CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials today announced that tickets for the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park are now available to purchase online.
The quarter-mile sled run, the longest on the East Coast, will open for the winter season on Dec. 18 and will be open, weather permitting, Thursdays through Sundays through March 8, 2026.
Tickets often sell out, so visitors are encouraged to purchase in advance at Blackwater Falls Sled Run, according to Dillard Price, acting chief for West Virginia State Parks.
“From the first glide down the hill to the magic carpet ride back up, the Blackwater Falls sled run is pure winter adventure and offers exhilarating fun for people of all ages,” Price said.
“With our convenient online ticketing, families, groups, and individuals can reserve their spot in advance and spend more time making memories in the snow."
The popular attraction features a magic carpet lift, illuminated trails for nighttime sledding, and a warming hut with snacks, drinks, and retail items. Visitors should plan to arrive 20 minutes before their scheduled session to attend a safety briefing and prepare for their run.
Tickets are $28 on weekdays and $33 on weekends and holidays. Children under 5 may ride for free with a paying adult. Each ticket is valid for one two-hour session.
Guests must bring a printed confirmation or present it on their smartphone at check-in. A limited number of same-day sled tickets may be available on-site, but advance reservations are strongly recommended due to the sled run’s popularity.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is one of the state’s most iconic natural destinations. The park takes its name from the amber-colored waters of the Blackwater River, which plunge five stories, or about 57 feet, over sandstone ledges into a deep gorge.
The river’s unique “black” hue comes from tannins released by fallen hemlock and red spruce needles, giving the falls their signature color. Surrounded by dense forests and dramatic mountain scenery, the park offers stunning year-round beauty, drawing photographers, hikers, and nature lovers alike.
Beyond the falls, Blackwater Falls State Park is a hub for outdoor recreation in all seasons. Miles of scenic trails wind through the park, including overlooks of the Blackwater Canyon and paths that connect to the nearby Monongahela National Forest.
In winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground, featuring one of the longest sled runs on the East Coast. Lodging options range from cozy cabins to a rustic lodge, making it a perfect getaway for both adventure and relaxation.
Whether blanketed in snow, bursting with wildflowers, or glowing with autumn color, Blackwater Falls captures the wild, unspoiled spirit of West Virginia. For a complete list of session times, pricing, and special events, or to book an overnight stay at Blackwater Falls State Park.
Visiting the Canaan Valley
During ski season, the Canaan Valley region of Tucker County transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland alive with energy, snow, and mountain charm. Blanketed in crisp powder and surrounded by the rugged Allegheny Highlands, the high mountain valley, one of the highest east of the Mississippi, glistens under a bright Appalachian sky.
The Canaan Valley Resort and Timberline Mountain ski areas become the heart of activity, with chairlifts humming and slopes filled with skiers and snowboarders carving through the snow. The air is cool and clean, carrying the scent of pine and woodsmoke, and the scenery is striking — rolling white hills framed by dark evergreens and frosted spruce forests.
Beyond the slopes, the atmosphere is cozy and festive. Lodges glow with fireplaces and the chatter of travelers warming up after a day outdoors, while nearby Davis and Thomas bustle with local cafés, brewpubs, and gear shops welcoming winter visitors.
Cross-country skiers glide along the open meadows and forest trails of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and families enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, and scenic sleigh rides.
Whether it’s an early morning on fresh powder or an evening spent watching snow fall softly over the mountains, the Canaan Valley region during ski season captures the quiet magic and exhilaration of a true mountain winter.
About West Virginia State Parks
West Virginia’s state parks and forests are the vacation destination of choice for more than seven million people each year.
With 36 parks, nine forests, and three rail trails, the West Virginia State Parks system offers endless opportunities for family fun and adventure. West Virginia State Parks is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, a division of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
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