Blackwater Falls State Park has one of the longest and fastest sled parks in the United States. It’s over a ¼ mile long and feels like a bobsled track when freshly groomed. The magic carpet conveyor sweeps you up the hill after each ride. Laying on the sled while the conveyor pulls you through the snow-covered trees is an experience straight out of the Never Ending Story. The plastic sleds provided by the park make great runs for either one or two people at a time.
The park has recently added snow making and lights for longer seasons and more ride time. The warming hut has snacks and hot chocolate, and the outdoor fire ring is prime for roasting s’mores late into the evening. The park also rents cross country skies and snowshoes for more trail oriented adventures. The park boasts more than 20 miles of hiking trails and 10 miles of cross county ski trails – some of which are groomed specifically for skiing in the winter.
The sled hill was originally built in the sixties, but recent improvements have made the facility a winter destination for people from across the country. West Virginia State Parks are managed under the Department of Commerce which funds these improved facilities and emphasizes tourism. Canaan Valley State Park is 20 minutes away and also has tubing, skiing, ice skating and miles of trails that connect with Blackwater Falls via the Allegheny Trail system. Make time for sledding at Blackwater Falls and see what WV State Parks have to offer on your next winter excursion.
Link here to find out more about prices and hours of operation. Visit the Tucker County CVB for additional activities across the area.
21 thoughts on “Blackwater Falls Sled Park”
Wonderful article. Beautiful pics. Can’t wait to go to Canaan.
Thanks for the comment. Blackwater and Canaan are true treasures. 🙂
Can’t wait to see some videos!
Prices??
You can find a link to Blackwater’s rate sheet at http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/SledRun.htm
Do you have travel packages? Lodging, rentals
Blackwater Falls State Park has info on lodging and winter activities on their website.
http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/winter.htm
Would be nice to know the price. Heard they were very expensive.
You can find a link to Blackwater’s rate sheet at http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/SledRun.htm
Wonderful article! Thanks for sharing, we have been looking for stuff like this to do!
Thanks, Kyle. Be sure to enter your email at the footer of our home page and we’ll send you updates on events, activities, and new blog posts. 🙂
When I was there 40 years ago, sledding was a rope tow, wood and metal sleds and no grooming. Certainly has come a long way, but I’ll bet the Blackwater park is still as beautiful as it ever was.
Thanks for the comment, Fred. Blackwater is still glorious as ever. The sled run has came a long way in the past few years. 🙂
How is the sledding regulated for safety? I would like to bring my son who is 4 (he would be on a sled with me). I am just worried that tons of people are going down a big slope together and could cause a collision.
Hi there. They have ski patrol there and typically monitor how many go down at any given time. There is a small chance of collision as with skiing, but seems to be monitored well. You might want to let groups of people go down ahead of you and go when the coast is clear. We saw adults with younger kids riding. 🙂
Age limits for children?
I don’t think there’s an age limit. Children under 5 ride at a reduced rate. See Blackwater Falls Website for more information.
Pingback: Highland Weekender: Davis & Thomas, WV - Highland Outdoors
Can you bring your own sled ?
I believe you can only use the sleds provided.
Pingback: See ya on the slopes of Canaan Valley! | Canaan Valley Cabins