17 Wild And Wonderful West Virginia Waterfalls

Grab your hiking boots. West Virginia’s rugged terrain and panoramic waterfalls are waiting.

Boasting more than 200 panoramic waterfalls, West Virginia’s rugged terrain is one of the most breathtaking in the South. The Mountain State tempts hikers and adventurers to explore at every turn—the 35 state parks and six national parks within its boarders means lush landscapes and await all around.

Here you’ll find all sorts of waterfalls, whether you’re an experienced mountain climber or just in search of a leisurely walk among trees and rivers. You’ll discover breathtaking cascades of all shapes and sizes throughout the Allegheny and Appalachian Mountains. It’s enough to turn you into a burgeoning nature photographer.

Grab your hiking boots and a waterproof camera. It’s time to see why everyone calls West Virginia "almost Heaven." 

Blackwater Falls

Blackwater Falls State Park: Davis, West Virginia 

Blackwater Falls is named for the color of the river due to the hemlock and red spruce needles that stain the water. It’s also the most well-known and most-photographed waterfall in the state. Tucked within the stunning Allegheny Mountains in Tucker County, it’s the namesake for the Blackwater Falls State Park. Families with children or anyone that wants a simple walk on a sturdy boardwalk will appreciate the wide path and railings. It’s a jaw-dropping waterfall cascading over a 57-foot drop.

Cathedral Falls

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Lansing, West Virginia 

Prepare to spend some time gazing at Cathedral Falls near Gauley Bridge. It’s one of the highest waterfalls in the state. The Cane Creek drops an astounding 60-feet. This wonder is really easy to find, right along Route 60. In fact, you can even see it from the road (and even the parking lot). To really experience it, take the simple hike where you can stand at the foot of the waterfall and take in all the noise and power.

Butcher Branch Falls

Cathedral Falls: Gauley Bridge, West Virginia 

Are you up for a bit of a hike? Butcher Branch Falls, located near Fayetteville in Fayette County, is a powerful reward after a half-mile trek. If it rained recently, you’ll be welcomed by a roaring fall over a 40-foot drop. To find Butcher Branch Falls, you’ll need to hike down the Butcher Branch Trail and find the sign that says “climbing access.” Be careful: It’s pretty steep and rocky.

Drawdy Falls

Drawdy Falls: Peytona, West Virginia 

For a smaller, more relaxing oasis, check out Drawdy falls in Boone County. It feels secluded, but it’s actually surprisingly accessible and easy to find. They sit right off of Route 3 and spill over 6 feet of rocks and boulders. Bring a picnic basket; you’ll enjoy the rocky views of scenic Drawdy Creek as you relax with your lunch.

High Falls Of The Cheat

Monongahela National Forest : Huttonsville, West Virginia  

These short waterfalls are worth a visit. Nestled within the Monongahela National Forest, this pair of waterfalls shows off best in the fall, when the leaves are changing to bold oranges and reds. The Cheat river snakes through Shavers Mountain and crests over a smaller, 20-foot drop. It’s a bit of a challenging hike to find the High Falls of the Cheat, but the view at the end is worth it.

Elakala Falls

Blackwater Falls State Park: Davis, West Virginia 

Blackwater Falls isn’t the only waterfall in the Blackwater Falls State Park. Elakala Falls includes four different waterfalls that pour down a 35-foot drop. Finding them requires a bit of a hike, and you can hear the roar of the falls as you get closer. In fact, the Elakala Trail leads you to a wooden bridge that lets you walk directly above the first waterfall.

Brush Creek Falls

Brush Creek Falls: Athens, West Virginia 

The Bluestone River in Mercer County feeds right into this well-known natural gem. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels enjoy the quarter-mile hike to the picturesque cascade. Brush Creek plummets over 33-foot falls and meets the Bluestone River. At the end of the hike, walk right up to the railing and take in the beauty of the waterfall.

