There are well over 200 waterfalls in West Virginia, but for the purposes of a bucket list, we’ve narrowed down the field to five of the best among them. You can hike to them all, and some of the trips even involve seeing multiple falls. When you want to get outside and enjoy some of the most beautiful natural areas in the state, lace up your boots and tackle one of the following best waterfall hikes in West Virginia!
- Blackwater Falls State Park
TripAdvisor/SavantIII_11
TripAdvisor/deniselamsdell This park is probably the most popular on this list, as well as the most photographed. There are several falls at Blackwater Falls State Park, including the popular Elakala Falls. But the most prominent part is the Great Falls, accessible by a path that descends 320 feet to an observation deck. There, you will see the the water drop 62 feet from a connoquenessing sandstone ledge at the head of Blackwater Canyon. The flow varies depending on recent rainfall. This photograph is the falls after heavy rain – spectacular, right? Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
- Sandstone Falls on the New River
TripAdvisor/spontaneoustrip
TripAdvisor/kitten4762 Though not as high as Blackwater Falls, Sandstone Falls is much wider. At 1,500 feet wide, the water drops anywhere from 10 to 25 feet along the river. At this point, the New River switches from a wide tributary along open plains to a more narrow one that cuts between mountains, such as the point where it passes beneath the New River Gorge Bridge. Sandstone Falls, West Virginia 25918, USA
- Cathedral Falls
TripAdvisor/royalplamtree
TripAdvisor/Harold S This is another beautiful place that deserves a spot on your bucket list. At nearly 100 feet tall, it is the tallest waterfall in the state; however, you can only see the lower 60 feet from the viewing location. The falls pour into a crescent shaped valley, comprised of several stone ledges. It is easy to access, too. It is just one mile from the town of Gauley Bridge off route 60. You just pull off the road in the small rest area to reach the falls. If you do a little exploring of the area you will be able to find the higher levels of the waterfall out of view from the ground. Cathedral Falls, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA
- Hills Creek
TripAdvisor/Granny S The path through the woods leads to a series of three waterfalls at Hills Creek measuring 20, 45, and 65 feet. The trail to the first one is handicap accessible, but the rest are not, requiring the ability to climb stairs and navigate rough terrain. This 114-acre area is located in Monongahela National Forest and all of the falls are connected. The handicapped accessible boardwalk leads to the 20-foot fall, then the 45, and the 65. The creek descends a total of 220 feet from the the top fall to the lowest. Hills Creek, West Virginia, USA
- Brush Creek Nature Preserve
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth M
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth M Brush Creek Falls, located near the confluence of the Bluestone River and Brush Creek, are 25 feet tall along the creek, which is more than 50 feet wide. As with all waterfalls, the flow is ever changing, depending on rainfall. If there has been little to no rain, it is possible to slip behind the falling curtains of water - after heavy rainfall, this is not possible. The picture above represents a typical flow not burdened with heavy rain. It’s one of the most easy-to-access waterfalls on this list, and definitely worth seeking out! Brush Creek Falls Road, Brush Creek Falls Rd, West Virginia, USA
If you live in West Virginia, these are the main waterfalls to visit, but they are not the only ones. The state is filled with beautiful waterfalls from its many rivers. Who knows? Maybe you will be able to visit them all!
TripAdvisor/SavantIII_11
TripAdvisor/deniselamsdell
This park is probably the most popular on this list, as well as the most photographed. There are several falls at Blackwater Falls State Park, including the popular Elakala Falls. But the most prominent part is the Great Falls, accessible by a path that descends 320 feet to an observation deck. There, you will see the the water drop 62 feet from a connoquenessing sandstone ledge at the head of Blackwater Canyon. The flow varies depending on recent rainfall. This photograph is the falls after heavy rain – spectacular, right?
Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
TripAdvisor/spontaneoustrip
TripAdvisor/kitten4762
Though not as high as Blackwater Falls, Sandstone Falls is much wider. At 1,500 feet wide, the water drops anywhere from 10 to 25 feet along the river. At this point, the New River switches from a wide tributary along open plains to a more narrow one that cuts between mountains, such as the point where it passes beneath the New River Gorge Bridge.
Sandstone Falls, West Virginia 25918, USA
TripAdvisor/royalplamtree
TripAdvisor/Harold S
This is another beautiful place that deserves a spot on your bucket list. At nearly 100 feet tall, it is the tallest waterfall in the state; however, you can only see the lower 60 feet from the viewing location. The falls pour into a crescent shaped valley, comprised of several stone ledges. It is easy to access, too. It is just one mile from the town of Gauley Bridge off route 60. You just pull off the road in the small rest area to reach the falls. If you do a little exploring of the area you will be able to find the higher levels of the waterfall out of view from the ground.
Cathedral Falls, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA
TripAdvisor/Granny S
The path through the woods leads to a series of three waterfalls at Hills Creek measuring 20, 45, and 65 feet. The trail to the first one is handicap accessible, but the rest are not, requiring the ability to climb stairs and navigate rough terrain. This 114-acre area is located in Monongahela National Forest and all of the falls are connected. The handicapped accessible boardwalk leads to the 20-foot fall, then the 45, and the 65. The creek descends a total of 220 feet from the the top fall to the lowest.
Hills Creek, West Virginia, USA
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth M
Brush Creek Falls, located near the confluence of the Bluestone River and Brush Creek, are 25 feet tall along the creek, which is more than 50 feet wide. As with all waterfalls, the flow is ever changing, depending on rainfall. If there has been little to no rain, it is possible to slip behind the falling curtains of water - after heavy rainfall, this is not possible. The picture above represents a typical flow not burdened with heavy rain. It’s one of the most easy-to-access waterfalls on this list, and definitely worth seeking out!
