The Blackwater Canyon Trail West Access near Thomas provides entry to a 10.

7-mile former railway trail through Monongahela National Forest with parking available at Douglas Road (approximately 1 mile from the trailhead marked by a Forest Service gate) and additional parking at East Avenue/WV 32.

The trail features a rough dirt surface with a 1,200-foot elevation gain, making it suitable for mountain bikes and hiking boots rather than standard road bikes.

Paddlers can access the Blackwater River below the trail, which is navigable for experienced kayakers, though the trail itself is primarily for hiking and mountain biking with scenic waterfalls and historic railroad features along the route.