Soak Up Scenic Views of These Beautiful Southern Waterfalls
Exploring the West Virginia Waterfall Trail
West Virginia is overflowing with a variety of gorgeous landscapes from rugged mountain tops to calming lake-side beaches. This trip covers a portion of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail and challenges you to go on an adventure to discover the magical waterfalls of Almost Heaven. Travel across the southern portion of the state and take in the beauty of 8 cascading falls. Spanning the course of 186 miles, this road trip is the perfect way to jumpstart your summer of exploring.
With more than two dozen falls featured, the West Virginia Waterfall Trail is the perfect summer activity. The best part: you can earn exclusive prizes along the way!
Coonskin Grotto
Coonskin Grotto
Charleston, WV ● 38.38385 -81.58028
Your journey begins in the capital city of Charleston. Tucked away in the hills of the city lies a beautiful cascading waterfall. Head over to Coonskin Park, where you’ll follow along a short hike on the Alice Knight Memorial Trail to reach the Grotto. Here you can enjoy the picturesque views while relaxing in the serenity of nature. When you’re finished, pop over to Taylor Books on Capitol Street where you can refuel with a delicious cup of coffee.
Drawdy Falls
Drawdy Falls
Peytona, WV ● 38.13402, -81.68756
After spending some time in Charleston, hop in your car to begin the second leg of your adventure. Take around a 30-minute drive South to Peytona where you’ll find Drawdy Falls. Located just off Route 3, these stunning falls are the perfect roadside oasis for your journey. Drawdy Falls is framed with large rock shelves and reaches 6 feet in height. This stop is sure to not disappoint.
Marsh Fork Falls & Black Fork Falls
Marsh Fork Falls & Black Fork Falls
Mullens, WV ● 37.62088, -81.45663
To see this next set of falls you’ll have to travel around an hour and a half south to Twin Falls State Park. Make sure to take in all of the gorgeous views on your scenic drive down. Marsh Fork Falls & Black Fork Falls are a pair of beautiful seasonal waterfalls nestled in the mountains. A one-mile trail loop leads you through the winding forest to see the trickling falls.
Campbell Falls
Campbell Falls
Camp Creek, WV ● 37.517522, -81.129311
For the next leg of your trip, follow those winding West Virginia roads about an hour east. Found within Camp Creek State Park is a stunning cluster of falls known as Campbell Falls. With 15 different shelves merging together to form a small pool at the bottom of the falls, it’s the perfect place to cool off or cast a line.
Mash Fork Falls
Mash Fork Falls
Camp Creek, WV ● 37.503550595367244, -81.14231410788139
Also located within Camp Creek State Park is Mash Fork Falls. At a height of 8 feet, these falls plunge over a variety of Sandstone ledges giving it a gorgeous silhouette. While this waterfall can be enjoyed from many different angles, there’s a viewing platform on the Mash Fork Falls Trail that offers the perfect shot of the falls.
Brush Creek Falls
Brush Creek Falls
Athens, WV ● 37.4666581, -81.060539
Just a short drive down the road from Mash Fork Falls, you will find Brush Creek Falls. Towering at a height of over 30 feet tall, this breathtaking waterfall is sure to excite. Stroll along a quarter-mile trail to reach this roaring waterfall. After exploring, settle in for a refreshing swim or tranquil picnic paired with a stunning view of the falls.
Big Branch Falls
Big Branch Falls
Brooks, WV ● 37.71708, -80.89323
Located around 30 minutes north in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is Big Branch Falls. Hidden away in the forest of the National Park, this 8-foot falls is an enchanting sight. Take the big branch trail loop through winding woodlands to reach these cascading falls.
Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls
Sandstone, WV ● 37.7584516, -80.9053677
Spanning over 1,500 feet wide, these magnificent falls are the perfect finale for your trip. Also located in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Sandstone Falls is a sight to behold. You’ll follow along a boardwalk path for picturesque views of the falls and New River. While you’re in the area, make sure to keep your eye out for some of West Virginia’s renowned wildflowers. End the night with a relaxing stay in a cozy Country Road Cabins cabin before making the trip back to Charleston.
If you would like to follow along this road trip, you can access the map here.
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This post was last updated on May 17, 2023