Exploring the waterfalls of West Virginia will make you discover the natural wonders the state has in store. With some having historical sites and others surrounded by lush foliage, they all provide excellent photo opportunities. While you’ll have to hike some through the forested areas, others are easily accessible from the road. In addition, you can also visit more than one waterfall as they are close by or situated a few miles away. The scenic setting provides an enchanting experience, and you would want to put these waterfalls on your bucket list.
Whether you accidentally discover this waterfall while driving your car or come planned to visit it, be sure to take a pause here to witness its beauty up-close. Known as one of the tallest and most stunning, the 60-foot Cascade Falls dramatically tumbles over a rocky ledge into a natural amphitheater. The surrounding scenic setting is no less enchanting. Even though the cascade reduces to a mere trickle in the drier months, the serene spot never fails to charm visitors. As it is a neighbor of Kanawa Falls, seeing two waterfalls in a day is a bonus.
Nearest City: About 2 miles from Gauley Bridge
Hiking & Other Activities: You can access the Cathedral Falls by a short walk from the small parking lot off Route 60. You can also cherish a picnic here while enjoying the sound of the gushing water.
Cascading from a height of 62 feet, Blackwater Falls is the main highlight of the state park of the same name in the Allegheny Mountains. What makes it unique is its amber-colored water, obtained from the acid of the fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. It has a picturesque backdrop making this waterfall attractive and one of the most photogenic spots throughout the year. In addition, with several viewpoints, you can admire it from different angles.
Within the state park, there’s also lies the Elakala Falls absolutely worth visiting. You will have to spend $12 per vehicle to get access to the park. Dogs can also have access here.
Nearest City: About 3.5 miles from Davis
Hiking & Other Activities: A short walk from the parking lot will lead you to a series of about 200 steps, descending which gets you to the waterfall. If you don’t wish to climb down all the stairs, you’ll find an observation deck and several viewpoints along the stairs as well. Besides these, there are many other things to see in Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook. In addition, you can explore the other trails or enjoy camping and picnicking as well.
Flowing in four cascades, Elakala Falls is a gorgeous waterfall sitting in the Blackwater Falls State Park. Created by the waters of Shay Run that flows into the Blackwater River, it slides down the scenic gorge. Though seen from the top, you shouldn’t miss the views from the base. Pendleton Point, located across the gorge, offers a full view of the falls. The spot is so captivating that you’d want to spend the whole day exploring it.
Nearest City: About 3.5 miles from Davis
Hiking & Other Activities: A short trail from Blackwater Falls Lodge will take you to the bridge above the waterfall. To reach its base, you will have to climb down the steep and slippery rocks. Hence, wear proper hiking shoes.
High Falls, sitting in the wilderness of Monongahela National Forest, is one of the state’s highest-altitude cascades with an elevation gain of more than 2,800 feet. Though the waterfall is not of significant height, it is wide and appealing with the old-growth forest backdrop. During summer, the spot remains crowded, so ensure to reach early for a better view of the falls. While some come to soak in its beauty, others enjoy swimming in the pool at its base.
Nearest City: About 4 miles from Glady
Hiking & Other Activities: There’s a well-marked trail of about 4 miles, rated as moderate, which leads to the falls. Hikers enjoy the scenic views, and you might even spot some seasonal wild mushrooms along the way. Once you reach here and admire the sights, you can enjoy picnicking by the falls.
Located within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, this 20-foot waterfall on the New River spans 1500 feet over a wide rock-layered bed. The greenery and mountainous setting elevate its beauty. Visitors enjoy walking along the boardwalk, also handicap-friendly, from where you can enjoy the different views of the falls. Not only are the surroundings scenic, the landscape that you’ll witness while driving to the spot is also a sight to behold. Depending on the water levels and season, you can take a refreshing dip in the river. There’s no fee required to enter the area.
Nearest City: About 8.5 miles from Hinton
Hiking & Other Activities: A short walk on the gravel path from the parking lot will take you to the boardwalk. Besides these, there are several nearby trails to explore, alongside picnic spots, and fishing opportunities in the river. You can check out the visitor center also, which has many interesting exhibits.
Though a quaint roadside waterfall, Pipestem Falls is not visible from Route 20, where it sits. It cascades from about 30 feet height on its namesake creek, further flowing into the Bluestone River. The waterfall gets its name from the hollowed stem shrubs once used for making pipestems by the early settlers. They grow along the creekside area in abundance till today, beautifying the place. Spread your picnic blankets to enjoy a meal while taking in the views. There’s also a state park of the same name, but the waterfall is not situated there.
