Elakala Falls is in Blackwater Falls State Park near Davis, West Virginia. This waterfall is the result of Shay Run tumbling into the Blackwater Gorge. The gorge is probably around 200 feet deep here, but the creek descends this in many different plunges. A trail from the lodge takes you to a bridge that cross above the first drop in the falls, which is about 20 feet high. If you leave the trail you can work your way down the gorge to see other drops. I only made it down to the second. Exploring the entire waterfall would take a good part of the day and require a lot of care.

The full falls can be seen from across the gorge at Pendleton Point. I am not sure how high, steep or far down the gorge is the large plunge visible near the top of the picture. It had been raining heavily when I was in the area, so I imagine normally there is not much this water in the falls.

Falls Run also plunges into the gorge from this side, creating a similar waterfall. There are no official trails that visit this falls, but you can apparently work your way down into the gorge to get a look at it.

Nearby Falls

Blackwater Falls is the hilight of the park. Pendleton Falls is another large cascade that tumbles into the gorge. Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls can be found in Maryland's Swallow Falls State Park 30 miles to the north.

Photo Gallery

The Second Drop

The View from Pendleton Point

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Last Modified: Sunday, 27-Dec-2009 22:05:14 MST.