Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park, and Dolly Sods Wilderness Area just scratch the surface of things to do in Davis, WV.
West Virginia is one of Tyler and I's favorite states to visit because there are so many outdoor adventure opportunities here. Some of our favorite places are Snowshoe, New River Gorge, and the Canaan Valley.
There isn't really a bad time of year to visit either. Spring and fall are great hiking and camping seasons and during summer the cooler weather means it's still a great time for both.
Summer also brings great fishing and whitewater rafting on the Cheat River.
In the winter, you'll find great skiing at Canaan Valley and Timberline Resorts. The Whitegrass Touring Center also offers some of the best cross-country skiing in the southeast.
Pick your poison and you'll find it here in Davis and Tucker County. It truly is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
Here are 18 suggestions for things to do in Davis, WV on your next trip!
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Blackwater Falls State Park is a beautiful park that offers many outdoor activities such as hiking and camping in the summer and sledding and cross-country skiing in winter.
One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Blackwater Falls which is the most photographed waterfall in West Virginia.
This is by far the number one thing to do in Davis, WV especially since it's only five minutes from town. The biggest draw here is Blackwater Falls - surprise, surprise.
It really is stunning though. I've seen it frozen at 6 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of winter and flowing freely after a downpour in summer. I can't decide which I like better.
You may or may not have cell phone reception here but there is good signage once you enter the park and you can stop at the lodge if you want to pick up a paper map. They're also very helpful when it comes to suggesting hikes.
The Blackwater Falls hike isn't too difficult but there are lots of stairs that become very slick if snow freezes on top of them. There is an outpost at the top of the hike that serves some food, drinks, and souvenirs.
Another popular waterfall in the park is Elakala Falls. While it isn't as large as Blackwater Falls, it is still beautiful. The trail to this one starts at the lodge and is a short, easy hike.
The last hike I'll mention is Lindy Point and it's incredibly popular at sunset. In the summer it's a short, easy hike but in the winter they close the road that goes out to the trailhead.
Cross-country skiers and snowshoers use that road instead. There are also lots of cabins out here that you can stay in and 65 tent and trailer sites all with electric hookups.
In the winter, their sled run opens which is popular with kids and adults alike. You can also rent cross-country skis or snowshoes here.
As you can see there are tons of things to do at Blackwater Falls State Park! Next time I visit, I want to eat at the Smokehouse Restaurant in the lodge.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park is another four-season destination. The park offers many outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and camping in the summer and skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter.
There are two sections of Canaan Valley State Park if you're coming from Davis on Highway 32 and turn right into the park that's where the campground, main lodge, golf course, and many hiking trails are located.
If you take a left into the second park entrance, then you'll be at the base of the ski area. This is also where the Bald Knob hiking trail is located which is one of the most popular trails in the park.
The park is located about 15 minutes from the town of Davis and offers some of the best skiing in West Virginia.
It's a very popular place to camp as well. While I was here for a few days this past July, I ran into multiple people who were staying at this campground.
The Deer Run trail is a great easy wooded trail and the Blackwater River Trail came highly recommended. If you're a golfer, then the golf course has some stunning views.
I can't say this enough - wildlife refuges are hidden gems of our public lands! I loved visiting the wildlife refuges while I was out in Alvin and Lake Jackson, TX.
First thing you should do is stop in at the Visitors Center and get a trail map. There is also an interactive touch screen here where you can select your interests, how much time you have, and then it will tell you what you should do in the refuge.
The Freeland Trail and Idleman's Run are great for wildlife in the early morning or close to sunset. Two of the other recommended hikes for me were Canaan Mountain Trail and Shady Hollow Trail.
The valley overlook is also beautiful but I wouldn't go out there just for the overlook. Only stop if you plan on doing one of the hikes at the end of A-Frame Road.
This is definitely one of the underrated things to do in Canaan Valley. Before heading out make sure you know what to wear hiking in summer or what to wear hiking in winter depending on when you visit!
Right down the road from Canaan Valley Ski Resort you'll find another one called Timberline Mountain Resort.