Turkey Creek Falls

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Lansing, West Virginia 

What’s more West Virginia than a name like Turkey Creek Falls? It might have a quaint name, but it’s an enchanting place to take in the beauty of The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The water flows and drops down 8 feet. Since you have to hike through Hawk’s Nest State Park to get to it, you’ll get to check two parks off your list at once. This is a calmer waterfall, with water cascading down rocks in multiple locations along Turkey Creek.

Oglebay Falls

Oglebay Park Falls: Wheeling, West Virginia 

Choose your own adventure to see Oglebay Falls. Take the easy route and walk along a shallow stream and up some wooden steps to a sturdy viewing platform. Or challenge yourself a bit and follow a 0.8-mile hike along the Falls Vista Trail. Either way, explore the Northern Panhandle and snap photos as the waterfalls drop not once but twice over moss-covered rocky shelves.

Coonskin Grotto

Coonskin Park: Charleston, West Virginia 

The Coonskin Grotto is a hidden waterfall just outside of the capital city of Charleston. The Elk River flows right into a sandy cave, and with a little careful hiking, you can splash around inside of it. The sandstone cave gives you a feeling of seclusion and provides protection against the heat of summer. It’s a treasure that locals near Coonskin Park just call “the Grotto” but you’ll probably call it “incredible!”

Pendleton Falls

Blackwater Falls State Park: Davis, West Virginia 

Also called The Falls of Pendleton, these are a smaller set of waterfalls within the Blackwater Falls State Park. They are idyllic and impressive, boasting a 20-foot drop. The Pendleton Run crashes into the Blackwater River over slippery moss-covered boulders. To get up close to them, you’ll need to hike down a steep trail. Otherwise, you can also see them from a safer roadside overlook.

Kanawha Falls

Kanawha Falls: Glen Ferris, West Virginia 

The smaller Kanawha Falls are an easy stop on a West Virginia road trip. You can see them on Route 60. This is where the New River and Gauley Rivers converge. What they lack in height, they make up for in width. Even though they only fall about 15 feet, they span the entire length of the river, giving photographers plenty of chances for poster-ready shots.

Sandstone Falls

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Lansing, West Virginia

As the name suggests, the Sandstone Falls really do crash and tumble over smooth sandstone! These cascades are a must-see for everyone that visits the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. There is a simple boardwalk that helps you take in the overwhelming site of the 1,500-ft wide series of waterfalls. This is the place that will make you stop and understand why they call this state “Almost Heaven.”

Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls

Babcock State Park: Clifftop, West Virginia 

If you’ve got a hankering to snap some calendar-ready photos of waterfalls, then check out the historic Grist Mill at Babcock State Park. Here, the water tumbles past the old mill to create the Grist Mills Falls. There’s a stone path that leads you right up to it, giving you plenty of chances for that perfect picture. The waterfall drops down 15-feet but spans the entire width of the creek. Autumn is the best time to see Grist Mill Falls because the leaves create a jaw-dropping canvas behind the falling white water.

Big Branch Falls

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Lansing, West Virginia 

Another popular stop within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is Big Branch Falls. It feels secluded, the place poets might find creative inspiration. The dense forest protects you from the noise and bustle of the outside world. Hiking the 2-mile loop of the Big Branch Trail rewards you with the 8-foot wondrous waterfall.

Seneca Creek Falls

Monongahela National Forest: Huttonsville, West Virginia 

Another place to go when you want seclusion and relaxation is Seneca Creek Falls. The lush evergreens in Monongahela National Forest provide a picturesque backdrop as the water plummets down a 12-foot cliff. These cascades are hidden at the base of Spruce Knob, which is the highest point in the state. Take plenty of water, a hiking stick, and comfortable boots; it’s a 5-milk hike along Seneca Creek to reach the stunning waterfalls.

Mill Creek Falls Of Hawk’s Nest

Hawks Nest State Park: Ansted, West Virginia 

Hikers along the Hawks Nest Rail Trail will easily be able to spot (and hear) the Mill Creek Falls. You’ll hear the falls before you see them because they crash over a 20-foot drop, tumbling down a staircase of rocks and boulders. It’s a one-mile hike to reach them up close, so it’s something that even beginning hikers can see. In fact, you can even sit in your car and see them from a country road in Fayette County.

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