The Blackwater Canyon Trail is a 10 mile long rail-trail that runs
through the beautiful Blackwater Canyon from Thomas
to Hendricks, West Virginia. It lies on the old rail bed of the West Virginia Central
and Pittsburg Railway that was built through the canyon in 1888. The rail line was
so steep that extra locomotives were stationed in Hendricks to help push trains up what
was known as the Black Fork Grade.
The trail drops 1229 feet over its 10 mile length as it descends Backbone Mountain.
This translates to a easy downhill coast on a bike and a good workout when going the other direction.
From the trail you can see both natural and historic sites. Douglas Falls, Lindy Point Overlook, Coketon
Coke Ovens, Blackwater Canyon, Big Run Culvert, Canyon Point and the Blackwater
River. Unfortunately both the trail and the canyon are endangered by logging
and development.
Be sure to support Friends of Blackwater
Canyon if you want to help protect this most unique place.
All information is presented without any assurance of accuracy. Use at your own risk.
Distance measurements are approximate.
All photos © 2008 J. Watson. All rights reserved.
Comments Welcomed. trails@wvbike.org
Last updated 6/24/2008
