Jake Cain is an entrepreneur and writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. He spends his free time driving around the country in his late 90’s conversion van, affectionately known as the “Monster Van” with his wife and 3 boys.
Exploring the East Coast’s nature can take a lifetime. The area’s biodiversity is an artist’s dream and a nature-lover’s paradise.
West Virginia is a heavily-forested state with many waterfalls waiting for you to take the time and opportunity to uncover their essence.
Waterfalls in West Virginia are a sight to behold, whether you are visiting as a tourist or a resident of the state.
Throughout West Virginia, you will find waterfalls that range from small trickle-type falls to high waterfalls that plunge spectacularly into the valleys.
Some areas have more than one waterfall, making it easy to explore multiple locations of natural beauty on the same day.
Elakala Falls
Elakala Falls is an awe-inspiring waterfall located in the Kanawha Valley in West Virginia. It is part of the Elk River gorge and is reachable by hiking or on horseback.
The hike to the Elakala Falls starts from the Elk River Overlook Trailhead, located about one mile east of Elkins.
Douglas Falls
Douglas Falls is a 70–foot waterfall in the Cheat River Gorge. It is part of the Monongahela National Forest.
Reaching Douglas Falls can be moderately difficult for hikers lacking experience.
The hike starts at the Forest Service Fee Booth in Douglas, WV, where visitors must pay a small fee before entering the forest.
The Douglas Falls trailhead is located a few miles up the road, and the hike is about four miles as a round-trip.
Indian Branch Falls
Indian Branch Falls is a two-tiered waterfall in the Greenbrier River Gorge in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
It is the highest single-drop waterfall in the area, and you can enjoy the gushing water from the Indian Branch Falls Trail.
The hike to the falls is relatively short, but it is steep and requires some scrambling.
The trailhead is located near the Greenbrier River Bridge, where visitors can park at the roadside parking area.
Valley Falls
Valley Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Greenbrier River Gorge in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
The scenic waterfall is part of the Greenbrier River National Scenic Riverway and is visible from the Valley Falls Trail.
The trailhead for the hike to the falls is near the Greenbrier River Bridge, where visitors can park at the roadside parking area.
Cathedral Falls
Visitors can find Cathedral Falls in the New River Gorge, near the town of Fayetteville. You can access them via a moderate hike from the Cathedral Falls Trailhead.
The hike is about a two-mile round-trip and involves some rocky terrain, with a few small stream crossings.
Upon reaching the falls, visitors will be rewarded with the sight of a beautiful waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff.
Kanawha Falls
Kanawha Falls is an impressive waterfall that drops 28 feet down the Kanawha River. Located near the town of Gauley Bridge, the falls were once used to power the nearby ironworks.
Visitors can take an easy walk along the river to get to the falls or take a rafting trip down the river to view the falls from the riverbank.
The awe-inspiring view of the falls is made even more special by its unique history as one of West Virginia’s oldest industrial sites.
High Falls
High Falls is located just outside of Williamson, West Virginia. The waterfall is part of the Williamson State Forest and is easily accessible via a short walk from the parking lot.
The hike is relatively short and takes visitors down a gentle slope to reach the falls.
The falls can be seen from several vantage points and is a great place to take a break from exploring the forest.
Sandstone Falls
The falls at Sandstone are a beautiful sight and make a great stop on your journey through the park.
The hike to the falls is fairly short and it only takes about 10 minutes to reach them.
The falls can be seen from a variety of viewing spots and make for a great opportunity to take a break from exploring the park.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is a unique combination of two separate waterfalls located near the town of Seneca Rocks, West Virginia.
The two falls are located within a few hundred feet of each other and are both accessible from the same trail.
The hike to the falls is relatively short, about two miles round-trip, and involves some light scrambling over rocks.
The falls are a spectacular sight and a popular spot to take a rest from touring the surrounding area.
Brush Creek Falls
Bush Creek Falls is in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.
The hike to the falls is fairly short and it should only take about 10 minutes to reach your destination.
Falls of Hills Creek
Visitors can find Falls of Hills Creek in the Hills Creek Valley in Nicholas County.
The waterfall is fed by a stream originating in the Allegheny Mountains and flowing through the Hills Creek Valley before entering the Ohio River.
The trailhead for the waterfall is located about a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh and can be accessed via West Virginia Route 54.
The hike to the waterfall is moderately challenging and takes visitors down a rugged path to reach the falls.
Pipestem Falls
Pipestem Falls is in the Laurel Highlands of West Virginia.
The waterfall is accessed via a short walk from the parking lot and features a series of cascading waterfalls.
The hike to the falls is relatively easy and only requires about 15 minutes to reach them.
Wonder Falls
Wonder Falls is a must-see when exploring West Virginia, with its streaming waterfalls and stunning beauty.
The trail is easy to access, requiring only 15 minutes to complete.
Babcock Mill Creek Falls
Located in the town of Pomeroy, West Virginia, Babcock Mill Creek Falls is a beautiful natural wonder.
The waterfall is fed by a stream that originates in the Allegheny Mountains and flows through the Babcock Mill Valley before entering the Ohio River.
The trailhead for the waterfall is located about a two-hour drive from Pittsburgh and can be accessed via West Virginia Route 54.
The hike to the gorgeous waterfall is moderately demanding and takes visitors down a rocky path to the falls.
Fox Branch Falls
Fox Branch Falls is one of the most impressive falls in West Virginia, and it is well worth the effort to get to.
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, you can get to the falls by lacing up your hiking shoes and taking a short trek.
The trail is relatively easy and takes visitors into the lush forest that surrounds the waterfall, perfect for relaxing with a picnic.
The view of Fox Branch Falls is truly breathtaking, and it is a great spot to take a break from exploring the forest.
West Virginia is worth a visit for its splendid landscape and geology.
From Brush Creek Falls to Fox Branch Falls, each amazing waterfall offers a unique experience and stunning views that are sure to captivate visitors.
Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a more challenging trek, there is something for everyone in West Virginia.
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