What to do and see in Davis, West Virginia (WV): The Best Free Things to do

June 29, 2021 Frederic Celentano

Davis is a town in Tucker County, West Virginia, along the Blackwater River. The population was 660 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Davis

487 Williams Avenue, Davis, WV 26260 +1 304-259-5411 http://www.WVHIGHLANDS.net
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

WVHighlands Artisan Gallery

Reviewed By Strider2030 - Reston, United States

We stopped by on a whim, walking around Davis after lunch. This gallery is a co-op offering a variety from about two dozen artists: pottery, woodworking, watercolor, photos, jewelry and more. Friendly staff.

2. Tucker County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

410 William Ave, Davis, WV 26260 +1 304-259-5315 https://wvtourism.com/company/tucker-county-convention-visitors-bureau/
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Tucker County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

3. Blackwater Falls State Park

1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260 +1 304-259-5216 [email protected] http://wvstateparks.com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park/
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,006 reviews

Blackwater Falls State Park

- Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls, along with a few of the park’s other features like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook, are some of the state’s most photographed spots. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views year-round by taking the steps to the falls or using viewing platforms. The park has 20 miles of hiking trails, the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast, a comfortable lodge and more.

Reviewed By WiseWomanWanderer - Mount Orab, United States

If you want some R&R (rest and relaxation), then this place is for you! And if you are a hiker, then you will also experience lots of RRR&R which is rocks, roots, rain (water), and rhododendron!! Yep, most of these trails will have at least 2 or 3 of these features, and many trails have all 4. But it is OK. Most trails were reasonably flat and short, but could be extended for much longer. The rocks and roots were not much problem - just made the trails interesting. The rhododendron were really pretty, and probably gorgeous when in bloom. Some of these plants extended into the path which could be a problem during tick season. But the rain (water) was not pleasant. The rocks and roots were quite slippery. And the boggy areas were quite difficult. Nevertheless, I still really enjoyed the trails. Of course, any trip to this state park absolutely must include Blackwater Falls! I suggest the boardwalk and the gentle trail although the gentle trail can be skipped if you are short on time. Yes, there are lots of steps (200!) on this boardwalk, but the view is worth it. I never get tired of water falls. Just so much energy! Ekalala Falls is another not to be missed trail which starts on the far right of the lodge as you are looking at the lodge. Lots of wet rocks and roots. The bridge overlooks the falls which are directly underneath. Even though there is no definitive trail down to water level, you can make it if you want to risk even more wet rocks and roots. Again, it is worth it, but be careful! Ekalala Falls Trail ends at the road and Balanced Rock Trail starts at the road. Again, RRR&R. The rock formation is large, but not huge. Interesting how the formation was made just from one rock. While you are in the park, check out the various overlooks. There are 2-3 roadside overlooks. Lindy Point is just a short 1/2 mile walk (RRR&R). Pace Point is about 1.3 or 1.7 miles one way (depending who you ask) and is quite doable. Pendleton Point is directly across the canyon from the lodge. If you would like to go down to the water front, head to the bridge that crosses over Blackwater River and park in the small lot. Immediately to the left of the sign that says Catch and Release, you will see a small opening and a trail that takes you down to the water front. Sitting on those rocks and listening to the river was so peaceful. Even though not in the park, Abrams Falls and Douglas Falls are close enough to be considered part of the park. They are just south of the neighboring town of Thomas. (Please see my review of Douglas Falls.) Blackwater Canyon Trail starts at Douglas Falls. This trail could be called rrr&r because it had so little rocks, roots, rain, and rhododendron which makes it really easy to walk. The trail varies from about 2-3 feet to more than 8-10 feet, but does descend downhill for at least the first mile or so that I traversed. I found out later that the trail is 19 miles one direction. I always stop to get a book from an insider about the trails in the area. However, the nature center and the lodge gift shop told me that they did not know about such a book for this park. Well, the next day I found a brochure in the lodge gift shop that opened up really large and that contained tons of trails throughout Tucker County including Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods and Monongahela Forest and more. If you are an avid hiker, you need this brochure. I stayed at the Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge. Please check out my review. And I traveled with my dog. Dogs were allowed on all of the trails, but must be on a leash. Here is my 3 night itinerary... Friday: Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail, Blackwater Falls Gentle Trail, Pendleton Point Overlook, Lindy Point Overlook Saturday: Ekalala Falls, Balanced Rock, Pace Point Sunday: Abrams Falls, Douglas Falls, Blackwater Canyon Trail, Catch and Release area of Blackwater River near bridge, loop near the lodge (Lodge to Water Tank Trail to Red Srice Trail to Davis Trail to Stemwinder Trail, to Red Spruce Trail to Water Tank Trail to Lodge), Blackwater Falls Boardwalkd Trail, Pendleton Point Overlook

4. Wild Ginger and Spice

407 William Avenue In the Old Bank Building, Davis, WV 26260 +1 304-259-5555 http://www.wildgingerspice.com/
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Wild Ginger and Spice

5. Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area

Camp Seventy Road, Davis, WV 26260 http://www.wvdnr.gov/2012news/12news240.shtm
Excellent
53%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 15 reviews

Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area

6. Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

6263 Appalachian Hwy, Davis, WV 26260-8061 +1 304-866-3858 [email protected] http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Canaan_Valley
Excellent
36%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By lrf66 - Cabot, United States

Main building was closed due to COVID-19, but we were still able to hike the trails in the area. Well maintained. We particularly enjoyed the elevated walkway through the marsh. We were able to take our relative who was in a wheelchair on the walkway.

7. Fairfax Stone State Park

1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, WV 26260 +1 304-259-5216 [email protected] http://wvstateparks.com/park/fairfax-stone-state-park/
Excellent
28%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
42%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 43 reviews

Fairfax Stone State Park

Fairfax Stone State Park is comprised of four acres and named after the Fairfax Stone, a surveyor’s marker and boundary stone used in the 1700s to settle a dispute over land in the English colonies of Maryland and Virginia. One of the oldest markers in the United States, the stone rests at the junction of Tucker, Grant and Preston counties and marks the boundary between Maryland and West Virginia.

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