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If you’re an adventurous spirit or simply a lover of natural beauty, West Virginia’s breathtaking waterfalls are a must-add to your travel itinerary. With their stunning cascades and serene surroundings, these waterfalls offer a perfect escape into nature, whether you’re planning a summer hike or a spring getaway to witness their full glory. From the majestic Blackwater Falls, where rainbows dance in the mist, to the hidden gems along the Blackwater Canyon Trail, each waterfall has its own unique charm and character.
Before you lace up your hiking boots and head out, there are a few things to know that will enhance your experience. This guide will cover essential tips for a safe and enjoyable visit, including trail details, pet-friendly options, and hints for capturing the perfect photos. So pack your waterproof footwear, grab a map, and get ready to explore some of West Virginia’s most stunning natural wonders! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature enthusiast, these 16 waterfalls promise to leave you awestruck.
Know Before You Go:
- These waterfalls are all gorgeous year-round, however spring waterfalls are always the most impressive!
- There is also a Glade Creek Falls located in New River Gorge National Park that is not included on this list. Kates Falls and Glade Creek Falls, accessible via the Glade Creek Trail, are stunning, and we have hiked to them many times. However, reaching Kate Falls involves a 9.5-mile round trip hike with an elevation change of about 800 feet. Additionally, the water levels often drop to nearly nothing for much of the year, which is really why I’m leaving it off this list. However, if you are visiting during the spring, I recommend adding it to your itinerary. Want to know more? Check out one of our New River Gorge itineraries.
- For even the shorter trails, it is advisable to wear waterproof footwear that provides good traction.
- ALL of these trails are pet-friendly!
- While sightings are rare, black bears are present throughout West Virginia. Please review wildlife safety before heading out.
- Please grab a map before heading out on any trail. (Want to check out AllTrails+? Use this link for a discount- AllTrails+.)
- As always, please follow Leave No Trace principles.
#1 Blackwater Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park
Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 100+ ft
Trail Access: Park in the Trading Post Lot.
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes, inside the Trading Post.
If your knees can handle it, I recommend starting the loop at the trailhead on the east side of the parking area. This direction is steeper than the other, but I prefer hiking down it, rather than up.
The first half of the trail is short but steep, with lots of loose gravel, so watch your step! Once you reach the boardwalk stairs and the Almost Heaven swing, you will then need to descend over 200 steps to get to two overlooks of the stunning 60-foot falls. Since the falls are tucked into the gorge, the best time to take photos on a sunny day is around noon when the sun is directly overhead. At that time, you may even be rewarded with some spectacular rainbows in the waterfall.
After visiting both observation decks, head back up the stairs and take the path on your left to return to the parking area. The left path has a more gradual ascent than the right one.
#2 Elakala Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park
Distance: 1 mile round-trip
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 100+ ft
Trail Access: Park in The Lodge parking lot. The trailhead starts at the southwest side of the lot.
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes, inside The Lodge.
Most important thing to note about Elakala Falls- although this trail is designated as easy by both the park and AllTrails, be prepared for some scrambling if you want a good view of either waterfall.
From the trailhead, follow the red blazes as you make your way down through the forest. After crossing the bridge, follow the trail as it curves to the right. Shortly after the bridge, you’ll find a short but steep side trail on your right that leads down to the first waterfall along Shays Run. You will have to maneuver lots of rocks and roots, but once you’re at the bottom, you’ll be able to walk close enough to the falls to feel the spray of the water on your face.
Next, head about halfway back up the spur trail. Continue downstream a bit further to reach the second set of falls. While this set is smaller and a little harder to locate, it’s still a beautiful sight as the water cascades down the rocky steps.
After checking out the second set of falls, head back up to the main path and continue until you come to the road. From there, if you have more time, you could continue on the loop towards Balanced Rock; otherwise, turn around and head back to the trailhead. Adding the Balanced Rock loop will add 1.5 miles onto your hike. Follow the orange blazes.
#3/4/5/6 Albert, Teresa, Douglas, Kennedy Falls, Monongahela National Forest
Distance: ~ 1.5 miles round-trip (dependent on how much exploring you do)
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 50+ ft
Trail Access: Park in the lot by the gate- just past the iron bridge where the road ends and the Blackwater Canyon Trail begins. There will be a sign stating “no motor vehicles past this point.”
