Top Things to do in West Virginia
Top Hotels in West Virginia
- 1. La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Summersville
- 2. Hampton Inn Wheeling
- 3. Hampton Inn Charleston-Southridge
- 4. The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs
- 5. Hampton Inn Weston
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Beckley, WV
- 7. Wingate by Wyndham Elkins
- 8. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charleston South, WV
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Morgantown
- 10. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Beckley East
Countries
8 Waterfalls in West Virginia That You Shouldn't Miss
As you would expect, The Mountain State displays rustic charm with dramatic river gorges, large limestone caverns and spectacular mountain views. West Virginia hosts outdoor enthusiasts and family vacationers looking for fresh-air activities and serene mountain atmosphere. If stimulating city holidays are your preference, Charleston combines warm hospitality with a lovely riverside location. A family-friendly destination, you’ll discover children’s theatre, river park recreation and popular Bridge Road for shopping and dining. Smaller towns blend outdoor adventure with quaint village atmospheres. Set between the New, Greenbrier and Bluestone Rivers, Hinton is an historic rail town filled with turn-of-the-century architecture and a host of water activities at its doorstep – rafting, fishing, kayaking and more. In the heart of West Virginia, Summersville is a “Mountain Water Playground.” Its lakeside location encourages outdoor recreation from swimming and boating to scuba diving and rafting. And history buffs can trace Civil War battles throughout the states historic sites and state parks. Hiking or horseback riding along trails through deep hardwood forests is another family favorite, especially when you stop for a picnic along a clear mountain stream.
Restaurants in West Virginia
1. High Falls of Cheat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Falls of Hills Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Tucked away in a narrow gorge just off the Highland Scenic Highway is a hidden treasure known as the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area. This popular 114 acre area contains three waterfalls - 25 feet, 45 feet, and 63 feet. The lower falls, at 63 feet is the second highest waterfall in West Virginia. A three quarter mile trail leads visitors to spectacular views of the three waterfalls as Hills Creek descends 220 feet between the upper and lower falls. The first 1700 feet of trail is a paved, wheelchair accessible path to the upper falls viewing platform. The remainder of the trail is more strenuous with stairways and boardwalks leading to the lower falls. There are 382 stair steps to the lower falls. The complete trip takes about an hour, or longer, if you want to rest often or just enjoy the scenic beauty.
Reviewed By wvundertaker - Cumberland, United States
The upper falls can’t really be seen. They need to cut the trees for a better view. Middle Falls was the prettiest in my opinion. Water level was low in all the falls, but the way they were positioned made them look fuller. The lower falls were a good distance from the middle falls and about 6 more flights of steps down. We stood about 3 flights from the bottom and took pics. They were pretty, despite low water. The trail is in good condition. The walkway and steps are good. I read somewhere there were 382 stairs. That’s pretty accurate. It was a beautiful hike, but it’s rough on the average Joe.
3. Sandstone Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States
Sandstone Falls is a 20-foot high, 1500-foot wide waterfall spanning the width of New River. Although not particularly high, the power of the water flowing over the falls is quite impressive. The National Park Service has a boardwalk that provides views of the waterfall and there are unofficial paths off the boardwalks that lead to closer views of the falls. There's really a lot to see here, so plan on spending some time exploring. We visited during relatively low water so rather than one continuous drop, it was dozens of smaller drops - a really beautiful sight.
4. Blackwater Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,006 reviews
- Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls, along with a few of the park’s other features like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook, are some of the state’s most photographed spots. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views year-round by taking the steps to the falls or using viewing platforms. The park has 20 miles of hiking trails, the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast, a comfortable lodge and more.
