West Virginia, located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is surrounded by a landscape rich with rolling hills, flowing rivers, and scenic waterfalls. Exploring these waterfalls offers a refreshing break from the city and a chance to immerse oneself in the rugged beauty of West Virginia’s wilderness. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or someone looking to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace, the area around Beckley provides various opportunities to explore spectacular waterfall sites.
This beautiful waterfall, located within the Brush Creek Nature Preserve, is the largest waterfall in the immediate region. The falls are 25 feet high and span the entire width of Brush Creek.
Brush Creek Falls is a breathtaking and beautiful natural area, perfect for a family adventure such as fishing, where visitors can create lasting memories. The park features rock-covered paths that are easy to navigate but require careful walking due to some slippery spots; appropriate footwear is recommended. Visitors can safely descend to the base of the falls by taking their time and watching their step, making the short 0.25-mile walk entirely worth the effort to experience the falls up close. The area is pristine, quiet, and offers an authentic encounter with nature.
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A short, well-maintained trail leads from the parking area to various viewpoints of the falls.
Stretching 1,500 feet across the New River, Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the river and consists of a series of cascading drops.
Sandstone Falls is a remarkable and serene destination, well worth the drive to experience its natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a hike along the boardwalk to hear and see most of the falls, but are encouraged to allocate additional time to explore off the boardwalk, scramble over some rocks, and reach the end of the island for a more intimate and peaceful experience with the falls. It’s important for visitors to be mindful of the poison oak that is prevalent off the boardwalk paths.
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Boardwalks and viewing platforms make the falls easily accessible for visitors of all ages.
One of the tallest waterfalls in West Virginia, Cathedral Falls is an impressive and picturesque cascade that falls about 60 feet, set against a backdrop of large, stately rocks.
Cathedral Falls is a stunning natural gem that is easily accessible right off of Midland Trail, making it a convenient stop for travelers. Despite its close proximity to the road, the area is not overwhelmingly busy, allowing visitors to enjoy the falls up close and personal, and for the more adventurous, there is the option to climb up a hill to the top of the falls for a different perspective, although caution is advised when descending.
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The falls are visible from the road and require only a short walk from the parking area.
With its red rocks and vibrant green surroundings, Douglas Falls is a unique and photogenic waterfall, tumbling over a series of terraced drops.
Douglas Falls offers a beautiful and peaceful hiking experience, where visitors can enjoy solitude, especially during morning hours, and the trail features historical markers that provide insightful information about the area’s history. Though the gravel road leading to the falls can be challenging for low-profile vehicles and the trail down to the falls is steep, it is well worth the effort, revealing a unique and stunning waterfall characterized by its distinctive rusty-colored rocks, and a convenient rope is provided to assist visitors during their descent; additionally, nearby Albert Falls is another must-visit while in the area.
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The trail to the falls can be steep and rocky in places, so some hiking experience is recommended.
Located in Ansted, Mill Creek Falls offers a serene and peaceful setting, where the water cascades gracefully into a pool below.
Mill Creek Falls is a serene and peaceful destination, accessible via a 6-mile journey on a narrow, curvy, gravel road. Once you arrive, a parking area and clear signage for the WV Waterfall Trail are available, with a walkway and stairs leading you right down to the falls, where you can explore the surrounding rocks or wade into the refreshing water, making it a beautiful and worthwhile escape for anyone in the nearby area.
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A brief and relatively flat walk from the road leads you to the falls.
This series of three waterfalls, with the largest dropping 63 feet, is nestled in a scenic gorge within the Monongahela National Forest.
Falls of Hills Creek is a magical destination, particularly enchanting in the rain, with its powerful and spectacular waterfalls that can be viewed from a well-maintained boardwalk. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, but each step is worth it to witness the beauty of these three falls; and on sunny days, visitors will find spots where they can relax by the creek, making it a picturesque and rewarding excursion.
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The trail to the falls is 1.7 miles round trip and includes stairs and steeper sections.
One of the most iconic waterfalls in West Virginia, Blackwater Falls plunges 57 feet into the Blackwater Canyon and is known for its amber waters, caused by tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.
Blackwater Falls, a gem in West Virginia, is not only known for its stunning waterfalls but also for its convenient amenities and friendly atmosphere. The park features a beautiful and accessible boardwalk leading to the falls, which is a short walk from a well-equipped parking area complete with restrooms, a souvenir shop, and a snack shack. Additionally, the park welcomes leashed dogs, making it an excellent destination for the entire family.
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Well-maintained boardwalks and stairs provide several viewpoints of the falls.