Elakala Swirls
Open Edition
Elakala Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls on the east coast. It is accessed by a small trail in Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia. The trail is short and in good condition but to access the falls up close you need to descend into the gorge. It is a steep grade over about 50 yards with no real trail but plenty of things to hold onto. In all my years of going to Elakala I've only fallen down the hill once. Once you get down into the gorge you get the great views of the falls. There are plenty of slippery rocks to step on to get the shot of your dreams. And the excess tannin in the water gives the water a red tint. If you happen upon the falls at the right water level a huge eddy forms in the river at the base. This day was perfect for the swirling eddy. The soothing sound of the waterfall mixed with the excellent scenery make for a refreshing experience.