Great Outdoors

10 Waterfalls in West Virginia That Are Straight-Up Magical

Jason Macumber

August 21, 2025

A person in a red jacket stands on rocks in front of a small, cascading waterfall surrounded by mossy stones and dense greenery in a forest setting.

West Virginia is packed with stunning cascades hidden in lush forests and tucked along mountain trails. With over 200 waterfalls across the state, the West Virginia Waterfall Trail makes it easy to find the best of the best. From easy roadside views to epic hikes with splash-worthy payoffs, these 10 must-see waterfalls in Southern West Virginia are perfect to add to your bucket list!

Kanawha Falls

Aerial view of a dam and hydroelectric power station on a river, surrounded by green, forested hills and a small rocky island with trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

Just off scenic Route 60 near Gauley Bridge, Kanawha Falls makes a splash with its wide, powerful flow stretching across the Kanawha River. The 15-foot drop might be modest, but the views? Totally worth the stop. It’s a great spot for snapping photos, casting a fishing line, or launching a kayak for a chill paddle in Almost Heaven. Bonus: it’s practically roadside, so no hiking boots required.

Cathedral Falls

Four people enjoy a scenic spot by a waterfall in a lush, rocky forest. Sunlight shines through the trees above as one person points upward and the others smile, sitting and standing on rocks and a fallen log.

One of West Virginia’s tallest and most photogenic roadside waterfalls, Cathedral Falls is a showstopper. Just off Route 60 near Gauley Bridge, this 60-foot cascade plunges over sandstone cliffs into a shady, serene grotto. There’s a small parking area with picnic tables, and a quick stroll takes you close enough to feel the cool spray. Pack a picnic and make sure you’ve got your camera ready.

Mill Creek Falls of Hawk’s Nest

A small waterfall cascades over rocks into a river, surrounded by lush green trees and dense forest under soft daylight.

Located in Ansted, Mill Creek Falls is the star of the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, tumbling 20 feet into a rocky pool surrounded by lush forest. Just a one-mile hike from the trailhead, this beauty is the largest of several waterfalls along the route. Whether you’re chasing fall colors, spring blooms, or a peaceful winter scene, the views here are incredible no matter the season!

Turkey Creek Falls

A small waterfall cascades over layered rocks in a lush forest, surrounded by green trees and foliage, with a shallow pool at the base. Sunlight filters through the trees above.

In Hawks Nest State Park, Turkey Creek Falls is a charming 8-foot cascade that flows through mossy boulders and sandstone cliffs within the New River Gorge. Start your short hike near the Hawks Nest gift shop and follow the Cliffside Trail, then hang a left at Turkey Creek. The falls may be small, but the setting is worth the detour. Just watch your step—the rocks here are famously slippery.

Butcher Branch Falls

A person stands on rocks near the base of a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, moss-covered stones, and fallen branches in a forest setting.

Butcher Branch Falls is a scenic reward at the end of a one-mile adventure through New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Water spills down a tiered sandstone wall, creating a striking, multi-level flow. From the Kaymoor parking area, follow the Butcher Branch Trail and take a right onto the “climbers’ access” path. Watch your step! It can be a bit steep, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Mann’s Creek Falls

A small waterfall flows over rocks in a forested area with green shrubs and trees on both sides. The water appears clear and fast-moving, creating white foam as it cascades downstream.

Mann’s Creek Falls isn’t towering, but it makes up for it in character. Layer after layer of water flows over rock ledges, creating a textured, photogenic scene deep in Babcock State Park. From the campground overflow lot near campsite 40, follow the Mann’s Creek Gorge Trail for half a mile. You’ll hear the falls before you see them.

Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls

A rustic wooden gristmill sits among vibrant autumn trees, overlooking a rocky waterfall and stream surrounded by orange, yellow, and green foliage.

Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls is one of West Virginia’s most photographed landmarks, and it’s easy to see why. Located in Babcock State Park, this scenic waterfall flows beneath a beautifully reconstructed grist mill, capturing the charm of Appalachia in one frame. A short stone path leads to the base of the falls, a great spot for photos. You’ll also find one of the iconic Almost Heaven swings here! Visit in the fall for peak leaf peeping.

Finn’s Falls

A small waterfall cascades over a rocky ledge into a shallow pool surrounded by lush green plants and trees in a forest setting. Sunlight filters through the leaves, illuminating the scene.

These charming falls pour over a rocky shelf into a small pool surrounded by the dense forest of the New River Gorge region. Located in ACE Adventure Resort, simply follow the marked signs to the Waterfall Trail. You’ll hike for a mile before the trail splits to Finn’s Falls trail, which leads directly to the falls. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the table near the falls and be sure to snap as many photos as you can!

Dunloup Falls

A small waterfall cascades over rocks in a forest filled with vibrant autumn foliage, with yellow and orange leaves covering the trees and ground.

A hidden waterfall near an abandoned mining town? Yes, please! Located near Thurmond, this cascade flows 20 feet over a rocky shelf of sandstone into a flowing creek. You can see the falls from the road, making it a perfect pitstop on a road trip, or you can hike down the creek bed for a closer view.

Cranberry Creek Cascades

A small waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks in a forest surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.

You won’t have to travel too far off the grid to see this picturesque waterfall. Just a short drive from downtown Beckley, Cranberry Creek Cascades is reached via Stanaford Mine Road and the Piney Creek Preserve trailhead. A flat, 100-yard walk along the Waterfall Hollow Trail leads to a fork: Cranberry Creek Cascades is on the right, alongside Little Whitestick Falls. While not the most impressive falls in scope, these cascades offer an understated beauty as they tumble over shallow ledges.