Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Davis, WV

  • Published 2022/07/28

Davis is a small municipality in the heart of Tucker County, West Virginia.

It sits at an elevation of 3,520 feet, the highest incorporated town in the state.

Located along the Blackwater River and just outside the northern terminus of Canaan Valley, Davis offers stunning views of the valley below.

You can also find the town near several world-famous wilderness areas and waterfalls, making it the perfect place to explore the great outdoors.

However, outdoor adventures aren’t the only thing Davis has to offer.

The town is also home to several art galleries, live music venues, and locally-sourced restaurants.

If you enjoy a good pint, Davis features several award-winning craft breweries.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a night out, Davis has something for everyone.

Here are the best things to do in Davis, WV.

Visit Blackwater Falls State Park

Scenic waterfall in Blackwater Falls State Park

Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, the majestic Blackwater Falls State Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Virginia.

It gets its name from the stunning amber waters of the Blackwater Falls, which flow over a series of ledges and drop into a gorge below.

People walking along Blackwater Falls State Park's trail

Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

The Blackwater Falls is the main attraction in this State Park, featuring a 57-foot cascade with a tint from the tannic acid of red spruce needles and fallen hemlock.

The park is also home to several other features like the Lindy Point, Pendleton Point Overlook, and Elaka Falls.

There are also several hiking and biking trails to explore the great outdoors in Davis, WV.

In addition, the Blackwater Falls State Park boasts many photo opportunities, so bring your camera.

Coin-operated binoculars at Blackwater Falls State Park

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

Sample the Best Craft Beer in Davis at Stumptown Ales

Davis is home to several award-winning craft breweries.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, check out some of the best breweries in town.

Some must-try craft breweries in Davis include Stumptown Ales and Mountain State Brewing Co.

Each brewery offers a unique selection of beers that are sure to please any palate.

Stumptown Ales’ craft beers use the highest quality ingredients and are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a light beer to enjoy on a hot day or a dark beer to warm you up on a cold night, Davis has a craft beer for you.

Admire Animals at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Dirt road at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Wildnerdpix / Shutterstock.com

Located along the Appalachian Highway in Davis, WV, the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is home to various animals.

The refuge is a haven for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Established in 1994, the refuge mainly operates to preserve the unique uplands and wetlands in the moist and highly elevated Canaan Valley.

This 86-acre refuge also offers a variety of recreational activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and photography.

The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is home to 288 different species and 580 other species of plants.

The biodiversity is one of the many reasons the refuge is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature.

Short footbridge at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Wildnerdpix / Shutterstock.com

Ride the Horses at Mountain Trail Rides

Exploring the great outdoors on your feet or on a bike is excellent.

What if you can do it while riding a horse?

At Mountain Trail Rides, you can do just that.

The Mountain Trail Rides offers horseback riding tours in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

Ride along scenic horse trails and enjoy some spectacular scenery while breathing the fresh mountain air.

Everyone is welcome; you don’t need riding experience to enjoy yourself here.

All you need is your love and willingness for adventure.

Mountain Trail Rides also offer a variety of other activities like hayrides, campfires, and fishing.

The place is open from Monday to Saturday from morning to afternoon.

Appreciate Art at WVhighlands Artisans Group

West Virginia hosts many talented artists that display their works of art at the WVhighlands Artisans Group art gallery.

The gallery shows some impressive pieces from notable local artists in Davis and other parts of West Virginia.

The WVhighlands Artisans Group is an association of artists and artisans representing various media.

They present their works as a cooperative effort to promote and sell their art.

If you’re looking to buy some great pieces to take home as a souvenir from your Davis trip, buy some at the WVhighlands Artisans Group art gallery.

The gallery is open from Friday to Monday from morning to

Admission is free, and you also get to ask the accommodating staff about the artworks on display.

Meet the Locals at Wicked Wilderness Bar & Grill

Sometimes the best way to know what a small town is all about is by visiting the local bar and spending time with the friendly locals.

For Davis, that bar is Wicked Wilderness Bar & Grill.

Wicked Wilderness Bar & Grill is a great place to relax and enjoy good food and drinks.

The bar serves several alcoholic beverages as well as American grilled favorites.

The atmosphere at Wicked Wilderness Bar & Grill is casual and perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the town.

Since it’s a popular place to eat and relax, you can meet and socialize with the friendly locals who frequent the bar.

Who knows?

You might even make new friends while at it.

The bar is open from Thursday to Sunday from noon to night.

Go on the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure at Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Welcome sign of Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Canaan Valley Resort State Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.

The park is home to various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.

There’s also a world-class mountain biking trail that winds through the park.

If you love to ski or snowboard, the park offers a variety of slopes and paths for all levels.

If you’re looking for an adventure, Canaan Valley Resort State Park is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors.

