7 Of The Greatest Waterfall Hiking Trails In West Virginia For Beginners

In West Virginia, we may be known as the Mountain State, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find other noteworthy natural wonders here! Instead of making your way up high elevations, trade in the treacherous treks for some more easy-going waterfall hikes that can be found all around our state. If this type of adventure sounds right up your alley, then keep scrolling to discover some of the greatest waterfall trails.

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One of the tallest waterfalls that you can hike to here in West Virginia, Cathedral Falls cascades down more than 60 feet. While the idea of making your way to one of our state's largest waterfalls might make you think that you have a large hike ahead of you, Cathedral Falls is actually quite easy to get to! Right near Route 60, all it takes is a quick hike down to the falls from the parking lot to enjoy this miraculous view. To find out more, click here.

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Inside Babcock State Park, just beside the Glade Creek Grist Mill, you'll find a beautiful series of small cascading waterfalls. While these falls may not be the largest or most epic in West Virginia, the sight of the creek's cascading falls paired with the view of the grist mill and rural scenery makes for one beautiful outing. With a handful of trails running through the park that range from only .7-miles to 4-miles in length, you'll find that this is a great place to enjoy some easy hikes. To find out more, click here.

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The largest waterfall that you’ll find along the New River, Sandstone Falls is a breathtaking sight to see - stretching across a grand total of 1,500 feet. Woah! Across the river, the falls cascade down anywhere from 10 feet to 25 feet, creating gorgeous scenery that’s worth the hike. Just under a half-mile long, this short trail is one of the most rewarding that you’ll find in West Virginia. To find out more, click here.

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Tucked away within the Allegheny Mountains, venture on out to Blackwater Falls State Park and you can find a short but sweet hike that will lead you to a stunning waterfall. A great way to break in a new pair of hiking shoes, the Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail will have you traversing down 200 steps through the state park. Giving you a pristine view of the 62-foot Blackwater Falls, it’s time to check out this waterfall hike if you haven’t yet already. To find out more, click here.

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Bringing you out to Mercer County, Brush Creek Falls is a beautiful natural wonder of West Virginia that you'll love hiking out to. Right near Athens, the trail out to Brush Creek Falls is only .25-miles long and will have you hiking through the forests of West Virginia. This one requires a good pair of shoes due to the slightly rocky terrain that you'll be hiking over, but you'll quickly find yourself in awe as you stand before the 25-foot tall Brush Creek Falls. To find out more, click here.

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Ready to experience a breathtaking view? Then it’s time that you start hiking out along the Falls of Hills Creek Trail! Only 1.8 miles long, the Falls of Hills Creek can be found hidden away within the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area in West Virginia. Less than a mile each way, the trail leads you into the forest, over small footbridges, and down a steep flight of stairs. With multiple waterfalls that you’ll get to pass along the way, the Falls of Hills Creek Trail is rewarding to say the least. To find out more, click here.

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Not too far from Blackwater Falls, Douglas Fall is a lesser-known natural wonder that you'll wish you had discovered sooner. Travel quite literally off of the beaten path and before you know it, you'll be hiking down into a canyon and through West Virginia's hardwood forests for a waterfall adventure that you'll never forget. To find out more, click here.

Feeling up to exploring more waterfalls that are hidden away within our beautiful state? Then don’t miss out on reading about how Twin Falls Loop Trail Is A Beginner-Friendly Waterfall Trail In West Virginia That’s Great For A Family Hike!