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The Blackwater River weaves its way through wetlands, marshes, and meadows to tumble nearly 60 feet over a sandstone cliff, creating the mesmerizing waterfall that has become one of the most iconic images of the state. Its namesake, Blackwater Falls State Park—among the state’s most visited state parks—draws more than a million visitors a year (page 14). To put that in context, West Virginia only has a total population of 1.775 million.
But what makes Blackwater Falls such a destination isn’t just the falls. Downstream, the dark water—tinged with tannins from spruce and hemlock—cuts a ferocious path through the Blackwater Canyon, producing world-class whitewater suitable only for the most technically astute kayakers. For those of us who prefer to stay dry, the views from the rim of the canyon from Lindy Point and Pendleton Point are spellbinding. The area is home to endangered species like the Cheat Mountain salamander, Virginia big-eared bat, northern long-eared bat, and Indiana bat, as well as the rusty patched bumble bee, the rare West Virginia northern flying squirrel, eastern brook trout, and eastern hellbenders.
I visit this area often. I fish in the Blackwater River, and I hike along its serpentine trails. The nearby towns of Thomas, Davis, and Parsons are charming, authentic communities where art, music, and outdoor recreation flourish. Local institutions like The Purple Fiddle—one of the state’s best venues for live music—Hellbender Burritos, and Sirianni’s Cafe have been joined by numerous art galleries, eclectic shops, and restaurants, giving the area a distinctive vibe. A trip to this region is equal parts wild and wonderful.
As I think about the Blackwater River and all the times I utilize and enjoy its resources, I’m struck by the delicate balance and challenges of promoting our natural assets and the protection and sustainability of them. It is something I think most of us take for granted, but organizations and agencies like the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, which strives to manage the conservation, development, protection, and enjoyment of our state’s natural resources, do not. They think about it every minute of every day. And because of that, the sketches of Blackwater Falls that were first shared by David Hunter Strother in the mid-1850s, drawing tourists from around the country, will still resemble what my great-great-grandchildren will witness when they visit 100 years from now.
Remain wild and wonderful,
Nikki
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