Timberline has fewer easy trails than Canaan Valley does so you'll likely find the skiiers/boarders here are a bit more advanced. It definitely isn't one of the best ski resorts for beginners.
Both can get very crowded on weekends! Lift ticket prices are super reasonable and they offer mid-week bonuses as well as a bonus if you ski for less than 4 hours that day.
While winter is their busiest season, they do still have events through spring, summer, and fall.
I tried cross-country skiing for the first time this past winter in Steamboat Springs and it was fun but much more of a workout than I expected!
Whitegrass is considered some of the best cross-country skiing in the southeast so it's a very popular place. There is an area use fee in addition to the ski or snowshoe rentals but both are pretty reasonable.
The Whitegrass Cafe is also located on site and they focus on "wholesome natural foods." Lunch is served daily during ski season and the food is carry out but they do have picnic tables outside.
If you've never been cross-country skiing before then you can also take a lesson here.
If you are a hiker then this is one of the can't-miss things to do near Davis, WV! Dolly Sods is known for its gorgeous landscapes and wildlife.
Rocky Ridge and Rocky Point are two great trails for day hikes in Dolly Sods and Red Creek is also a good one if you want a hike with a water feature.
For a short walk out to the perfect place for a picnic - or one of the most beautiful sunrises you've ever seen - check out the Bear Rocks Overlook. Note that this isn't the same thing as the Bear Rocks Trail.
Dolly Sods is also a popular backpacking area but if you would rather stay in a campground then there's Red Creek Campground which is on the eastern side, close to the Blackbird Knob and Bear Rocks Trailheads.
If you're traveling solo then make sure to check out these tips for camping alone as a woman.
There isn't any cell service out here so make sure that you have a map! I discovered the Purple Lizard maps while I was in Bellefonte, PA and they are fantastic. They produce one for the Dolly Sods area.
I thought this was SUCH a neat idea when I saw it. The passport includes five different stops in Tucker County that you might not find otherwise.
They may only put the passports out during 2022, but you should still consider stopping at these places to learn more about the area.
I found my passport at the Fairfax Stone Historical Monument - it's the location of the headwaters of the Potomac. While there isn't much to see here, the drive is beautiful and it would be a good picnic spot.
Other places on the passport include Beall Loop Trailhead, Tucker Boulder Park, Centennial Park Overlook, and the Cheat River Bridge and Water Trail.
Blackwater Falls State Park has some great mountain biking opportunities and you should stop in at the lodge to get suggestions for your skill level. You'll also find tons of trails in Canaan Valley State Park.
If you need to rent a bike then make sure you check out Blackwater Bikes in Davis. They can get you set up and give great suggestions as well.
If you've read any of my other articles then you know I love to eat. As small as Davis is, there are some really great restaurants here!
Hellbenders Burritos was one of mine and Tyler's favorites and I had an amazing pizza from Sirianni's Pizza.
Canaan Valley BBQ served good food and had a great atmosphere and we had hearty meals at Wicked Wilderness Pub after a long day outside.
I was truly impressed with the restaurants in Davis and Canaan Valley.
I hadn't been horseback riding in YEARS until I went this past July with Mountain Trail Rides. I was honestly pretty nervous just because I feel like horses can be unpredictable but everything went smoothly.
You have to arrive 30 minutes before your reservation time so you can pay and sign their waiver.
Reservations are required to go on a trail ride and they have multiple options for length starting at 30 minutes up to 2 hours. I chose a one-hour ride and was happy with that length of time.
By the end, my legs were going to sleep so I wouldn't have wanted to do longer. I would recommend wearing jeans and close-toed shoes. I didn't pack jeans so I went with leggings.
The ride takes you on a loop out through Canaan Valley into parts of the state park. The scenery really is gorgeous.
The horses know what they're doing for the most part and generally follow the leader without much input from you. I just had to stop mine from eating too much quite a few times.
This is an awesome local brewery that serves great beer and has a cool atmosphere. It's the only one in Davis so it gets really crowded on the weekends. For good reason though!