Reviewed By WiseWomanWanderer - Mount Orab, United States
If you want some R&R (rest and relaxation), then this place is for you! And if you are a hiker, then you will also experience lots of RRR&R which is rocks, roots, rain (water), and rhododendron!! Yep, most of these trails will have at least 2 or 3 of these features, and many trails have all 4. But it is OK. Most trails were reasonably flat and short, but could be extended for much longer. The rocks and roots were not much problem - just made the trails interesting. The rhododendron were really pretty, and probably gorgeous when in bloom. Some of these plants extended into the path which could be a problem during tick season. But the rain (water) was not pleasant. The rocks and roots were quite slippery. And the boggy areas were quite difficult. Nevertheless, I still really enjoyed the trails. Of course, any trip to this state park absolutely must include Blackwater Falls! I suggest the boardwalk and the gentle trail although the gentle trail can be skipped if you are short on time. Yes, there are lots of steps (200!) on this boardwalk, but the view is worth it. I never get tired of water falls. Just so much energy! Ekalala Falls is another not to be missed trail which starts on the far right of the lodge as you are looking at the lodge. Lots of wet rocks and roots. The bridge overlooks the falls which are directly underneath. Even though there is no definitive trail down to water level, you can make it if you want to risk even more wet rocks and roots. Again, it is worth it, but be careful! Ekalala Falls Trail ends at the road and Balanced Rock Trail starts at the road. Again, RRR&R. The rock formation is large, but not huge. Interesting how the formation was made just from one rock. While you are in the park, check out the various overlooks. There are 2-3 roadside overlooks. Lindy Point is just a short 1/2 mile walk (RRR&R). Pace Point is about 1.3 or 1.7 miles one way (depending who you ask) and is quite doable. Pendleton Point is directly across the canyon from the lodge. If you would like to go down to the water front, head to the bridge that crosses over Blackwater River and park in the small lot. Immediately to the left of the sign that says Catch and Release, you will see a small opening and a trail that takes you down to the water front. Sitting on those rocks and listening to the river was so peaceful. Even though not in the park, Abrams Falls and Douglas Falls are close enough to be considered part of the park. They are just south of the neighboring town of Thomas. (Please see my review of Douglas Falls.) Blackwater Canyon Trail starts at Douglas Falls. This trail could be called rrr&r because it had so little rocks, roots, rain, and rhododendron which makes it really easy to walk. The trail varies from about 2-3 feet to more than 8-10 feet, but does descend downhill for at least the first mile or so that I traversed. I found out later that the trail is 19 miles one direction. I always stop to get a book from an insider about the trails in the area. However, the nature center and the lodge gift shop told me that they did not know about such a book for this park. Well, the next day I found a brochure in the lodge gift shop that opened up really large and that contained tons of trails throughout Tucker County including Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods and Monongahela Forest and more. If you are an avid hiker, you need this brochure. I stayed at the Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge. Please check out my review. And I traveled with my dog. Dogs were allowed on all of the trails, but must be on a leash. Here is my 3 night itinerary... Friday: Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Trail, Blackwater Falls Gentle Trail, Pendleton Point Overlook, Lindy Point Overlook Saturday: Ekalala Falls, Balanced Rock, Pace Point Sunday: Abrams Falls, Douglas Falls, Blackwater Canyon Trail, Catch and Release area of Blackwater River near bridge, loop near the lodge (Lodge to Water Tank Trail to Red Srice Trail to Davis Trail to Stemwinder Trail, to Red Spruce Trail to Water Tank Trail to Lodge), Blackwater Falls Boardwalkd Trail, Pendleton Point Overlook
5. Brush Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By jmpncsu - Raleigh, United States
Brush Creek Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall. It's on state property and there's a small parking area and trail to access the falls. Scramble paths lead down from the trail to the base, which makes a great place to relax and cool off. It's a popular location so try to arrive early. Just past the falls, the trail enters Brush Creek Preserve, a Nature Conservancy Property. The trail ends at White Oak Creek Falls, another scenic waterfall in three sections.
6. Cathedral Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Markloveshaggis - Pittsburgh, United States
Easy stop along Midland Trail, Route 60. Many unique parts of the falls even when the water flow is low.
7. Falling Waters Waterfall
8. Douglas Falls
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By WiseWomanWanderer - Mount Orab, United States
I am so glad that I braved the off-the-beaten path directions and visited Douglas Falls and near-by Abrams Falls. Totally worth it! From Appalachian Trail (32) in Thomas WV, head south on 27. A dirt road splits off on the right. Fortunately, there was a sign for Douglas Falls at the split. The dirt road is not well-maintained.; you will experience many large potholes and even an over flowing spring. About half way, ou will pass a coke memorial on the left. Then, a bit further you will see Abrams Falls on your left. If the one car pull over is empty, best to get out now and snap that photo. Just a bit more, you will see a rickety bridge. You can park before the bridge or you can dare to cross the rickety bridge to a bigger parking lot. At this point, continue to walk down the dirt road until you meet up with a gate. Immediately, turn left and head down the rocks to get a better view of Douglas Falls. You really cannot see much from the dirt road. Someone has tied a rope at the top to help you down and back up. The rocks are slippery from the sand and the mist so be careful! These falls are awesome. The pool was not emerald though as other reviews have stated. You can get fairly close. And you can travel just a bit down stream by climbing the wet and sandy rocks. One tree was uprooted, but you can travel amidst the roots - rather cool. The trail after the gate is called Blackwater Canyon Trail. Evidently, it goes for at least 19 miles. I just went about one mile. The trail is rather easy. The town did a fairly good job explaining some of the history of this coal-mining town. You will see educational displays along the dirt road and in town, too. At the beginning of the dirt road, you can find two free brochures. I always like to learn something when I am out and about hiking! The photo displayed on the main page is Abrams Falls. My photos were uploaded in order, but they did not come out in order. I hope that they are still helpful.
