Major city · United States
DavisDavis, West Virginia
Base in Davis for 2–3 nights: it is the cheapest bed near Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley, and Thomas is 10 min away by car.
Davis is the highest incorporated town in West Virginia, at about 3,200 ft, and the practical base for Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley and the Dolly Sods backcountry. The town itself is a few blocks of restaurants and lodges; the reason to come is the land around it. Two nights covers the falls and one hike; three or four if you ski, bike or want a full day in Dolly Sods.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Oct for hiking and waterfalls; Jan–Mar for skiing
- avoid Mud season in late Mar–Apr; check for winter road closures on the mountain roads
- Airports
- PIT · IAD
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Davis911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- West Virginia State Police (non-emergency)304-746-2100
- Blackwater Falls State Park304-259-5216
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Davis, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA small, quiet mountain town and generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 304-746-2100 West Virginia State Police (non-emergency) · 304-259-5216 Blackwater Falls State Park
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPIT Pittsburgh International (About 3 h by car; the usual rental-car arrival).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–5
- Sit-down mealDinner main in town$14–28
- Street or quick mealBurrito or sandwich lunch$10–16
- BeerDraught beer at the brewery$6–8
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Museum or sight ticketState-park entryfree to enter; some activities charge (check)
- Budget bedHostel or shared bunk, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$170
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$280
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$280
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PIT Pittsburgh International (About 3 h by car; the usual rental-car arrival) · IAD Washington Dulles International (About 3 h by car via I-66 and US-48)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
Care*
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Sep (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Davis: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
14 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
12 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
13 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
13 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
Dec
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. Davis sits at the junction of WV-32 and WV-93, with US-48 (Corridor H) running east to I-81 and I-66. There is no useful public transport between the town, the parks and the trailheads. Fill the tank in Elkins or Moorefield; mountain stations are few and prices are higher.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Blackwater Falls State Park
goDoor to door: 15 min
Drive Blackwater Falls Road from Davis, about 10 min
Boardwalk and steps down to the falls; go early on summer weekends.
Thomas
goDoor to door: 10 min
WV-32 north, about 10 min
Historic main street, cafés and a brewery; a half-day with lunch.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
goDoor to door: 25 min
Drive south on WV-32, about 20 min
Refuge roads and trailheads; bring binoculars for the wetlands.
Dolly Sods Wilderness
goDoor to door: 45 min
Drive via WV-32 and Forest Road 75, about 40 min to the trailheads
A full day for one hike; rough gravel access roads, no services.
Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob
cautionDoor to door: 1.5 h
Drive south via WV-32 and US-33
Possible as a long day; better as an overnight on the way to Elkins.
Elkins
cautionDoor to door: 1 h
US-48 west, about 1 h
Use it for a supermarket, a bigger hospital and more dining, not as a sight.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Davis town centre (William Avenue)
Walk to dinner and the brewery; inns and a motel, the shortest drive to Blackwater Falls.
Thomas
10 min north on WV-32; historic buildings, more cafés, a second brewery.
Canaan Valley and the resort strip
15–25 min south; ski-in lodging and larger hotels, but you drive for every meal.
Blackwater Falls area
Lodge and cabins inside the state park; quiet, closest to the falls, few services.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 2 nights × US$170 | US$340 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$160 | US$640 |
| Rental car, per day, compact1 × US$55 · check | US$55 |
| Fuel, about 150 km of mountain driving1 × US$20 · check | US$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$109 |
| Trip total≈ US$299 per person per day, bed included | US$1,194 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–5 |
| Burrito or sandwich lunch | $10–16 |
| Dinner main in town | $14–28 |
| Draught beer at the brewery | $6–8 |
| State-park entry | free to enter; some activities charge (check) |
| Ski lift ticket, Canaan Valley or Timberline | $40–90 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cell signal drops fast outside town, and in Dolly Sods it is often gone: download offline maps before you drive.
- Mountain weather turns quickly at 3,200 ft: carry a rain shell and a warm layer even in July.
- Some forest and park roads close in winter; check conditions before committing to a backroad.
- Deer and, at dusk, larger animals on the roads; drive slowly after dark.
- Restaurants in a town of about 660 people keep short hours and close on some weekdays: check before you count on dinner.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- West Virginia State Police (non-emergency)
- 304-746-2100
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- 304-259-5216
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
DavisDavis, West Virginia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- West Virginia State Police (non-emergency)304-746-2100
- Blackwater Falls State Park304-259-5216
Embassy
No consulates in Davis; the nearest are in Washington, DC. US visitors: your own embassy is in DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PIT → Davis by car: about 3 h, roughly 300 km (186 mi) (check)about 3 h, roughly 186 mi (300 km) (check)
- IAD → Davis by car: about 3 h via I-66 and US-48 (check)
- Davis → Elkins by car: about 1 h on US-48 (check)
Say or show
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
- Is the road open in winter? — Is the road open in winter?
- Do you take cards? — Do you take cards?
- How far to the falls? — How far to the falls?
Cell coverage is patchy outside town; save the numbers before you drive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Davis. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct for hiking and waterfalls; Jan–Mar for skiing · avoid Mud season in late Mar–Apr; check for winter road closures on the mountain roads · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PIT and IAD: last sensible arrival time, rental-car desk hours, winter-road fallback.
- Four walking and driving clusters with anchors: William Avenue, Thomas, Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley.
- Place pages with verified opening seasons (Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley resort, Dolly Sods trailheads) and eat pages with closing days.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so ski-season and mud-season gates can go green.
Sources
- officialWest Virginia State Parks — Blackwater Falls
- officialUS Fish and Wildlife Service — Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- officialUS Forest Service — Dolly Sods Wilderness
- officialWest Virginia State Parks — Canaan Valley Resort
- secondaryWikivoyage: Davis (West Virginia), revision 5172241 (CC BY-SA 4.0)