Blackwater Falls is widely regarded as one of West Virginia’s most photographed spots, and for good reason. This 57-foot waterfall takes its name from the tinted water that cascades down. While the falls are the area’s main attraction, Blackwater Falls State Park has several attractions and things to do. The area also hosts weekly events, including group hikes, holiday events, get-togethers, and more.
Discover our Blackwater Falls cabins with hot tubs and the many things to do in Blackwater Falls below!
Blackwater Falls Cabins
Our cabins near Blackwater Falls are spacious, cozy, and include all of the features of home and then some. Relax by the stone fireplace, whip up a home-cooked meal in the full kitchen, and enjoy the picturesque scenery from the outdoor balcony of any of our West Virginia cabins.
Whether you’re visiting on a romantic honeymoon or spending a getaway with the family or friends, Harman’s has several cabins to fit your needs. Select from our 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom cabins, each providing similar and unique comforts. Each cabin includes a private outdoor hot tub and guests are only steps away from the North Fork River, on-site hiking trails, and much more.
Blackwater Falls State Park features over 20 miles of hiking trails and several miles of bike trails for visitors to enjoy. The difficulty of the trails ranges from easy to difficult with distances as short as a quarter of a mile to nearly two miles long. No matter the trail you select to hike, you’re bound to discover stunning views of the area and discover local creatures.
Blackwater Falls has several great fishing spots where you can catch bluegill, trout, catfish, and bass at Pendleton Lake. Fish along the Blackwater River for trout that is stocked in the spring and summer.
Enjoy some time out on the water at Pendleton Lake. Whether you choose to boat, kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, there are rentals available so you can enjoy the beautiful West Virginia scenery.
Outdoor Adventures
Blackwater Falls State Park has several sports courts and equipment available to visitors. Enjoy a game of tennis, volleyball, and basketball during the summer. Skiing is a popular activity in the winter with toboggan and cross country skiing, and snowshoe rentals are available at the nearby warming hut. The park also offers seasonal programs for visitors in the spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Blackwater Falls is a popular spot for geocaching enthusiasts, with multiple cache spots throughout the park. Geocaching is a great way to not only discover treasures and rewards left by other geocachers, but it also provides a new way of discovering new locations and places you may have never thought of traversing. The requirements are simple: a smartphone and a sense of discovery!
Located in the Allegheny Mountains of the Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods is one of West Virginia’s most unique natural wonders. Reaching over 4,700 feet in elevation, Dolly Sods visitors will encounter a landscape of bogs, heaths, grassy meadows, and rocky plateaus. The area is home to miles of hiking trails and nature viewing spots.
Cabins Near Dolly Sods
After venturing the bogs, red spruce tree groves, and hiking trails of Dolly Sods, our cabins near Dolly Sods offer a spacious and cozy respite for all travelers.
Each of our 21 luxury cabins includes a beautiful stone fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen with oven and stovetop, and picturesque views of the West Virginia wilderness from the outdoor balcony. Enjoy stargazing at night and lush forest views by day from the private outdoor hot tub included at each of our cabins near Dolly Sods.
Our cabin rentals come in several sizes, from one bedroom to four bedrooms. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or your significant other, we have the perfect cabin for you. Select from our West Virginia cabin rentals.
Things to Do in Dolly Sods
Hiking Trails
Dolly Sods has 47 miles of hiking trails and 19 trails total. Difficulty ranges from easy to difficult and distances range from about a quarter-mile to nearly six and a half miles long. You can expect to encounter old railroad grades and logging roads and some trails may require crossing a stream. Get more information about Dolly Sods hikes.
Birding and Nature Viewing
Dolly Sods is a prime location for viewing migrating raptors and thrushes. Visitors will also discover high-elevation warblers in the bogs and heaths of Dolly Sods. The diverse geography of the area welcomes foliage similar to that of northern Canada. From May through June, visitors can expect to find blooming laurel, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Bear Rocks in Dolly Sods also provides some of the best views in the state. Here, visitors will enjoy vistas of New Creek Mountain, North Fork Valley, and the North Fork Mountain Range.
