The Blackwater Canyon Circle Loop is a 34 mile bike loop that will take you in a complete circle around the
beautiful
, and endangered,
Blackwater Canyon.
There are numerous canyon views,
three
different
waterfalls
and a height change of over 1600 feet.
Most all of the loop riding surface is rail-trail, forest road or paved road.
The main uphill section of the trip is on the
Blackwater Canyon Trail who's
grade
is no steeper than 3% (3 foot up for every 100 foot forward).
I call it the Blackwater Canyon Circle Loop since the name Blackwater Canyon Loop was already taken.
The ride begins at
Hendricks WV.
Park at the trailhead for the
Allegheny Highlands Trail on State Route 72.
Bike up the Blackwater Canyon Trail to where it intersects with
Douglas Road. Take Douglas Road to Route 32 and turn right. Stay on 32 until you see the sign for Davis.
Turn right onto the gravel road in front of the sign. This is private land but it is not posted.
The gravel road will lead you to the
old Davis Branch rail bed.
Follow the rail bed to Pendleton Lake. There you
leave the old branch line and enter
Blackwater Falls State Park.
The park road will take you to the Pendleton Point Overlook and then to the Blackwater Falls Trading Post
where you can walk down to see the falls up close.
Continue on the park road across the
Blackwater River to
Forest Road 13
(Canaan Loop Road) which runs along the eastern edge of the canyon.
Stay on FR 13 until it meets
Forest Road 244.
Continue downhill on FR 244 until it ends at State Route 72. Turn right onto SR 72. It will take you back to
the beginning of the loop in Hendricks.
All information is presented without any assurance of accuracy. Use at your own risk.
Distance measurements are approximate.
All photos © 2008 J. Watson. All rights reserved.
trails@wvbike.org
Last updated 4/20/2008
