These, in my personal opinion, are the best/pretiest waterfalls in West Virginia that I have seen. There will be some who wonder why I left out some of the most Iconic falls, but, we're talking the best, not necessarily the most famous or most accessible. As a matter of fact, some of these are quite iffy in the access department. So, here' my list.
| Best/Pretiest | Most Dangerous & Most Difficult |
All Day Involvement That's Worth The Time
Blackwater Falls State Park - There's a lot more to see here than the magnificent Blackwater Falls. There are viewing platforms on both sides of the river or you can scramble down Falls Run right into the river in front of the falls. There are other major falls in the park as well as a number of falls in the local vacinity.
Babcock State Park - There is a nice iconic waterfall there, with a nice old mill for a background and it is very beautiful. There are also some other falls in the park, like Manns Creek, as well as great hiking and a couple of nice overlooks.
Sandstone Falls and surrounding area. Much to do here. If you are a photographer, you might as well pitch a tent. Click the link for all the information.
Dolly Sods and Red Creek. Red Creek is a fairly easy hike untill you decide to venture uphill to some of the feeder creeks. All in all a beautiful area and then there are "The Sods". You could easily spend a week here and not be satisfied.
Gauley River National Recreation Area (NRA) - This is well worth the time and effort if you are up for it. Be advised that not much of this area is suited to low clearance or two wheel drive vehicles. Please read everything before attempting to enter this area.
Craig Branch - Take the route along the base of the cliffs and then downhill along the creek to see one major fall at the top and four really pretty falls on the way down. Egress is by way of the easy Kaymoor trail at the bottom of the run over to the Kaymoor Miners trail and back up to the top of the hill.
Lower Marr Branch - Park at the Lower New River Gorge take-out and walk a mile west down the tracks. Some rock climbing will be required once you leave the tracks to head uphill to the falls.
Hawks Nest State Park includes more than six waterfalls on two creeks. Mill Creek is one of the most scenic in W.V. with it's beautiful waterfalls. It also boasts some of the most magnificent creek scenery anywhere. When the light is right, you'll have artwork in your camera.
Holly River State Park has some nice falls, but some may not be running unless there have been recent rains. Regardless, Holly River is worth the trip and the main falls are usually running. There is also a lot of other adventure to be had in the area.
