For our first trip we decided to check out Blackwater Falls State Park with a quick stop by Fairfax Stone State Park. Coming from our home in Harrison County, we decided to take route 50 to our destination, a choice my stomach would later regret. Also the weather man made claims to a sunny day with cool temps, I should have known the mountains have a very separate forecast. The fog was so thick even the Hounds of Baskerville would have been taken aback.
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| Roads? What roads? |
We made it to our first stop at the Fairfax Stone, a fitting start to our journey due to the fact the stone was/is an important marker in West Virginia. I had read about the stone on the state parks website as a "determining factor in the state boundary between West Virginia and Maryland". I was a little confused when we showed up to two stones. Turns out I should have payed more attention in West Virginia History.
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| My son with the 1910 stone, this stone was the result of a supreme court ordered land survey that definitively settled the West Virginia/Maryland Border |
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| Plaque on the Fairfax Stone |
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| What's a trip without a family selfie? |
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| The one and only Fairfax Stone (so its actually the forth or fifth version) that marks the headspring of the Potomac river. |
Although the park is small (4 acres) and is outfitted with only a parking lot, trash can and picnic table, it was cute and well kept. My son, when showing him the stone let out an "ooooh" that I can only assume meant he was impressed. We left the stone to continue our journey to the falls.
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| One last look |
Blackwater Falls is only a short twenty minute drive from the stone. We decided to stop at the lodge first which is tucked way back in the park to get our stamp for our VIPP passport (see VIPP blog). The employees working the desk were very nice and provided us with a map and directions to the falls trails. Traveling with a toddler we did not have the ability to take part of the many hiking trails that the large park offers but for the right outdoor enthusiast this park could occupy them with days of trails.
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| The lodge, where maps, information, food and bathrooms can be found! |
We had planned on stopping at the petting zoo but it was not yet open this time of year. We started with the gentle trail first. This trail can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs and has a parking lot at the very start of the trail. I recommend anyone take this trail just because the view is so incredible from this upper vantage point.
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| Seriously, it is fairytale gorgeous. |
We got back in the car and drove to the other side so we could get closer. Across the road we found a parking lot, restrooms and a snack bar and the 214 steps to the best view in the park.
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| Just the start. |
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| Getting close! |
Although a lot of steps, the trail is not bad (this is coming from someone who is terribly out of shape). Of course, the way back was harder but by that point you know that its worth the hike.
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| Beyond gorgeous, truly wild and wonderful |
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| The kid enjoying the sites and sounds. |
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| Family selfie |
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| One last look |
The falls were truly awe inspiring. There is a beauty that my cell phone pictures fail to capture. I would definitely go again. I would love to have added to this blog about a local restaurant we visited but unfortunately my stomach did not get any better and a speedy retreat back home was made.