Brush Creek Falls Road, Brush Creek Falls Rd, West Virginia, USA
Which of these waterfalls have you visited? Which others would you recommend that are not on the list? What are your picks for the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion!
Would you like to know a little more about one of the beautiful waterfalls in this article? Check out this waterfall staircase hike, which might be the most unique area in West Virginia.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in West Virginia April 13, 2022 Sarah M. What are the best easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia? While we’re all for lacing up our hiking boots and setting out on one of the amazing waterfall-chasing adventures listed above, sometimes, we simply want to stop and spend some time gazing at these nature-made marvels… without all the hiking! In those instances, we consult this list of easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia. One of our absolute favorites is Cathedral Falls. This cascade in Gauley Bridge is the ultimate easy-access waterfall…because you can drive right to it! This impressive roadside attraction is located on U.S. Route 60 just southeast of the town of Gauley Bridge. This stunning waterfall in West Virginia is definitely one of the best! Another waterfall that you can drive right up to (or, if the road is gated, you might have to walk the last quarter of a mile) is Campbell Falls in Camp Creek State Park. There’s a great swimming hole at its base, so come prepared to jump in when the weather’s warm! We think this is one of the best easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia to visit in the summer months. And of course, we’d be remiss not to mention what’s perhaps the Mountain State’s crown jewel, Blackwater Falls. This is no doubt West Virginia’s favorite waterfall, and it’s also easily reachable via a short boardwalk trail! Come see why this is one of the best state parks in West Virginia - waterfalls and all! Where is the most scenic place to hike in West Virginia? Here in the Mountain State, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, which pretty much makes our state tops in terms of scenic hiking opportunities. Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and it’s truly a vision. This mountain town is famous around the nation for immense natural beauty – and historic significance. It’s the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a National Historical Park. It witnessed several key events in the Civil War. It was visited and admired by several of the Founding Fathers, too. From the vantage of the Overlook Cliff (accessible off the Maryland Heights Trail), you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Harpers Ferry that’s absolutely, positively bucket-list worthy. We love all the trails in this beautiful park, and there are myriad options for both quick and longer hiking adventures!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in West Virginia
April 13, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the best easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia? While we’re all for lacing up our hiking boots and setting out on one of the amazing waterfall-chasing adventures listed above, sometimes, we simply want to stop and spend some time gazing at these nature-made marvels… without all the hiking! In those instances, we consult this list of easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia. One of our absolute favorites is Cathedral Falls. This cascade in Gauley Bridge is the ultimate easy-access waterfall…because you can drive right to it! This impressive roadside attraction is located on U.S. Route 60 just southeast of the town of Gauley Bridge. This stunning waterfall in West Virginia is definitely one of the best! Another waterfall that you can drive right up to (or, if the road is gated, you might have to walk the last quarter of a mile) is Campbell Falls in Camp Creek State Park. There’s a great swimming hole at its base, so come prepared to jump in when the weather’s warm! We think this is one of the best easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia to visit in the summer months. And of course, we’d be remiss not to mention what’s perhaps the Mountain State’s crown jewel, Blackwater Falls. This is no doubt West Virginia’s favorite waterfall, and it’s also easily reachable via a short boardwalk trail! Come see why this is one of the best state parks in West Virginia - waterfalls and all! Where is the most scenic place to hike in West Virginia? Here in the Mountain State, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, which pretty much makes our state tops in terms of scenic hiking opportunities. Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and it’s truly a vision. This mountain town is famous around the nation for immense natural beauty – and historic significance. It’s the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a National Historical Park. It witnessed several key events in the Civil War. It was visited and admired by several of the Founding Fathers, too. From the vantage of the Overlook Cliff (accessible off the Maryland Heights Trail), you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Harpers Ferry that’s absolutely, positively bucket-list worthy. We love all the trails in this beautiful park, and there are myriad options for both quick and longer hiking adventures!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While we’re all for lacing up our hiking boots and setting out on one of the amazing waterfall-chasing adventures listed above, sometimes, we simply want to stop and spend some time gazing at these nature-made marvels… without all the hiking! In those instances, we consult this list of easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia. One of our absolute favorites is Cathedral Falls. This cascade in Gauley Bridge is the ultimate easy-access waterfall…because you can drive right to it! This impressive roadside attraction is located on U.S. Route 60 just southeast of the town of Gauley Bridge. This stunning waterfall in West Virginia is definitely one of the best! Another waterfall that you can drive right up to (or, if the road is gated, you might have to walk the last quarter of a mile) is Campbell Falls in Camp Creek State Park. There’s a great swimming hole at its base, so come prepared to jump in when the weather’s warm! We think this is one of the best easy-access waterfalls in West Virginia to visit in the summer months. And of course, we’d be remiss not to mention what’s perhaps the Mountain State’s crown jewel, Blackwater Falls. This is no doubt West Virginia’s favorite waterfall, and it’s also easily reachable via a short boardwalk trail! Come see why this is one of the best state parks in West Virginia - waterfalls and all!
Where is the most scenic place to hike in West Virginia?
Here in the Mountain State, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, which pretty much makes our state tops in terms of scenic hiking opportunities. Harpers Ferry is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland, and it’s truly a vision. This mountain town is famous around the nation for immense natural beauty – and historic significance. It’s the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail. It’s a National Historical Park. It witnessed several key events in the Civil War. It was visited and admired by several of the Founding Fathers, too. From the vantage of the Overlook Cliff (accessible off the Maryland Heights Trail), you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Harpers Ferry that’s absolutely, positively bucket-list worthy. We love all the trails in this beautiful park, and there are myriad options for both quick and longer hiking adventures!