Harman’s Luxury Log Cabin Resort offers 2 miles of private access trophy trout stream, providing anglers the opportunity to fish for beautiful trophy trout. Our management plan has developed with years of experience to provide our guests a once-in-a-lifetime trout fishing and fly fishing adventure. Visitors will experience the best West Virginia trout fishing at Harman’s.
Whether you are looking for an easy stroll along the stream or a more advanced day hike, you’re sure to find your fill at Harman’s. Just outside of your luxury West Virginia cabin you’ll find f great trails that showcase all the natural beauty of the area. In addition to the five on-site hiking trails there are many more, some very challenging, hiking opportunities just a short drive away.
The variety of hikes can lead you on a fun family picnic to a technical journey that will test your skills. Regardless of the hike you are looking for, our staff of local experts can guide you to the path that will best suit your needs.
Hiking at the Cabins
Top of the Rocks
This hike is along a logging road, to the top of the sheer rock cliff at our log cabins. Your view of the cabins and surrounding area are spectacular. At the overlook there is a sheer drop, so be very careful.
Hopeville Canyon Overlook
This hike is along a logging road and a trail thru the woods. It takes you to an overlook of the Warner Fields and Hopeville Canyon. At the overlook there is a sheer drop, so be very careful.
Warner Fields
This hike follows a logging road to a large field were West Virginia black bear, whitetail deer, and wild turkey can be viewed. All of our hikes are along trails with wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Third Big Hole
This hike is along the river into Hopeville Canyon upstream of the cabins. The third big hole is a very large pool of water on the North Fork River with high rock cliffs, rocky shoreline and seclusion. It is a great place for a private swim or secluded trophy trout fishing.
Stream Access (1 mile)
This hike is the easiest. It is not marked. Just follow the river at the cabins, which flows thru the property. This hike may be one of the best because it is easy to access and is great for kids.
Hiking Nearby
Seneca Rocks (13 miles/15 minutes)
Purchased by the federal government in 1969, Seneca Rocks is a magnificent formation rising nearly 900 ft. above the North Fork River. The formation is a white/gray Tuscarora quartzite approximately 250 ft. thick. Views of the valley and river from the top of Seneca Rocks are spectacular.
There are 3 ways to the top of Seneca Rocks:
1st: A very well maintained hiking trail from the back Seneca Rocks Visitor Center, across the bridge, up the mountain to the Seneca Rocks overlook.
2nd: Yokum’s Stables provide a horseback riding adventure from Yokum’s Vacation Land to the Seneca Rocks overlook.
3rd: Rock climbers have a unique opportunity to try over 375 major mapped climbing routes, varying in degree. Rock climbing guides can be booked for your adventure.
A federally designated wilderness area, the Dolly Sods Wilderness, is a highly elevated plain of windswept moors on the Allegheny Plateau. It is known for its upland bogs and sweeping vista. Dolly Sods is the home to the one-sided Spruce trees and vegetation only found in Canada.
Our favorite hiking and easiest hiking is at Bear Rocks. At Bear Rocks overlook you can stand on a limestone outcrop overlooking New Creek Mountain, the North Fork Mountain Range and the vast North Fork River Valley. Clarify this is at Dolly Sods
A scenic overlook and the Northland Loop interpretive trail permit access to the scenic area without wilderness skills. A map of trails is a must for any backcountry hiking on Dolly Sods. Stay at our cabins near Dolly Sods and be near it all.
Spruce Knob (28 miles/40 minutes to lake)
At 4861 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia’s Highest Point.
A stone and steel observation tower sits atop the Knob, providing visitors with a 360-degree view. The ½ mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles the knob and provides panoramic views. At Spruce Knob Lake anglers may enjoy fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout. Many native trout streams originate at the top of Spruce Knob. A map of trails is a must for any backcountry hiking on Spruce Knob.
Black Water Falls (45 miles/60 minutes)
Black Water Falls State Park with 1688 acres is named after the amber-colored waters that plunge five stories at Black Water Falls, then twist and tumble through an eight-mile-long gorge. The black water is a result of leached tannic acids from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.
Hiking trails and observation points are easy to access in Black Water Falls State Park. The Gentle Trail provides stairways and boardwalks that lead to the base of the falls for a close-up view. Blackwater Falls State Park is a great place to spend a day.
