Blackwater Falls State Park Sled Run

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Did you know Blackwater Falls State Park features the longest sled run on the East Coast? It’s true! In this post, we’re going over everything you need to know about one of West Virginia’s coolest winter activities!

The Blackwater Falls Sled Run

The sled run at Blackwater Falls is one of the top things to do in the park during winter. The sled run is a quarter mile long, making it the longest sledding on the East Coast! If the sled run is that long, how do you reach the top of the hill? Well, the second coolest thing about the Blackwater Falls Sled Run is the magic carpet ride you’ll take to the top! This conveyor takes you on a ride through the snowy forest to the top of the hill. Just sit back and relax on your sled and enjoy the views! All you have to do is ride up and sled down!

View of the Sled Run from the bottom

Know Before You Go to the Blackwater Falls Sled Run

Sessions

Wednesday through Sunday
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1-3 p.m.
4-6 p.m.

Fri & Saturday Night
7-9 p.m.

Holiday Sunday Nights (Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day)
7-9 p.m.

Pricing

Weekdays – $25
Weekends & Holidays – $30
Children under 5 ride free with an adult

Get your tickets here!

Season Dates

Dec. 21, 2022 – March 5, 2023
Closing date subject to weather

Safety & Equipment

Sleds are provided and dress warm!

Children 8 years old and younger must ride with an adult. Age requirements may be raised depending on hill conditions at the time of the sled session.

Pets are not allowed on the sled hill.

Be aware of your surroundings of other sledders.

Keep hands and feet inside your sled on the Magic Carpet.

How Does Sledding at Blackwater Falls Work?

Location: The sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park is located within the park at the Nordic Center. Take Blackwater Lodge Road and follow it until you arrive at the ski center and gift shop.

Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your sledding session time. This will give you enough time to check in, get your pass, and listen to the safety instruction. When you arrive, check in at the window at the gift shop, and they will provide you with your session pass. Before the safety instructions, you’ll have some time to browse the gift shop, use the restroom facilities, and enjoy the bonfires outside!

Then a park ranger will go over some rules and safety tips, and you’ll be ready to ride the magic carpet to the top! All sleds are provided, so grab your sled, hop on the magic carpet, and ride to the top. Once you’re at the top, the conveyor will drop you off, and you’ll walk about 20 steps to the top of the hill. Someone will be at the top to provide tips.

When sledding down, you can control your direction by putting your right or left hand into the snow. To slow yourself, all you have to do is dig your feet into the snow. The sled run can go very fast, depending on the conditions! So it’s important to dress warm and come prepared with durable gloves and winter gear.

During your 2-hour session, you get unlimited rides!

What to Wear Sledding at Blackwater Falls

Like we said before, you will be racing down the hill, so it will be cold! Dress in layers to keep warm, and make sure you check the weather before you leave home. We recommend wearing gloves that you won’t mind if they get a little beat up. By putting your hands into the snow to control your direction, the gloves will be in contact with snow and ice. The friction can cause cotton gloves to get worn easily. Here is our favorite recommended winter weather gear:

L.L. Bean Heritage Wool Windproof Pom Hat

  • Warm and stylish hat
  • 80% lambswool, 20% nylon
  • 100% polyester microcheck fleece with GORE Windstopper lining
  • Classic cable knit styling

The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves

  • Etip™ functionality works with touch-screen devices
  • 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane double-knit fleece fabric
  • Silicone gripper palms
  • Great for hiking and running

Columbia Whirlibird IV Jacket 

  • Two-in-one jacket set – you can wear the shell alone, the liner alone, or the two combined
  • Omni-Tech waterproof breathable fabric
  • Warmest level

Plan Your Trip to Blackwater Falls State Park

Before or after your sledding session at Blackwater Falls State Park, make sure you don’t miss out on viewing the other great things the park has to offer! The park is beautiful in the wintertime when it’s snow-covered, so take some time to view Blackwater Falls or Elakala Falls frozen over or go on a winter hike! In addition to the sled run, you can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes for winter trekking!

Blackwater Falls and the surrounding area make for a great destination to spend some time away with family and friends, so consider extending your sledding adventure by spending the weekend in the area!