DAVIS, W.Va. – Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County is home to the longest sled run on the east coast. The quarter-mile run is the perfect way for families to get out and enjoy the beautiful winter weather.
Families enjoy having something to get them out of the house after the holiday and experiencing the colder weather and seasonal snowfall.
“The snow is great, fresh powder, sometimes hard to steer. Jump in and go as fast as you can and hopefully you don’t run into anything,” said Visitor Nathan Swanson. “It is just a good time to get out and enjoy, especially West Virginia, beautiful country, and beautiful trees. The snow is great, a great time to go outside rather than sit inside and do nothing.”
The sledding hill offers a unique experience for families who may want a different winter recreation activity.
“There’s really nothing else like it in this area. There’s other places you can go and ride on a tube or ski or snowboard but really we are the only sledding hill like this for a long ways away,” said Sled Run Supervisor Ben Leedom.
Since the sled run opening, the park has made some improvements to the run to make the sledding more adventurous and enjoyable for families.
“Just within the last five and six years, we’ve made major improvements, such as snowmaking abilities, lights on the hill, and upgrades of that type,” continued Leedom.
The wonder carpet takes visitors on a five-minute ride to the top of the hill. Sledders average a speed of 25 miles per hour when heading down the slope.
For more than 60 years, the Blackwater Falls State Park Sled Run has been the perfect destination for tourists throughout the country and locals who enjoy winter sports.
The sled run is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on prices and run times, call (304) 259-4833.
Story by Leah Knicely from WBOY TV