Activities enjoyed by visitors include the best whitewater kayaking in the east, mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, birdwatching and botanizing. Lindy Point, a Canyon overlook, becomes one of the most photographed spots in West Virginia, and is featured on state tourism brochures. The point is also the site for numerous wedding ceremonies. A tourism industry that fuels Tucker County s economy grows up around the Canyon and other preserved wildlands. The Canyon s flora and fauna began eight decades of recovery.
Forests reach the beginning of old growth stage.
The endangered Virginia northern flying squirrel, Indian bat and Virginia big bat and the threatened Cheat Mountain salamander and the rare northern water shrew are found to depend on the Canyon for their ever-dwindling habitat. Rare ice-age remnant species of plants and animals, usually found much farther north, dwell in the Canyon. Civilian Conservation Corps contributes mightily to reforestation of the area. Blackwater Canyon recommended for National Natural Landmark Status. The Canyon is put off limits with no trespassing signs.