Nearest City: About 9 miles from Hinton
Hiking & Other Activities: You can walk upstream to get a decent view of the falls. If you’re in good shape and wearing proper footwear, you can scramble down the rocks of the gorge. However, be careful as it can be pretty slippery.
Surrounded by greenery, this awe-inspiring waterfall is in Babcock State Park. Located near the park’s key attraction, Glade Creek Grist Mill, it flows over a rock ledge, offering plenty of photography opportunities. It is a functional mill, created as a replica of the former Cooper’s Mill once set in the same spot. Get to the waterfall base to capture one of the best views and the forested area as the backdrop. Many even bring their drone to take a shot from the top. However, the timing to fly is between 1 pm and 3 pm and the drone should be at least 20 feet away from the mill.
Nearest City: About 15.5 miles from Ansted
Hiking & Other Activities: It is near the park’s office and requires a short walk. But, don’t be disappointed if you’re seeking to hike as there are many scenic trails nearby. In addition, you can enjoy various activities like fishing, picnicking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting in the nearby New River Gorge.
Amidst Valley Falls State Park, the Valley Falls feed on the Tygart River flowing throughout the year. It is a set of four cascading falls offering a picturesque view. Hop on the rocks and boulders along the shorelines to get as close to the waterfall as you want. If tired, choose a flat-surfaced rock to sit and relax or enjoy munching some snacks. This place is also historically rich. A lumber and grist mill community once operated the machines using the river’s current. You’ll also find a museum within the park, giving insights into the ancient sites.
Nearest City: About 12.5 miles from Fairmont
Hiking & Other Activities: A short and family-friendly trail leads to the waterfall. There are many more hiking trails that provide an enjoyable experience. Also, you can kayak in the river or spot wildlife like squirrels and raccoons in the area. You can bring along your dogs but put on a leash around them. No overnight accommodations are available within the park.
Whitaker Falls is a series of small cascades spanning across the Elk River. Located along Bergoo Road in Webster Count, its natural background makes it extremely photogenic and offers a peaceful environment. In winter, make sure to visit the spot to capture the surrounding ice-clad trees providing an artistic touch to the setting.
Nearest City: About 19.5 miles from Webster Springs
Hiking & Other Activities: These are roadside falls, and hence no hiking is required. Though there are no accommodation facilities near the falls, you can find several camping options, lodges, restaurants, etc., in the vicinity. Many also enjoy swimming and fishing in the river.
Tucked away in the forested area of the southern Allegheny Mountains, the Falls of Hill Creek area features three fun exploring waterfalls. Sitting on the Hills Creek, all the three of them plunges over a sandstone ledge from 25 feet, 45 feet, and 63 feet in height. The creek’s clear waters further flow along a scenic gorge that looks attractive, with rhododendrons and colorful wildflowers blooming all around. The lower falls are the state’s second-largest, with a 63-foot drop. This little scenic area in Monongahela National Forest is open from May to October and on the weekends of April and November.
Nearest City: About 14.5 miles from Hillsboro
Hiking & Other Activities: The 1700 feet long handicap-friendly boardwalk will lead you to the first waterfall (25 feet). From here, you’ll find a dirt path with a set of wooden steps, descending which will bring you to the 45-foot waterfall. Following the dirt trail, you’ll come to the lower waterfall. The hike starting from the parking area to this final cascade is a little more than 3 miles.
This little waterfall of 15 feet in height flows on the pristine waters of Big Sandy Creek. The remoteness of the area and the mountainous setting provide visitors a tranquil experience here. Though small in size, it is wide and has a high volume of water, making it gush throughout the year. You can get to its edge to get a view, and watching it cascade will indeed fill your mind with awe and wonder. Find a smooth rock to sit and enjoy a picnic or relax in the peaceful atmosphere. Check out the nearby bridge over the creek on your return to enjoy additional views. However, reaching the falls is not an easy task as you will have to drive over rough roads, which get narrow at some sections, but the place is well worth the effort.
Nearest City: About 7.7 miles from Bruceton Mills
Hiking & Other Activities: Once you reach here with your vehicle, you will have to hike for about half a mile to reach the waterfall. It is also a swimming spot, and you can also spend time kayaking or rafting on the creek.