North Fork Mountain Trail (7 miles/10 minutes)
The North Fork Mountain Trail follows the ridge top along the western rim of the Smoke Hole Canyon. This 24-mile trail has countless views of the Smoke Hole Canyon and North Fork Valley. Drinking water is not available so remember to bring your own. From high points, the Blue Ridge Mountains are visible to the east.
North Fork Mountain trail can be accessed directly from our log cabins, but the hiking is a very vertical climb. The trail can be accessed by three trailheads from the Smoke Hole road. The 1st is the North Fork Mountain Trail. The second is Redmond Run Trail. The third is at the
North Fork Mountain Fire tower. Each of these trailheads intersects the main trail on top of North Fork Mountain.
Seneca Creek (17 Miles/20 minutes to parking area)
One of our favorite trails. The trail is an old logging road that winds through spruce pines and meadows for 3 miles. At this point, you will see the 1st and largest waterfall on Seneca Creek. The trail runs parallel to Seneca Creek to the top of Spruce Knob. From the 1st waterfall to the 2nd (2 miles) is the best part of the trail. You will find clear pools filled with native rainbow and brook trout. You must backtrack the trail to return.
You can bike or hike the trail. About 2 1/2 miles on the trail you will cross private property. Leave the property as you find it. We have had no problems crossing the property.
It’s hard to describe the splendor of a horseback ride throughout the trails, mountains, and valleys of West Virginia. The best way to understand the magnificence of a ride is well… to enjoy one for yourself.
There are several stables and trail riding services around Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins and they can provide all the riding gear, training, and guides you need to have an amazing day on horseback.
Yokum’s Seneca Rocks Stables
Visitors to Pendleton County, who would like to take in the breathtaking vista from atop Seneca Rocks, can do so without the exertion of hiking the trail to the top. Go by horse and enjoy a leisurely ride.
Yokum’s Seneca Rocks Stables has gentle, well-trained, sturdy horses to carry you there and back.
First-time riders are no problem. Experienced guides go with you on every ride. The trail is a gradual scenic climb, and parents can be assured that children six and up will find the adventure an experience to treasure.
Yokum’s Seneca Rocks Stables is located on WV Rt. 28 a half-mile north of Seneca Rocks, West Virginia — behind Yokum’s Restaurant and Motel. Look for the sign that points the way to the paved driveway entrance that leads to the bridge over the North Fork and on to the stables..
Call to reserve your ride, or fill out the reservation form and send it to us. Rides are scheduled for Thursdays through Sundays. The horses rest for the remainder of the week. Although we have 25 horses, not all are alway available. The earlier you make your reservation, the better your chance of securing a horse for the desired day and time of departure. Spur of the moment rides are occasionally possible, due to cancellations, but be sure to arrive 45 minutes early to give staff enough time to round up and saddle a horse.
Please visit our information page. We think most of the commonly asked questions will be answered there for you.
For reservations call the office at (304) 567-2466 or (304) 668-0650
Mountain Trail Rides
Mountain Trail Rides is located on Freeland Road in Canaan Valley, just .25 mile off of Route 32, less than five minutes from Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort. Other nearby attractions include the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Blackwater Falls, Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks, Seneca Caverns, Smoke Hole Caverns, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Scenic Railroad, Cass Scenic Railroad, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Greenbank, and Deep Creek Lake in Maryland.
– No running or racing of horses is allowed. – No smoking is allowed in or around the stable or hay storage areas.
Your Riding Group
Riding groups differ in size from 1 to 20 riders, but the average group is around 5-10 people. Many customers have never ridden horses before, but return from their ride feeling comfortable in the saddle. If you have never ridden a horse before, or have never ridden with western tack or saddle, do not worry. Your guide will show you what you need to know and give you pointers during the ride.
Your Horse
All horses are properly cared for, regularly exercised and generally well suited for use with novice riders. Sick, lame, undernourished or ill tempered horses are NOT used on trail rides.
What to Wear?
Customers may ride in whatever clothing and footwear most comfortable to you, but we do recommend long pants and closed-toe shoes with heels (avoid sandals). Don’t forget to dress warmly for cooler temperatures and bring along your sunscreen when necessary. Please don’t wear hats without chin straps on windy days!
Age & Weight Restrictions
Children ages 6-10 may go on the 1 hour and 1-1/2 hour rides only.
