West Virginia’s waterfalls are beautiful places.  And if you’re looking to see several of them, there is a great option: 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.

GoogleMaps
Our map is easy to follow and boasts some of the most beautiful hiking views in the state.
1. Blackwater Falls - Blackwater Falls State Park
1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Malepheasant/Wikipedia
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
Blackwater Canyon Trail, Thomas, WV, USA
Forestwander/Wikimedia Commons
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, WV 26554, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
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.

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4. Cathedral Falls in Gauley Bridge
Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA
Patricia B - TripAdvisor
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
Kanawha Falls, WV 25115, USA
88FFG93OSU/Tripadvisor
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
25918, Abraham, WV 25918, USA
suzartwest/Flickr
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
3405 Pipestem Dr, Pipestem, WV 25979, USA
laserbub/Flickr
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
26282, Monterville, WV 26282, USA
Justyn Miller/Facebook
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 leave your own tips and tricks.

You may also enjoy an adventurous hike to these hidden West Virginia waterfalls.

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More to Explore

Best Waterfalls In West Virginia

Meghan Kraft | January 04, 2020

What are the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia?

The best waterfall hikes in West Virginia include:

  • Cathedral Falls
  • Douglas Falls
  • Wonder Falls
  • Elakala Falls

The best waterfall hikes can be found all over the state of West Virginia, from the truly epic trek to Cathedral Falls to the heart of the Falls of Hills Creek. Douglas Falls is a very popular hiking spot, and Wonder Falls in Bruceton Mills is perhaps one of the most majestic. If you're looking for a good place to start, Blackwater Falls State Park is located on the northern edge of the state and boasts four waterfalls for you to pick from. Head to Elakala Falls if you're looking for a challenge!

Learn more about the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia.

What is the largest waterfall in West Virginia?

The largest waterfall in West Virginia is:

  • Blackwater Falls

The highest waterfall in West Virginia can be found in the ever-popular Blackwater Falls State Park, and it's aptly named Blackwater Falls. The 57-foot plunge makes it the tallest waterfall in the state and the main attraction at Blackwater State Park.

Find out more about the largest waterfall in West Virginia.

Are there any other scenic hikes in West Virginia?

Scenic hikes in West Virginia include:

  • Seneca Rocks Trail
  • Long Point Trail
  • Lindy Point Trail
  • Harpers Ferry Trail

Our state is known for its lush beauty and expansive views, so it's not hard to find a handful of scenic hikes in West Virginia. Seneca Rocks Trail and Long Point Trail both boast breathtaking views, as well as the famed Lindy Point Trail and hike to Harpers Ferry. If you time your hike just right, you may be able to catch West Virginia at golden hour. Oh, what a treat it is to see the state lit up in gold come the evening time!

Discover more about scenic hikes in West Virginia.

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