They have some TVs so it's a popular place to watch games in the afternoons. Both times that I visited - once by myself and once with my husband - I met some of the nicest people here.
The bartenders are super friendly too. I was able to try a few different beers and they were all really good. I'm a fan of IPA's though and their menu is IPA heavy.
I do love their porter too though. As a smaller brewery, you'll see new brews on tap often. That's one thing I love about local breweries.
If you find something you like, make sure to take some cans back to your rental or campsite!
Falconry is a sport that has been around for centuries. It involves hunting with a trained bird of prey like a falcon or hawk.
At a falconry demonstration, you can expect to see a variety of birds and learn about their training, diet, and so much more. Best of all you can watch the bird work together with its trainer!
Colin with the Laurel Fork Falconer is a Master Class Falconer and has been doing this since he was only 14 years old!
You can book a presentation with him where you can learn more about what he does or even observe Colin and his birds hunting!
The demonstrations are also a great opportunity to see these beautiful birds up close. Birds of prey are incredibly impressive animals.
If you're interested in falconry, or just want to learn more about it, then I recommend coming to a demonstration. You can call LRC B&B at 304-402-7095 to set one up.
In the nearby town of Thomas - it's literally six minutes down the road - you'll find the Purple Fiddle.
Purple Fiddle is a cafe where you'll find fresh sandwiches and wraps plus a selection of over 50 micro-brewed beers. They also have a small wine selection.
They're also a hot spot for live music though. You'll find shows here every Friday and Saturday night plus some Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights.
You can stay up to date with their schedule on their events page.
This area is one of the absolute best for star gazing because of the minimal light pollution. There are tons of options near Davis.
Blackwater Falls State Park offers some of the best stargazing in the state. Check out the overlook of the falls or Lindy Point - just make sure to bring a flashlight for the trails.
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is perfect for stargazing. I recommend going to the Bear Rocks parking area but getting out on the rocks may be a little dangerous at night.
Finally, you could try staying in the glamping dome at Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast. The dome has a clear top and a telescope especially for stargazing!
No matter what you choose, make sure to take advantage of the dark skies and enjoy the stars!
Seneca Rocks is a very small town about 40 minutes south of Davis and it's most known for its huge rock formations. These formations are very popular among climbers and you can even take a climbing class with Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides - though it's pretty expensive.
If climbing isn't your thing, then you can hike to the top instead. The hike takes around two hours and it's pretty steep. The trailhead starts at the Sites Homestead near the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center.
You'll get hungry while you're here so stop by Yokum's. It's a general store, cafe, and motel all in one. They also rent out cabins, campsites, and teepees.
In the back of the store is a small window where you can place an order for food and it's really pretty good and a decent price too! They also serve ice cream which was hard to resist.
If you're looking for an adventure, then whitewater rafting on the Cheat River is a must. There are two popular companies nearby that run rafting trips - Blackwater Outdoor Adventures and Cheat River Outfitters.
The Cheat River is known for its Class III and IV rapids, making it perfect for those who are looking for a challenge. Cheat Canyon has the largest rapids and you'll have to go with Cheat River Outfitters for a trip here.
If you want a more easy-going trip then the Narrows may be better suited for you and both Blackwater Outdoor Adventure and Cheat River Outfitters lead trips on the Narrows.
No experience is necessary, and they provide all of the needed gear, so you don't have to worry about anything. You'll just need to know what to wear whitewater rafting and get some good kayaking shoes!
You can also do flatwater trips with Blackwater Outdoor Adventures and go tubing, kayaking, canoeing, or rent a SUP.
West Virginia is one of the absolute best states for scenic drives. Just be sure to bring along a paper map because cell phone service isn't always reliable in remote areas.
This is especially true around the Seneca Rocks and Dolly Sods areas. Route 32 from Harman to Thomas is known as one of the most scenic drives in West Virginia.
A great loop near Davis that I've done is to take Bonner Mtn Road off of Rt 32 just south of Canaan Valley State Park. This road turns into Forest Road 19 - note that it closes in winter and is a gravel road.
