Blackwater Falls State Park
The state’s most famous waterfall, with boardwalk stairs and many trails.
Tucker County · Canaan Valley
Things to Do in Davis WV
A tiny mountain town at the doorstep of Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley, Davis is a four-season base for waterfalls, skiing, highland bogs and some genuinely excellent small-town food. Here is how to explore it.
Quick Info
- County
- Tucker County
- Best For
- Waterfalls, skiing, hiking, mountain dining
- Best Time to Visit
- Year-round; winter for skiing, fall for foliage
- Time Needed
- 1–3 days
- Getting There
- On WV-32 in the Allegheny Highlands, about 1 hour from Elkins and 2 hours 30 minutes from Washington, DC.
A Four-Season Mountain Base Camp
Davis sits at about 3,500 feet in the Allegheny Mountains, surrounded by some of the most dramatic terrain in West Virginia. Blackwater Falls tumbles through a gorge just down the road, and Canaan Valley spreads out to the north, cradling a national wildlife refuge and a pair of ski mountains.
The town itself is small but lively, with a handful of cafes, a brewery and shops catering to the outdoor crowd. Thomas, an artsy former coal town, is five minutes away and adds galleries, live music and more dining.
With Dolly Sods and the Monongahela National Forest nearby, Davis works equally well for a weekend ski trip or a summer hiking escape.
Best Things to Do
Top Davis Experiences
Timberline Mountain
A beloved ski area with steeps, glades and family-friendly runs.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
An otherworldly plateau of bogs, rocks and sweeping views unlike anywhere else.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Wetlands and meadows that draw waterfowl, deer and birders year-round.
Canaan Valley Resort
Skiing, tubing, golf and a lodge set in the valley’s heart.
Historic Thomas
An artsy neighboring town with galleries, music and great food.
Lindy Point & Pendleton Point
Two of the best gorge overlooks in Blackwater Falls State Park.
Local Breweries
Craft taprooms in Davis and Thomas pour local beer after a day outside.
Top Attractions
- Blackwater Falls State Park — the state’s signature waterfall.
- Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge — wetlands and wildlife.
- Timberline Mountain — skiing in winter, scenery all year.
- Dolly Sods Wilderness — the high plateau’s unique terrain.
- Thomas WV — arts, music and food five minutes away.
- Canaan Valley Resort — a four-season mountain playground.
Outdoor Activities
Skiing & Snowboarding
Timberline and Canaan Valley offer downhill, terrain parks and tubing.
Hiking
Waterfall paths, Dolly Sods loops and refuge boardwalks cover every level.
Cross-Country Skiing
Groomed and backcountry routes make the highlands a Nordic destination.
Mountain Biking
Forest roads and trail networks suit gravel and fat-bike adventures.
Fly Fishing
The region’s cold streams hold brook, brown and rainbow trout.
Wildlife Watching
The refuge’s meadows attract deer, beaver and migrating birds.
Historic Attractions
Davis and neighboring Thomas grew up around coal mining and timber, and both retain historic commercial buildings from that era.
Thomas is now a designated historic district, its old storefronts reborn as galleries, shops and the famous Purple Fiddle music hall.
In Blackwater Falls State Park, the Blackwater Falls Lodge and old fire tower sites connect visitors to the area’s conservation and logging history.
Restaurants
Sirianni’s Cafe
A Davis institution serving pizza, pasta and hearty Italian plates.
Hellbender Burrito
Big creative burritos and a funky mountain-town vibe.
Stumptown Ales
A Davis brewery with local beer and a welcoming taproom.
The Purple Fiddle
In Thomas: sandwiches, coffee and nightly live music.
Mountain State Brewing
Thomas taproom with craft beer and casual fare.
Canaan Valley Dining
Resort and valley restaurants for a post-ski meal.
Places to Stay
- Canaan Valley Resort — lodge rooms and cabins with resort amenities.
- Blackwater Falls State Park lodge & cabins — stay inside the park.
- The Billy Motel — a retro-chic stay in Davis.
- Timberline-area vacation rentals — ski-in convenience.
- Thomas inns & guesthouses — cozy stays near the arts scene.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Blackwater Falls State Park — about 5 minutes.
- Thomas — about 5 minutes.
- Canaan Valley — about 15 minutes.
- Dolly Sods Wilderness — about 30 minutes.
- Seneca Rocks — about 45 minutes.
- Elkins — about 1 hour.
Best Time to Visit
Winter is ski season, with reliable snow and a lively mountain-town feel. Summer brings cool temperatures, wildflowers and easy hiking on the high plateau.
Fall is the most spectacular season for color across Dolly Sods and the Canaan Valley, while spring offers quiet trails and rushing waterfalls.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: descend to Blackwater Falls, then hike to Lindy Point.
- Late morning: drive into Canaan Valley for refuge boardwalks.
- Lunch: back in Davis at a cafe or brewery.
- Afternoon: head up to Dolly Sods for a plateau hike and overlook.
- Evening: dinner in Thomas and live music at the Purple Fiddle.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley in the morning, Dolly Sods in the afternoon, then dinner and music in Thomas.
Day 2: ski or hike at Timberline or Canaan Valley Resort in the morning, then a scenic drive toward Seneca Rocks or Elkins on the way out.
Davis on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Davis WV?
Visit Blackwater Falls, ski at Timberline, hike Dolly Sods, explore Canaan Valley and enjoy dining and music in Davis and Thomas.
Is Davis WV near Blackwater Falls?
Yes. Blackwater Falls State Park is only about 5 minutes from downtown Davis.
Can you ski near Davis?
Yes — Timberline Mountain and Canaan Valley Resort both offer skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
Is Dolly Sods worth visiting?
Absolutely — its high-altitude bogs, rock formations and panoramic views are unlike anything else in West Virginia.
When is the best time to visit Davis?
Winter for skiing and summer for hiking, with early October the best for fall foliage.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Davis guide is written to help you plan a memorable Allegheny Highlands trip.
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