A hidden waterfall, Douglas Falls

Most people come to Tucker County for Blackwater Falls, as they should it is quite the site, but most are unaware of Douglas Falls.  Some call it the sister waterfall of Blackwater Falls.  As I found when trying to do some research to write this blog, there is very little information about Douglas Falls itself.  There is plenty of information on the history of the starting of the surrounding towns and the lumber yards, coal mining, railroad and coke ovens.  I will share with you my experience and the location of falls and the coke ovens.  I will provide links at the end of the blog to websites with more information on the history of the area.  Here at the visitors’ center we also sell books on the history of Tucker County.

 But the glorious site of the falls is what you must come discover on your own.  To get to the falls is not an easy task.  I suggest a 4-wheel drive vehicle or walking part of the road and the trail to the falls is a tricky so take your time and make sure you have proper footwear. 

Douglas Falls is located in Douglas, WV just outside of Thomas, WV.  To reach the falls; heading north on Rte 32 through Davis and just before downtown Thomas you make a left onto Douglas Rd toward the Mountain Made Artisan Gallery.   Continue on the paved road past the artisan gallery.  This road will wind and bend down the mountain on the other side of the road is the old rail road grade.  Once you go over a small bridge and there is a small “Y” in the road, stay to the left onto a gravel/dirt road, which is the old rail road grade.  If you start heading up the paved road after the bridge you missed the gravel/dirt road.  Now this road gets to be a little rough.  I would suggest only venturing out if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle or if you are custom to driving on these types of roads.   You should be able to make it about half way on this road before you hit some serious pot holes.  You can walk the remaining of the way (a mile or two) to the falls or continue driving.  Half way is about where the Coke Ovens are located.  During summer months they are over grown with vegetation so you will have to look for them.  This gravel/dirt road was once the old railroad grade that is now used as part of the Blackwater Canyon Trail.  Once you reach the end of the road there will be a gate across the road, which continues the Blackwater Canyon Trail.  At the gate directly to your left down the hill, is Douglas Falls.  Be careful this trail is steep and has loose gravel.  I would only suggest venturing down if you have a good footing and proper footwear.  The river that flows over the falls is the North Fork of the Blackwater River.  The rocks are amber and the river is dark red due to the Acid Mine Drainage from the mines and coke ovens.  This makes for beautiful photographing of the falls.  There are and have been lots of efforts to clean the Blackwater River and over time it is getting better.  There are different statistics on the size of the falls one I read said it was about 35 feet high, but I’ve heard it is larger.  There are also a few pictures on the internet circling around of daring kayakers going over the falls.  But this not recommended due to the rigid rocks in the landing pool.  But most will put in at the bottom of the falls and will venture down the rest of the Blackwater River. 

Close to the falls is a wonderful Bed and Breakfast called the Douglas Falls Bed and Breakfast.  It is a little off the beaten track, but in a wonderful setting with glorious amenities. 

Douglas Falls

Coke Ovens