Summits near Blackwater Falls.

“I've rented a cabin for a week at Blackwater Falls State Park in October. Are there any good trails to notable summits in that area? I think there must be some decent 4Kfoot peaks around there. Do any of them have decent trails to the summits? I'll be hiking alone, and I don't like to bushwhack when I'm by myself. So any tips about hitting some notable summits would be appreciated.”

“Not sure about summits in the immediate vicinity of BW Falls, but Canaan Mountain is adjacent with miles of good trails. The Canaan Loop Road runs around the mountain, and at the southern end is a trail out to Table Rock with great views to the south, east, and west. Farther east is Dolly Sods with miles of hiking trails, but access is generally from the east, not the west. Drive down Rte 32 to signs pointing to Dolly Sods and Laneville. Trails along Red Creek start just beyond Laneville where the road crosses Red Creek on a bridge (cabin on the left is where you pull into the parking area).

You can continue on the FS road up to the plateau of the Sods, where the Blackbird Knob trail starts just beyond the entrance to Red Creek Campground. Farther along the road, a quarter of a mile south of Bear Rocks parking lot, is the Bear Rocks trail which meets the Raven Ridge Trail. These trails both lead to Cabin Mountain with views over Canaan Valley.

Bear Rocks is a short scramble, but with views to the east of the Ridge and Valley geological province.

There should be info at the lodge on hiking trails and some maps.

Best view in West Virginia is its highest peak, Spruce Knob. You can drive up to Spruce Knob, or you can park at the Seneca Creek parking area and hike north on the Seneca Creek trail to link up with two trails that head up to the ridge on which Spruce Knob sits.

The Forest Service visitor center at Seneca Rocks will have maps of that area.

Seneca Rocks itself is a good climb, either technically or on the foot trail. Good views of North Fork Valley and the gap in Spruce Mountain to the west.

You're in the middle of some prime hiking real estate. Enjoy.

Oh, the premier view of Blackwater Canyon is from the Lindy Point overlook, a short hike from an unmarked parking lot along the Canaan Loop Road south and a tad west of the lodge. Turn left on the loop road coming out of the cabins area. There are also several short trails to smaller waterfalls (than Blackwater) in the park. Elekala Falls is a nice short walk that can be stretched into a little loop.”

“Lots of good information there in your post. My wife and I love WV. We go one or two times per year. I want to nab some nice peaks this trip, if I can. I think there's a good 4K peak along the northeast side of the Blackwater Canyon, but I can't get any information about it from the folk at the park--seems none of them hike.”

“I think Canaan Mountain does reach 4K, but its a plateau rather than a peak. Canaan Mountain is southeast of the park. Cabin Mountain on the west side of the Sods reaches 4K on some of the knobs. Porte Crayon is 4,700-something, but there are no trails to the summit, and I can vouch for the fact that it's not an easy bushwack.”

“Bob, I stayed at one of their cabins last August/September and hiked most of the park and Forest trails in the area. As the others note there are no summits per sae but if you mean views one of the best is at Table Rock at the end of a trail by the same name. You can either drive to the trailhead on CLR13 and hike in 1 mile or do one of the loops I describe on my web site. Many don't know it but there is a reasonable trail system in the park that is under utilized. It can be used to form loops with the Mon forest trails if you don't mind adding a little road walking on CLR13.
[url]http://www.midatlantichikes.com/id133.html
[url]http://www.midatlantichikes.com/id135.html

One note: the northern terminus of both the Railroad Grade and Lindy Run trails at CLR13 are no longer maintained by the Forest Service. The signs have been removed but they are still there.”

“Table Rock Views:

http://community.webshots.com/album/94672931uLrdqX”

“A previous poster mentions driving over to the Sods and hiking in from the south or east. There is a westerly way up to the heart of the sods. A brief walk from there will get you to Harmon Knob and further north to Rocky Knob. Views are mainly to the west of Canaan Valley and Mt. From the highest point on Rocky Knob the view is almost 360 with views east of Dolly Sods North. If you wanted to do something longer, either an out and back or long loop you can hike out to the Lion's Head which overlooks Red Creek Valley. I don't have my maps in front of me but there is a road off of Rt32 that becomes FR80 (I think) which is gravel but has been recently graded. It ends pretty close to the terminii of several key Dolly Sods Wilderness and Dolly Sods North Trails: Big Stone Coal, Breathed Mountain, Rocky Ridge and Blackbird Knob trails. Your maps might show you the way in or perhaps a park ranger can give you directions.
last edited: 6/15/05 1:06:20 PM”

“You guys are saints!

I'll be with my wife. I'm the hiker/backpacker. The best she can muster are canoe trips and car camping. But I always take at least one day, usually two, all to myself for hiking and bagging some decent peaks.”

“Maybe blessed ... or just pretty all around nice guys. Drink and swear way too much for sainthood. Besides, the X would probably disagree with you a lot. Oh ... typical Mon hiking ... be prepared for some mud.”

“How is the backpacking out of Blackwater Falls SP, WV? It is not clear from their website if backcountry camping is permitted in the state park. Obviously there are trails that connect out into the Mon NF and I am sure there is backcountry camping in the Mon but I was wondering if there was any backcountry camping in the SP also.”

“Geobeet might know. Blackwater Falls is really beautiful, btw.”

“hummm CD - think it is worth trying to get up a trip for Blackwater Falls?”

“http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/trip/581.php

This was a great trip last year.

We Knabbed four knobs on Roaring Plains and we did some nice bushwackin'.”

“Sure!! I would love to get back there!”

“What time of the year ? I'm thinking maybe around mid August or maybe a bit later into September.”