West Virginia's waterfalls are beautiful places. And if you're looking to see several of them all in one weekend, we have a great option for you: a West Virginia Waterfalls road trip! This trip will take you from Blackwater Falls in Davis down south to Sandstone and back around so you can view the natural beauty our state has to offer and some of the best waterfalls in West Virginia. It's the perfect round-up of natural wonders in the state, and perhaps the best handful of scenic hikes in West Virginia, as well.
The roundtrip is 11 hours, so find some great tunes, gas up the car, and get going! Just follow the interactive map. Happy adventuring, friends! Stay safe out there.
Our map for this waterfall road trip in West Virginia is easy to follow and boasts some of the most beautiful hiking views in the state.
1. Blackwater Falls - Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park can be found in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. It's a beautiful park that expands across the Canaan Valley and boasts the stunning Blackwater Canyon. It also boasts one of the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia! There are actually three easy trails to Blackwater Falls, and you can choose from a 0.8 trek to a 2.5-mile wander through the wilderness. Keep in mind, you'll need to walk 214 steps down to access the falls. Take a look at how beautiful these falls are when frozen:
2. Douglas Falls - Blackwater Falls State Park
Douglas Falls can be found right outside of the city of Thomas, on the North Fork Blackwater River. It's known as one of the "elite" waterfalls in the state of West Virginia, and most folks hit up both the Blackwater Falls above and Douglas Falls on the same trip, since they're close by and located in the same state park. The waterfall is accessible by way of a steep trek into a slippery cove. It's well worth the visit, mainly for the famed orange rocks that sit at the waterfall's base. Get a bird's-eye view of these lovely waterfalls in action:
3. Valley Falls - Valley Falls State Park
Valley Falls is accessible by way of the Rocky and Rhododendron Trail in the heart of Valley Falls State Park. This West Virginia waterfall hike is a 3.9 lightly trafficked loop that takes you to the stunning, water-centric site. The area once operated as a lumber and grist mill community, which adds an infusion of history to the whole experience. Although we'd recommend visiting during the warmer months, the trail to Valley Falls is accessible all year.
4. Cathedral Falls in Gauley Bridge
Cathedral Falls is known as one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the heart of West Virginia. It's located in the town of Gauley Bridge, and though it is famed and lauded all around the state, it's also one of the easiest waterfalls to see. The falls are actually visible from a parking area off Route 60, but if you choose, you can take a short trail from the lot to the falls. Wander the cove and fall in love with the sound of rushing water, intensified by the waterfall's natural amphitheater.
5. Kanawha Falls - Kanawha State Forest
This West Virginia waterfall is easily accessible off Route 60, as well. There are multiple hiking trails throughout the park with varying lengths, so make sure to choose the trek that works for you and your party. Depending on the time of year, the park can be pretty frigid or lush with vegetation. Either way, frozen or surrounded by greenery, the falls are a beautiful sight.See what these gorgeous waterfalls look like when they're flowing:
6. Sandstone Falls - New River Gorge National River
The Sandstone Falls Loop Hiking Trail features waterfalls and scenic farmland views as it meanders roughly 1.1 miles through the park. It's a great hike for kids, and even Fido is welcome if he's on a leash.
7. Indian Branch Falls - Pipestem Resort State Park
The West Virginia waterfall hike to Indian Branch Falls is accessible by way of a 1.2-mile hike along the County Line Trail. It begins at the nature center, and if you choose to visit you're bound to catch sight of multiple unnamed waterfalls along the trail, just downstream from Indian Branch Falls itself.
8. Whitaker Falls - Webster County
Whitaker Falls is located just along Bergoo Road in Webster County, West Virginia. A quick ten-minute hike will take you into a perfectly primitive natural area, and there's a series of small waterfalls in the vicinity perfect for photographs. There are also camping options, hotels, and restaurants in the area for your convenience, though there are no facilities at the falls themselves.
What do you think of this West Virginia Waterfalls road trip? Any takers? Let us know in the comments if you decide to take the trip, and make sure to let us know about any more cool waterfalls near you.
You may also enjoy an adventurous hike to these hidden West Virginia waterfalls. If incredible scenic views and the allure of nature appeal to you, of course.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/extremely-hidden-waterfall-wv/
Check out even more of West Virginia's natural wonders in this quick video:
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