Stay on Forest Road 19 until you reach the intersection of FR 19 and 75. Take a left on FR 75. Follow this around the perimeter of the Dolly Sods Wilderness area. Finally, you'll come out at Rt 28/7 - also known as Jordon Run Road. Make a right here.
When you dead end into Rt 28/55 make a right and you'll be headed into Seneca Rocks. When you reach the village of Seneca Rocks you'll make a right at Yokum's on Highway 33.
Take this until you reach the intersection at the Dollar General in Harman and then you'll take a right on Rt 32. This takes you back into Davis.
Please for the love of all that's good and holy look at the map and familiarize yourself with this route before you take off! You will have no cell service for the majority of this trip. I used my Purple Lizard map to navigate the whole way.
You can also download sections of Google Maps if you'd like to do it that way. I haven't had much luck with this though.
The New Tygart Flyer is a diesel train that leaves out of the restored Historic Elkins Depot which is about an hour from Davis.
The train ride is about four hours round trip and it takes you up to High Falls on the Cheat River. The scenery is absolutely stunning on this ride!
A cold-cut buffet meal is included in the price of your ticket. You can also upgrade to the Parlor Car where you get better lunch choices, one complimentary glass of wine with the option for a cash bar afterward, and dessert.
This is a great way to see the gorgeous West Virginia countryside in a relaxed setting.
You'll find lots of camping options and vacation rentals near Davis. If you want to stay in town then The Bright Morning Inn or The Billy Hotel and Bar are good options.
Our personal favorite place to stay is about 30 minutes outside of Davis at the Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast. I've already mentioned them a couple times in this post for stargazing and a falconry demonstration.
The B&B is located on an educational farm and is a getaway in itself. The host family is also absolutely fantastic and does everything they can to make sure you have a great stay.
Davis, West Virginia is a small town located in the eastern part of the state. The town is best known for its outdoor adventure opportunities, beautiful scenery, and public lands.
Whether you're into hiking, biking, camping, or river activities, you'll find all those things to do in Davis and more! Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley State Park, and Dolly Sods are some of the most popular destinations near Davis.
Davis is located in Tucker County in the northeast section of the state.
Skiing and snowboarding! These are the most popular things to do in Davis, WV in the winter by far. You can also cross-country ski at Whitegrass Touring Center.
Snowshoeing is another option at Whitegrass, Canaan Valley State Park, or Blackwater Falls State Park. Hiking to the frozen Blackwater Falls is a unique experience.
Don't forget sledding at Blackwater Falls sled run too!
The elevation of Davis is 3,520ft and it's actually the highest incorporated town in West Virginia!
Blackwater Falls is located in Blackwater Falls State Park where you'll find a beautiful lodge with the Smokehouse Restaurant. There are also cabins and a campground here with tons of hiking trails.
The state park is only 5 minutes from the town of Davis and just under ten minutes from Thomas.
In Tucker County, you'll find the towns of Davis, Parsons, and Thomas. These are all considered small towns - currently they all have a population less than 2,000.
Parsons in the largest, followed by Davis and then Thomas though Davis and Thomas are very similar in population.
Davis and Charleston are about three hours and fifteen minutes away from each other. To get from Davis to Charleston you take Highway 48 to I-79 and then go south.
So obviously, if you're into outdoor adventure, then Davis is the place to be. With Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley State Park, and Dolly Sods all close by, you have no shortage of hiking options.
And don't forget about Canaan Ski Resort, Timberline Mountain, and Whitegrass Touring Center in the winter!
You can also find some great local businesses to shop at and restaurants in town. Stumptown Ales is a must-visit for any beer lover too.
Davis is also close to many other day trip options like Seneca Rocks or the Cheat River. This really is a paradise full of adventure!
With so many things to do in Davis, WV and the surrounding area, I hope you'll consider a trip here or that this helps you plan one you've already booked.
The post 18 Things to do in Davis, WV & Canaan Valley appeared first on Stuck on the Go.