Children 10 and older may go on the 2 hour rides.
Children 14 and older may go on the Mountain Adventure Ride, if they have some previous riding experience.
Hand-led horse rides are available for children of all ages and disabilities for a cost of only $6.00.
Have little ones ages 3-5 who REALLY want to go on a trail ride? Give us a call at 304-866-4652 to talk about options to make both child and parent(s) happy!
Larger persons weighing more than 240 pounds MUST inform the stable of their weight in advance since we only have a limited number of horses capable of carrying heavier riders. Larger persons may be restricted to a 1 hour ride only at the discretion of the stable management.
Seneca Rocks Climbing School has been offering climbing instruction since 1971. It is the one of the oldest climbing schools on the east coast. SRCS has taught beginning and experienced climbers alike how to conduct themselves in the safest manner possible while enjoying one of life’s most exhilarating activities rock climbing.
Located in the shadows of Seneca Rocks, West Virginia the Gendarme climbing shop and Seneca Rocks Climbing School are owned and operated by Arthur and Diane Kearns of Winchester, VA. Both have been avid rock climbers for many years.
SRCS staff are certified outdoor guides and have received extensive training from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), organizations like WMA who provide the Wilderness First Responder certification (WFR), and Leave No Trace (LNT).
SRCS can guide and teach a novice to climb on a rock outcrop at Harman’s. They have worked with Harman’s to develop an entry level rock climbing adventure in Hopeville Canyon, which is easily accessed from the cabins.
The forests and mountains surrounding Harman’s are a birder’s paradise. From soaring Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons to backyard favorites such as Cardinals, Blue Birds, and Scarlet Tanagers to Wild Turkeys in our mountain vistas, we have some of the most isolated and beautiful birding sites in the state of West Virginia.
From your log cabin, you can watch eagles soar above Hopeville Canyon or feeding on trout in the North Fork River. Just a short hike from your cabin in North Fork Mountain you can experience the best bird watching West Virginia has to offer.
Nearby you can listen to the songs of warblers courting in dense evergreen forests atop the Allegheny Plateau, see woodpeckers scour the bark of oak trees for insects, wade through a high elevation fen to glimpse a bittern, or watch waterfowl resting on a migration stopover. These and many other natural wonders await even the casual bird watcher in West Virginia.
Birds are among the easiest wildlife to locate and study because they are relatively easy to find. Many are colorful or have songs which alert you to where they might be settled on a tree branch. Some travel in large groups, are active during the day and can be studied from a reasonable distance, sometimes even without binoculars.
West Virginia, with its temperate climate, diverse vegetation and dramatic topography, plays host to numerous species of birds throughout the year. In fact, there are 300 plus species of birds that inhabit the state during some portion of the year. More than 75 of these species are known to breed in the state, with the remainder being migrants that pass through or species that spend the winter here.
Late spring through early fall is when bird viewing opportunities are highest in the Mountain State. From April to July you can rise early and hear the songs of the various species that breed here. Fall and spring are good times to see birds migrating over major waterways and along mountain ridges. Even winter affords the bird watcher access to over 50 species that brave West Virginia’s rugged mountains.
A few of West Virginia best bird watching areas are nearby: Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Spruce Knob/Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and Smoke Hole Recreation Area. Join us in the North Fork Mountain where sighting soaring birds is a daily event.
West Virginia State Bird – Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is an easily-spotted red bird from the eastern USA. The cardinal was named by early American settlers, after Catholic cardinals who dress in bright red robes. These birds are strongly territorial and have a loud, whistling song.
Anatomy: The Northern Cardinal is 8-9 inches (20.5-23 cm) long and has a wingspread of 10 -12 inches (25-31 cm). It weighs from 1 to 2 ounces (28-57 gm). It has a short, wide bill. Males have brilliant red feathers, a tall head crest, a wide, red bill, and a black face. Females and juveniles are gray-olive above and paler below, with some deep red on the crest, wings, and tail, and a bright pink-to-orange bill.
Diet: Cardinals eat seeds, insects, snails, and maple sap.
Nest and Eggs: The Cardinal’s nests are bowl-like and made from grass and twigs. Nests are built in bushes. Eggs are whitish with brown and gray marking; females lay 2-5 eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time).
