West Virginia Waterfall Hikes
Written by: www.ForestWander.com
Where to take Waterfall Hikes in West Virginia
Some of you may ask; where do you find all of these waterfalls? Well the answer is not easy, because I have spent hours and days hiking and searching for waterfalls that I could take pictures of and to say the least I am not done. I probably will never be done searching for the elusive hidden forest waterfall. Nevertheless, I thought I would help you who are interested in searching and maybe taking your own waterfall hike and taking your own forest waterfall pictures.
Below are some of the most common areas that I have visited. These are by no means all of the waterfalls throughout West Virginia, certainly there are waterfalls that I am sure have probably rarely or never been seen. Each section will have a link to a map. These waterfall maps are not ours but we have copied the maps here for your convenience. All maps are property of their respective owners.
The Falls of Hills Creek
The falls of Hills Creek are some of the most spectacular waterfalls in West Virginia. There are three waterfalls at the area that breathtaking to say the least. At 1 and ½ miles the waterfall hike is not too bad of a hike for those who can navigate the steep steps and slippery walkways. This is not a recommended waterfall hike for those who have a difficult time walking up and down a significant number of steps. However, this is a very convenient hike for those who have the physical ability to walk up and down stairs, as the boardwalk and steps lead you to some very wonderful waterfall views. The first waterfall on the trail starts at 25 feet high, and is not easily seen. There is a way to climb down the cliff but it is not recommended to the weary or faint of heart. The Cliffside is very steep and dangerous. However, once you make it to the bottom you will see an amazing site and a wonderful waterfall. The creek is very beautiful below the waterfall and provides for great scenery around the magnificent cascade.Once you climb back up the cliff and walk down the steps and through the meandering trail you will find an outstanding waterfall that tumbles down an impressive 45 feet. This waterfall is particularly rugged and surprisingly easy to photograph. There is a very nice wooden deck that you may stand on and take waterfall pictures, or you may be daring enough to climb the wooden railing and traverse the rocks, which is not recommended. This waterfall offers a very nice view of the rocks and foliage all around it as well as the trees up above in the background. This is one of my favorites.
As you continue down the very well made boardwalk you will see the hills creek meandering through the forest around and over rocks in the creek bed and down to the next waterfall. This is no doubt an awesome display of nature’s power, as you see a 65 feet high waterfall drop to the creek below. This waterfall is the most beautiful I have ever seen. This not only takes the prize as more than likely West Virginia most beautiful waterfall, but it is very scenic and peaceful all around the waterfall.
The hillside behind the waterfall provides a wonderfully colored backdrop during the fall season and the rocks below give a touch of ruggedness and wonder as you look below. Be very careful at this area as the fall down the hillside could hurt you badly if you were to fall or go outside of the protective railing. The Magnificent waterfall backdrop here is perfect for waterfall picture backgrounds as you and your family, spouse or friends stand on the wooden overlook.
Black Waterfalls State Park
At one of West Virginia’s most well known State Parks you will find a few of the most popular and some of the most unknown waterfalls in the state. Black waterfalls are the Niagara waterfalls of West Virginia. Seen in many a postcard, the falls are very large and breathtaking.
You can hear the main falls at Black waterfalls from a great distance away. The volume of water that tumbles down these waterfalls is no doubt a huge volume. These falls are easily accessible and are even equipped for handicapped folks in wheel chairs to get to an area where they can behold the beauty of Black waterfalls. Two areas provide access to these falls, one at the main park facilities and another on a road leading to the cabins and mountain lodge area (which I recommend staying at). Both are easy to get to and are frequented by visitors from all over.
Pendleton Falls
If you continue past the main park facilities at black waterfalls state park, you will come to a viewing area of the black water canyon. This is a wonderful place for taking canyon photographs, but be careful, the cliffs are Very Dangerous and you can fall very far down into the canyon if not careful. There are also a couple different trails that you may take to get to Pendleton Falls from this overlook area. The trails are very step and not well marked so you must wear some good hiking boots.
Pendleton falls are pretty and remote; you cannot see them very well from a distance so if you want to see these waterfalls the best thing to do is to go on a waterfall hike adventure! Pendleton falls have a few different levels of waterfalls and each varies in size and beauty. Although not one of my favorites they are nonetheless pretty and a nice hike to go on.
Elakala Falls
Buried behind the Black waterfalls lodge is a little unnoticed trail called Elakala trail. This unnoticed trail is very beautiful and very pleasant to walk through. Moss covered rocks and pine trees cover the forest area in pine needles.
For reference pictures visit www.ForestWaterfalls.com