Adjacent to Brush Creek Preserve in Mercer County, this waterfall is one of West Virginia’s best-kept secrets. From about 30 feet high, it gushes along the Brush Creek, a tributary of the Bluestone River. You can easily get to its top but need to strive a little to reach its base and take pleasure of the breathtaking views. Depending on the season, the water levels keep varying, and you can clearly see behind the falls when the flow is low. You can also relax and dip your feet into the water, and many even enjoy swimming in it. There’s another pretty waterfall a little further, which you can also visit.
Nearest City: About 6.5 miles from Athens
Hiking & Other Activities: The trail to get to the waterfall is a short and easy one of about a quarter-mile. However, as it is a wet and rugged terrain, do not forget to wear waterproof hiking shoes. There are picnic tables too to enjoy a meal.
Created by the North Fork Blackwater River, Douglas Falls drops over a ledge from 35 feet. The view of the pristine emerald pool below it contrasting the orange tinge of the rocks embedded in it is a treat to the eye. The rocks’ color is a result of the ancient coal mining process. You’ll find the abandoned oven domes upstream of the falls where coal was burned to form coke and the acids combined with water straining the rock orange. You can sit on one of the adjoining boulders and be lost in its beauty while letting the mist spray on you to bring you back to reality. Located near the Blackwater Falls State Park, you should include this waterfall in your itinerary.
Nearest City: About 3 miles from Thomas
Hiking & Other Activities: After parking your car, walk to the end of the road where you’ll find a gate. Walking a little further from here will take you to the waterfall. To get to its base, you will have to use the ropes to climb down.
Peach Tree Falls is one of the lesser-known waterfalls located on an off-beaten path. Pouring from a height of about 30 feet, it flows along the Peach Tree Creek and finally drains off into the Marsh Fork of Coal River. Get down to its base to get the perfect angle to capture its splendor. Along this creek, you’ll find many holes in which you can enjoy splashing waters. Walking downstream will bring you to the second set of falls, where you can wade in the shallow waters.
Nearest City: About 31.5 miles from Beckley
Hiking & Other Activities: Walk a short distance from the parking area to the waterfall. You can explore the creek area, where you can discover other smaller cascades.
This impressive waterfall, located near the Hawks Nest Lake, is on an old tram path. Tucked within the hilly areas within Hawks Nest State Park, it is not much known to anyone. Though you can access it all year round, visiting it in spring is ideal as you can witness it flowing in full glory. Your dogs can accompany you here as well. To reach the falls, you will have to go past New River Gorge.
Nearest City: About 2 miles from Ansted
Hiking & Other Activities: There’s a trail of about 2.5 miles along steep paths to reach the spot. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete hiking it..
Unlike its name, this 45-feet waterfall does not flow into the Indian Branch. Instead, it drops into an unnamed creek within Pipestem Resort State Park. Downstream from the falls, several other unnamed cascades drop along the creek that makes way to the Bluestone River. However, only one vantage point is available for viewing above the steep walls of the gorge.
Nearest City: About 3 miles from Pipestem
Hiking & Other Activities: From the Nature Center, hike the 1.2 miles County Mile Trail to reach the waterfall. It is rocky and has some steep inclines. Wear appropriate footwear to cross the muddy sections.
Spanning the entire width of the Kanawha River, this waterfall flows from a height of 15 feet within the Kanawha State Park. The dense foliage provides a beautiful backdrop to the falls. Without a boat, you will have to view it from a distance. There’s an old but functioning power station on its western side. Its water levels are controlled by a low dam that diverts the water to the power station for hydroelectricity. Despite this, the waterfall is worth visiting once.
Nearest City: About 36.5 miles from Charleston
Hiking & Other Activities: The parking area is close to the waterfall and requires a short walk.
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfalls for Hiking: High Falls, Brush Creek Falls, Blackwater Falls
Best Waterfalls for Swimming: Sandstone Falls, Brush Creek Falls, Whitaker Falls
Best Waterfalls for Camping: Blackwater Falls
Best Hidden Waterfalls: Falls of Hills Creek, Brush Creek Falls, Peach Tree Falls
Hello there! My name is Jay and I run this website. I'm a full-time traveler and freelance writer. This is where I share travel advice and help people pursue their traveling dreams.
You can learn more about me and my mission on the about me page.
It's nice to have you here :)