Scenic view from Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Mary Terriberry / Shutterstock.com

Buy a Souvenir at Ben’s Old Loom Barn

If you’re looking for something unique to bring home from your visit to Davis, you should consider checking out Ben’s Old Loom Barn.

This store sells handcrafted weave items from local artisans, which makes for the perfect souvenir to remember your trip.

Ben’s Old Loom Barn is a great place to find gifts and souvenirs.

The store sells various items like blankets, table runners, pottery, and more.

You can also take weaving classes at Ben’s Old Loom Barn.

These classes are perfect for those who want to learn more about the local culture and craft.

Grab a Cold and Tasty Treat at the Ice Cream Shop

There’s no better way to beat the heat than indulging in a cold and tasty treat.

What better place to do that than the Ice Cream Shop?

The Ice Cream Shop seller handcrafted ice cream and sorbet.

It uses only all-natural ingredients, and there are a lot of flavors to choose from.

The wide selection of classic to modern flavors is the main reason the Ice Cream Shop is one of the most popular creameries in the entire state of West Virginia.

People from far reaches of the country travel to Davis to taste their unique and delicious ice cream.

Check out The Ice Cream Shop the next time you’re in Davis.

Take a Hike through the Blackwater Canyon Trail

End your trip to Davis on a high note by taking a hike through the Blackwater Canyon Trail.

The Blackwater Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state, and for a good reason.

The trail offers breathtaking views of the Blackwater River as it winds through the canyon.

It’s also a great place to spot wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled for birds, deer, and even bears!

The Blackwater Canyon Trail is perfect for hikers or mountain bikers of all levels.

Add it to your list of things to do in Davis.

Go Skiing at Timberline Mountain

Skiers at Timberline Mountain

Daniel Friend / Shutterstock.com

There’s a good reason the winter season is the perfect time to visit Davis.

It’s also when Timberline Mountain opens for skiing and snowboarding.

Timberline Mountain is one of the best places to enjoy winter sports.

The ski resort has 24 trails and slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Some lifts can take you to the top of the mountain.

What if you don’t like skiing or snowboarding?

You can also enjoy other winter activities like snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing.

The best time to visit Timberline Mountain is from December to March. There’s also an on-site 3-star hotel where you can stay during your visit.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Learn American History at the Fairfax Stone Historical Monument Park

The Fairfax Stone Historical Monument Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history.

You can find it in Eglon, West Virginia, 15 minutes from Davis.

The park is home to the Fairfax Stone, which early settlers used to mark the boundary between Virginia and Maryland during the 18th century.

The Fairfax Stone is an essential piece of American history; it’s also on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park features a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.

Bring the Family to Blackwater Outdoor Adventures

If you and your family are up for fun and exciting outdoor adventures, check out Blackwater Outdoor Adventures.

The company offers a variety of activities like whitewater rafting, flatwater adventures, and camping.

Blackwater Outdoor Adventures is a family-owned and operated business that offers a quality outdoor experience to friends and families.

You can find it in Parsons, West Virginia, 28 minutes from Davis.

With over 35 years of experience, Blackwater Outdoor Adventures is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors near Davis.

Listen to Appalachian Music at Purple Fiddle

Purple Fiddle is a two-in-one live music venue where you can witness great performances by local artists.

You can also learn about the Appalachian culture through their music.

Find them at Thomas, West Virginia, five minutes from Davis.

The Purple Fiddle is among the best places to enjoy live music near Davis.

The venue features different local artists every night, so you can catch a great show no matter when you visit.

Aside from living music, the Purple Fiddle is also a restaurant that serves American comfort food.

Try their famous wild turkey wrap when you visit!

Shop for Flowers and Beautiful Ceramics at Thomasyard

If you love handmade ceramics and beautiful flowers, you should visit Thomasyard.

Thomasyard is a great place to find gifts and souvenirs.

The store sells various items like vases, mugs, candles, pottery, and more.

You can also find a selection of flowers like roses, lilies, and daisies.

Find them at Thomas, West Virginia, five minutes from Davis.

Thomasyard is the perfect place to find a unique and beautiful souvenir to take home from your trip to Davis.

Drop by and shop around when you’re in town!

Final Thoughts

Davis, WV is an all-in-one experience.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this small town, indoors or outdoors.

Davis is the perfect place to go on an outdoor adventure.

With its many hiking and mountain biking trails, you’re sure to find the ideal path for your skill level.

If you love nature, check out the numerous trails and nature parks.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, Davis also has an array of stores, spas, restaurants, breweries, and bars.

The next time you’re in West Virginia, make sure to add Davis to your list of places to visit!

You won’t be disappointed.

Who knows?

You might even find more things to do in Davis after you arrive.

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