Overview
The Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail follows a former Western Maryland Railway grade for 8 miles out and back through one of the most dramatic gorges in Monongahela National Forest. The Blackwater River carved a canyon up to 1,000 feet deep through the Allegheny Plateau over millions of years, creating a deep, V-shaped valley that the railroad engineers threaded along its bottom for decades of coal and timber operations. When the railroad ceased operations in the 1970s, the grade was eventually converted to a trail that now offers an unusual combination: a smooth, relatively wide trail surface through genuinely wild terrain.
The tea-colored Blackwater River dark from tannins leached out of the upland bogs and sphagnum mats flows alongside the trail for much of the route. The canyon walls rise sharply on both sides, and the rim is visible far above through the canopy. The forest in the canyon is primarily mixed hardwood with hemlock in the wetter sections, transitioning to spruce and northern hardwood on the upper slopes.
The canyon has a rich history beyond the railroad. The first European-American timber operations in the Blackwater drainage began in the 1880s and were followed by coal mining throughout the early 1900s. The trail passes several remnant coal mine structures and railroad artifacts that provide a tangible connection to this history.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: From the Forest Road 18 trailhead, the trail follows the old railroad grade south along the river. The grade is wide and mostly flat, with gentle curves following the river's meanders. The canyon walls are visible but not yet dramatic in the first two miles.
Miles 2 to 4: The canyon deepens and the walls close in. Several points where the trail approaches the river allow views down to the water and across to the opposite canyon wall. A narrow rock narrows around mile 3.5 is the most dramatic passage on the trail. An old railroad bridge abutment marks the turnaround point at mile 4.
Miles 4 to 8 (return): Return on the same path. The return direction provides different perspectives on the canyon walls and river.
When to Visit
May through October is the main season. Fall is particularly good the canyon captures the fall color display from the walls above, and the reflections in the dark river are vivid. Spring runoff makes the river particularly impressive in April and May. Check conditions before visiting in spring when the river can flood the trail briefly.
What to Bring
- Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. The river provides water if treated but the tannin content makes it unappealing to filter; carry adequate supply. Individual needs vary.
- Hiking boots: the trail surface is good but can be muddy after rain
- Layers for the canyon microclimate, which runs cooler than surrounding terrain
- Tick repellent from May through October
- Bear spray is an option; bears are present in the canyon
Practical Details
No facilities at the trailhead. No fee (as of 2026). Dispersed camping is permitted. Follow Leave No Trace principles. Practice proper food storage if camping overnight.
The canyon is within the broader Monongahela forest system. See the national forest camping guide for dispersed camping rules.
Getting There
From Thomas, West Virginia, take Forest Road 18 south approximately 2 miles to the trailhead at the junction with County Route 27. Thomas is on US-219, approximately 18 miles north of Elkins. GPS coordinates are approximately 39.12°N, 79.48°W. The Cheat-Potomac Ranger District office in Petersburg can provide current conditions.