Right now
Right now as of Nov 3, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Fee: no entrance fee listed.
Status note (Nov 3, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell: on Nov 3, 2026 the WV State Parks Blackwater Falls pages showed no alert for the park or the Elakala Trail. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. What the status labels mean
Elakala Falls is a series of four waterfalls on Shays Run in Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis. The 0.5-mile Elakala Trail starts at the south end of Blackwater Lodge and bridges the upper section of the falls. WV State Parks rates it moderate. Wikipedia puts the tallest of the four at 40 feet, in a gorge nearly 200 feet deep. No entrance fee is listed on the WV State Parks page.
About Elakala Falls
Elakala Falls is not one waterfall but four, all on Shays Run inside Blackwater Falls State Park. The park is in Tucker County, near Davis, and West Virginia State Parks runs it.
WV State Parks gives no heights. Wikipedia numbers the falls one to four. It lists the first at 35 feet, the second at 15, the third at 40 and the fourth at 20.
That makes the third fall the tallest of the group. If you see Elakala described as about 40 feet, that figure belongs to the third fall.
Below the upper falls, Shays Run drops into a gorge that Wikipedia says is nearly 200 feet deep at this point. That depth is why the lower falls are hard to reach.
Getting there and parking
Head for Blackwater Lodge in Blackwater Falls State Park. WV State Parks says the Elakala Trail starts at the south end of the lodge. The park address is 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260.
Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. No entrance fee is listed on the WV State Parks page. That isn't an official statement that entry is free, so call the park at 304-259-5216 if it matters for your plans.
WV State Parks lists no parking fee or lot details for the trail. The south end of the lodge is the starting point it names.
The map pin uses Wikipedia's coordinates for the falls. For directions, use the park address and follow the signs to the lodge.
Blackwater Falls is in the same park, so you can see both on one visit. Across the state line, see Swallow Falls State Park in Maryland. Farther south, Sandstone Falls spans the New River. Our West Virginia waterfalls guide has the rest.
Map and nearby falls
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The Elakala Trail
The Elakala Trail is 0.5 mile from end to end, per WV State Parks. It starts at the south end of Blackwater Lodge. It then bridges the upper section of the falls, with a view of Elakala Falls.
From the bridge, the trail follows the canyon rim and ends at the main park road, across from the Balanced Rock Trail. You can turn back at the bridge or walk the full length.
WV State Parks rates the trail moderate and calls it "suitable for new hikers and experienced ones alike." It gives no elevation figures or walking times.
WV State Parks describes no route down to the lower falls; its trail and bridge cover the upper section. Wikipedia says the lower falls are hard to reach, and the fourth is considered dangerous without experience.
In the same park, WV State Parks lists the Lindy Point Trail at 0.3 mile, ending at the Lindy Point overlook.
When to visit
The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., per WV State Parks. WV State Parks names no best season for the falls.
WV State Parks gives no winter trail report, so call the park at 304-259-5216 before a cold-weather visit.
Winter also brings the park's sled run. Our Blackwater Falls page lists its 2026-27 season as WV State Parks published it.
Because the trailhead is at the lodge, it's easy to pair Elakala with Blackwater Falls and Lindy Point in one day.
| Height | 40 ft (tallest of four)Note: the third of four falls, per Wikipedia, which lists them at 35, 15, 40 and 20 ft; WV State Parks gives no height |
|---|---|
| Trail | Elakala Trail 0.5 mi end to end, rated moderate (WV State Parks). It starts at Blackwater Lodge, bridges the upper falls, then follows the canyon rim to the main park road |
| Difficulty | Moderate, and "suitable for new hikers and experienced ones alike" (WV State Parks) |
| Entry fee | No entrance fee is listed on the WV State Parks page |
| Permit / reservation | No permit or ticket listed by WV State Parks |
| Parking | At Blackwater Lodge; no parking fee listed |
| Hours / season | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (WV State Parks) |
| Dogs | Allowed if leashed and restrained; dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in West Virginia state parks (WV State Parks rules) |
| Swimming | We found no official swimming rule; the lower falls sit in a gorge nearly 200 ft deep (Wikipedia) |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Not confirmed: WV State Parks rates the Elakala Trail moderate and lists no accessible route |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Best time to visit | No official best month |
| Managed by | West Virginia State Parks (Blackwater Falls State Park) |
Safety and swimming
WV State Parks gives no specific warning for the Elakala Trail, so the cautions here come from the terrain. Wikipedia says the gorge is nearly 200 feet deep. It calls the lower falls hard to reach and the fourth dangerous without experience.
Stay on the marked trail and the bridge. Don't scramble down into the gorge.
We found no official swimming rule for Shays Run. The falls sit in a steep, rocky gorge, so stay out of the water.
Wear shoes with good grip and keep children close.
Keep dogs leashed and restrained, as WV State Parks rules require.
Our waterfall safety guide has more on slick rock and steep drop-offs.
Conditions change: confirm with WV State Parks before you go.
Where to stay near Elakala Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Davis.
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Photos
Elakala Falls FAQ
Where is Elakala Falls located?
In Blackwater Falls State Park, near Davis in Tucker County, West Virginia. The Elakala Trail starts at the south end of Blackwater Lodge, per WV State Parks.
How long is the Elakala Trail?
0.5 mile from end to end, per WV State Parks. It runs from the south end of Blackwater Lodge across the upper falls and along the canyon rim to the main park road. WV State Parks rates it moderate.
How tall is Elakala Falls?
WV State Parks gives no height. Wikipedia lists four falls at 35, 15, 40 and 20 feet, so the tallest, the third, is 40 feet.
Is Elakala Falls free?
No entrance fee is listed on the WV State Parks page. That isn't an official statement that entry is free, so call the park at 304-259-5216 if you need to be sure.
Can you see all four Elakala Falls?
The Elakala Trail bridges the upper section of the falls. WV State Parks describes no route to the lower falls, which Wikipedia says sit in a gorge nearly 200 feet deep. It calls them hard to reach and the fourth dangerous without experience.
Are dogs allowed on the Elakala Trail?
Yes. WV State Parks rules say dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state parks, and pets must be leashed and restrained.
Nearby waterfalls
Blackwater Falls1 mi straight-lineOpen57FT
Swallow Falls State Park27 mi straight-lineOpen53FT MUDDY CREEK FALLS
Dark Hollow Falls71 mi straight-lineOpen70FT
All waterfalls in West Virginia
On these lists: Dog-friendly waterfalls
Sources
- WV State Parks: Blackwater Falls State Park trails, Elakala Trail (read Nov 3, 2026)
- WV State Parks: Blackwater Falls State Park (read Nov 3, 2026)
- WV State Parks: Rules and regulations (pets)
- Wikipedia: Elakala Falls
Last verified Nov 3, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with West Virginia State Parks (Blackwater Falls State Park) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.