Elakala Falls, Four-tier waterfall system in Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia, US
Elakala Falls is a four-tier waterfall system within Blackwater Falls State Park that cascades down a river gorge. The water drops create pools of different sizes as it descends through the rocky landscape.
The falls formed over time through natural water erosion cutting through the rock layers. The creation of the state park later opened the area to public access and protection.
The waterfall system holds place in regional folklore that visitors can sense while walking through the gorge. Local stories about the area have been passed down and remain part of how people understand this part of West Virginia.
The lowest falls are near the parking area and easy to reach on a short walk. For higher tiers, expect steeper terrain and longer hiking distances through the forested gorge.
The water takes on a reddish tint from natural tannins released by hemlock and spruce needles in the surrounding forest. This coloring becomes especially visible during or after rainfall.
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