until you see a rogue trail on your right that leads down to the falls.

Good to know: There is no way to get the iconic view of Elakala Falls without going off the trail. Look for openings along the route after crossing the bridge.

After enjoying the falls, continue along the trail towards Blackwater Lodge Road. This is a pretty area of the forest, with a mix of red spruce, rhododendrons, ferns, and other conifers along the route.

Continue to Balanced Rock Trail

Cross Blackwater Lodge Road to continue on Balanced Rock Trail. Like the Elakala Falls trail, this trail also features tons of conifers. The trail is also a dirt trail with many rocks and roots to navigate.

You’ll eventually approach a small fork of Shay Run and cross the Red Spruce Trail to continue along the Balanced Rock Trail. At this point, you have less than half a mile to the rock.

At Balanced Rock

I read somewhere that Balanced Rock at Blackwater Falls was not too impressive. And I have to agree. If you’ve seen other balanced rocks, like the one at Trough Creek State Park in Pennsylvania or the famous one at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado, this one won’t hit the same way. But that’s okay! It was still fun to hike to.

After checking out Balanced Rock, you’ll have to backtrack to the Red Spruce Trail.

Red Spruce Trail

Once you reach the Red Spruce Trail intersection, make a right onto Red Spruce Trail. This trail crosses another fork of Shay Run (the amber color from the spruce and hemlock needles really stood out during our visit!). It then ascends a steep section before intersecting with the Water Tank Trail.

Water Tank Trail

We were hungry and ready for lunch, so we decided to take the Water Tank Trail back to the lodge. This section is uneventful, as it is a grassy access road leading to the water tank and propane tanks along the trail. But it got us to the lodge quickly!

If you’d like to extend the hike, you can continue along the Red Spruce Trail to the Yellow Birch Trail, which will lead you back to the lodge. This will add about one mile to your hike.

Other Fun Trails at Blackwater Falls State Park

We had a great time exploring the waterfalls and vistas at Blackwater Falls State Park! In addition to Elakala Falls, you’ll want to take the trail to Blackwater Falls, the park’s namesake. It’s an easy (though there are several stairs) boardwalk trail to West Virginia’s tallest waterfall.

Another popular trail is Lindy Point, which offers a stunning overlook of the canyon. It’s about .6 miles, out and back to the viewing platform. Although it is short, it is still a typical hiking trail, with many rocks and roots to navigate around.