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
Restrooms at Trailhead: No
All four of these stunning waterfalls can be found along the North Fork of the Blackwater River. Start in the town of Thomas via WV-32. Take a left onto Douglas Road, and after one mile, make a slight left onto Rail Falls Road. This road will eventually turn into the Blackwater Canyon Trail at the gate.
The first waterfall you will encounter is Albert Falls, located less than a mile from the Douglas Road split, and located off the road, not the trail. Although it stands only 8 to 10 feet tall, the sight of water cascading over the rocky ledge into a basin of bright blue water is breathtaking. Be careful if you plan on exploring the bottom of the falls. The short trail down is steep and often muddy. The rocks at the bottom are also very slick, so be careful where you step!
Next is Teresa Falls, approximately 0.3 miles farther down Rails Falls Road. It is just past the historic iron bridge, whose size and wooden planks might leave you wondering whether it can support your car. After crossing the bridge, park in the designated lot, and you’ll find Teresa Falls just beyond that area. Although it is the smallest of the four falls, at about 4 to 6 feet tall, the large, smooth orange rock over which the water slides is pretty impressive. When water levels are low, this waterfall is the easiest to explore, giving you access to both the top and bottom with very minimal effort.
Continue on the Blackwater Canyon Trail for about 0.2 miles. From the top, the view of the next waterfall is limited, so you will need to take the steep, rocky path down to the base of Douglas Falls, which stands at a soaring 35 feet. There is a large area to explore here, and if you follow the water downstream, you can see the entirety of the spectacular cascades. Again, watch your step- the rocks around the falls are slick.
After you finish exploring Douglas Falls, climb back up the rocky cliffside to return to the main path. From there, continue another 0.2 miles. You will be able to see and hear Kennedy Falls from the main path; however, if you are willing to brave the cliffside, which has ropes for support, you can make your way down to the base for an even more impressive view of the roaring 25-foot falls.
Once you’ve taken in the sights at Kennedy Falls, retrace your steps back to the car.
#7/8/9 Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls via Falls of Hills Creek Trail, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
Distance: 1.8 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: +300 ft
Trail Access: Park in the lot at the end of Hill Creek Falls Road via WV-39
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash- however, the stairs to the last waterfall may be tricky with a pup’s paws.
Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes
Our crew has had many hiking adventures in West Virginia over the years, but this next trail still stands out as one of our favorites. And one we will never skip when road tripping through the area. In spring and summer, you’ll be surrounded by lush forests and vibrant wildflowers. In the fall, you’ll witness a stunning burst of yellows and oranges as the leaves fall to the forest floor. You really can’t go wrong with either choice!
Along the path, there are three breathtaking waterfalls: Upper Falls (25 ft), Middle Falls (45 ft), and Lower Falls (63 ft). Although the descent to Lower Falls is steep, I assure you that the climb back up is well worth the effort.
The trail to Upper Falls is paved, but it offers limited views of the waterfall itself. Beyond that point, you’ll encounter approximately 400 stairs, which will feel a little endless, leading down to two observation platforms that provide incredible views of both the Middle and Lower Falls. My best advice is to get to the bottom quickly, then enjoy all three waterfalls slowly as you make your way back up.
If you wish to shorten the hike slightly, you can take an alternate route on the way back up. At the top of the last set of steep stairs, you’ll come to a trail junction just before Upper Falls. Take the trail to the left for a more direct path to the parking area.
#10 Glade Creek Falls, Babcock State Park
Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
Trail Route: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 600+ ft
Trail Access: Park in the Visitor Center Lot.
Pet Friendly: Yes
Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes
This waterfall is technically a roadside waterfall since it is located just off the main parking area. However, to fully appreciate it and explore the best parts of the park, I highly recommend hiking the Skyline/Rocky/Narrow Gauge Loop. It begins right at the waterfall. The trail signage is not very clear, so I suggest downloading the AllTrails app before you go. This trail offers a diverse range of terrain, including creek views, forest scenery, waterfall sights, and mountain vistas. It has definitely become one of our favorites in the area! If you choose not to hike, I would at least take the stairs outside of the Visitor Center down to the water for more views of the incredible falls.
