The primary reason to go to Blackwater Falls State Park is of course to see the Blackwater Falls. You drive around to the other side of the gorge from the lodge and take a trail that ends up being quite a few steps down over the edge of the gorge. The steps are wide and as easy to navigate as steps can be. There are multiple levels of side platforms where tired persons can catch their breath.
To gain perspective on what you see and experience, there are a number of interesting historical books for sale in the lodge gift shop that offer a great insight into the first explorers and settlers of the area. At a spot like this you understand the phrase "Wild and Wonderful West Virginia"!
We were there the first weekend in May; crowds nearly nonexistant with recent snow melt water flowing everywhere. Hiking was pleasant in the sixty degree temperatures. We wonder when the mountain laurel will be blooming, it is everywhere and would, at that time, be spectacular.
Nearby the little historic mining town of Thomas, WV, has a wonderful wine/coffee house called "The Purple Fiddle" and on Saturday night it rocks with live indigenous bluegrass music.