#11 Dunloup Falls, Thurmond
Distance: Roadside
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 0 ft
Trail Access: Park in the small pull-off via 25/Thurmond Road.
Pet Friendly: Yes
Restrooms at Trailhead: No
The first time I saw this waterfall, truthfully, I didn’t even know it had a name. We were driving down 25/Thurmond Road with the windows down on our way to the Stone Cliff Trail when we heard the sound of crashing water from our car. We parked at a small pull-off, which is unmarked but features an unusually large boulder, and looked over the edge, shocked to see the stunning 20-foot falls below. This pull-off is located approximately 1.5 miles south of the Thurmond Bridge. We have visited this spot many times since, and the water flow is always impressive. On our last visit, we were even fortunate enough to catch the train going by on the tracks that follow this section of Dunloup Creek!
#12/13 Kaymoor Mine Falls/Wolf Creek Falls, New River Gorge National Park
Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 50+ ft
Trail Access: Park in the very small lot (on the sharp turn) at the Kaymoor Trailhead via Fayatte Station Road.
Pet Friendly: Yes
Restrooms at Trailhead: No
To reach Kaymoor Mine Falls, begin up the path and cross the bridge that spans the creek. Once you’ve crossed, take a left turn onto the well-marked trail. The beautifully mossy cascades will be on your right.
After enjoying Kaymoor Mine Falls, make your way back to the bridge. If you visit during the late fall or winter months when the leaves have fallen from the trees, look toward the distance—you may be rewarded with a lovely view of Wolf Creek Falls right from the bridge.
If you happen to visit in the spring or summer when the foliage is thick and full, you won’t be able to spot the falls from the bridge. In that case, continue your adventure by walking upstream along the creek. This short trek leads to a viewpoint where you can fully appreciate the beauty of Wolf Creek Falls cascading down the rocks, making it well worth the extra effort. Please use caution. The rocks can be slick, and the path upstream is not well defined.
#14 Sandstone Falls, New River Gorge National Park
Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 10+ ft
Trail Access: Park in the large lot off of New River Road.
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Restrooms at Trailhead: Yes
Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. It measures 1,500 feet wide and ranges from 10 to 25 feet tall. You can walk along the short boardwalk to the overlook platform, where you’ll find plenty of areas to explore near the shoreline and surrounding rocks. Please exercise caution near the water, as the rapids are swift and the rocks can be slippery.
If you have a little more time, consider walking the Island Loop Trail. It is a 0.5-mile loop with minimal elevation gain. After that, head over to the Sandstone Falls Overlook on the other side of the river, where you can enjoy stunning views of the cascades from above.
#15 Cathedral Falls, Gauley Bridge
Distance: 0.2 miles round-trip
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 20+ ft
Trail Access: Park in the small lot off of US-60.
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Restrooms at Trailhead: No
We have visited New River Gorge National Park numerous times, but we never stopped at this waterfall just outside the park until our most recent visit. This 60-foot waterfall is incredible as it tumbles over a massive, mossy, rocky ledge. While you can see the falls from the parking area, I highly recommend taking the short dirt path to the base of the waterfall. The path is narrow and can become muddy and slick, but the view from the base is truly stunning. As you explore the area around the falls, be cautious of any snakes that may be resting in the crevices of the large shale and sandstone walls- we saw several! 😊
#16 Kanawha Falls, Glen Ferris
Distance: Roadside
Trail Route: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 0 ft
Trail Access: Park near the Kanawha Falls Public Fishing Area via US-60
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Restrooms near Trailhead: No
Kanawha Falls spans the entire length of the Kanawha River, showcasing a stunning series of sandstone ledges where water cascades in a beautiful display. These falls provide energy to a nearby hydroelectric plant, which was built in 1899 and is still operational today. Along the shoreline, you will find several beach areas ideal for exploring; however, please exercise caution if you have young children with you. Unfortunately, there is sometimes litter and broken glass left behind by previous visitors, so be mindful of your surroundings. Additionally, a boat launch is available for those interested in getting a closer look at the falls or enjoying a day of fishing.
I hope you have an incredible adventure!
Looking for another West Virginia itinerary? Check out our Cranberry Glades Botanical Area Itinerary!
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