Epic waterfall hikes in West Virginia this summer

Have you ever dreamed of hiking to waterfalls where cool mist meets summer sun? West Virginia offers exactly that experience. Forest trails lead to roaring cascades, hidden pools, and breathtaking views in the heart of the Mountain State.

West Virginia boasts over 200 waterfalls scattered through its mountains and valleys. Summer reveals their fullest flow, creating an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Each waterfall hike offers its own personality. Some feature towering free‑falls, while others spill across layered rock into serene pools. Short boardwalks and longer backcountry paths give hikers of all levels a chance to enjoy nature’s refreshing beauty.

Keep reading for an inside look at West Virginia’s epic summer waterfall hikes.

Butcher Branch Falls in New River Gorge

Butcher Branch Falls drops about forty feet from a secluded sandstone wall near Fayetteville. The trail is rocky and steep, requiring careful footing. It rewards hikers who seek intensity and solitude.

The access trail runs roughly a mile out‑and‑back through dense forest. Streams and boulders line the route. Rainfall enhances flow dramatically. Hiking early yields cooler temps and fewer crowds.

The waterfall feels raw and powerful. Forest canopy opens to view churning water hitting rocks below. It serves experienced hikers well. The natural soundscape echoes with water.

Visitors often weave this hike into longer New River Gorge adventures. The surrounding plateau offers lookouts and creek views. This site delights those craving peaceful, rugged charm.

Drawdy Falls in Boone County

Drawdy Falls lies roadside off Route 3 near Peytona. The falls consist of two small drops totaling around six feet. Water flows calmly over rocky ledges into a picnic-friendly creekside pool.

This accessible spot includes a roadside park with picnic shelters. Parking is right beside the highway, and the guardrail crossing leads to a view. It suits travelers wanting a refreshing stop without hiking.

The cascade may be modest, but its surrounding creek offers cooler shade and peaceful solitude. Visitors enjoy creek walking or sitting beside flowing water. The area feels welcoming and rejuvenating.

Finn’s Falls and Coonskin Grotto

Finn’s Falls offers a hidden trek near Oak Hill. Hikers walk nearly two miles through a shaded forest to reach this isolated cascade. It suits those seeking silence and solitude in mossy woods.

The path has creek crossings and moderate grade changes. Vegetation grows dense along shaded ridges. Few footprints mark the path. The reward is a quiet waterfall seen by few.

Coonskin Grotto sits in Charleston’s Coonskin Park. A small trickling waterfall meets a cave-like sandstone overhang. Visitors can splash beneath the flow and explore inside the grotto. Its tone is playful and serene.

This spot makes a pleasing contrast. It lies near city limits yet feels immersive. It provides refuge from the summer heat. Visitors love its hidden charm and cooling creekside mood.

Blackwater Falls in Tucker County

Blackwater Falls plunges 62 ft from the Blackwater River into a lush canyon framed by spruce and hemlock trees. A sturdy boardwalk leads visitors to a scenic vantage. It is highly photographed year-round. It offers accessible beauty.

This cascade is the centerpiece of Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County. The amber-tinted water flows from tannins of fallen needles. The overlook feels dramatic. It is ideal for family hikes.

Nearby trails offer access to other smaller cascades, including Falls Run and Pendleton Run features. Forested paths wind past moss-covered rocks. Scenic views appear around every corner. The park caters to nature lovers.

Blackwater Falls makes a perfect summer stop due to the shade and cool mist. The lodge and cabins offer rest. Visitors enjoy interpretive exhibits at the nature center. It suits all ages.

Elakala Falls at Blackwater Park

Elakala Falls comprises four drops cascading down Shays Run into Blackwater Canyon. The first drop is 35 ft tall. It is accessible via a marked short trail and a bridge viewpoint above the falls.

The second fall is 15 ft and sits downstream from the first. Only worn paths lead there, often on steep terrain. Hikers should proceed cautiously beyond the first fall. It suits adventurous types.

The third fall is the highest at 40 ft and much steeper. The fourth drop is 20 ft and less safe without trail development. Only experienced hikers reach these sections. Use caution when hiking lower.

Elakala Trail loops with Balanced Rock for a longer outing of nearly three miles. Spring wildflowers line the mossy rocks. Visitors enjoy peaceful forest surroundings. It suits photographers and moderate hikers.

Sandstone Falls in New River Gorge

Sandstone Falls spreads nearly 1,500 ft across the New River Gorge, creating a dramatic wide cascade. Water rolls over smooth sandstone ledges. The viewing boardwalk offers expansive river views. It impresses onlookers easily.

This waterfall lies within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It ranks as the park’s largest waterfall. The terrain around it includes hiking trails and visitor centers. It draws photographers and sightseers.

The Sandstone route offers a brief out‑and‑back trail less than a mile. Swimmers sometimes plunge into calmer pools downstream. The river roars during summer after rains. It feels wild and scenic.

The region showcases layered sandstone cliffs and verdant woods. It reflects West Virginia’s scenic variety very well.

Before You Head Back

The best part about West Virginia’s waterfall hikes isn’t just the view, it’s the way the trail changes you on the way there. There’s something about mist in your lungs and moss under your boots that reminds you how to breathe deeper.

So if you find yourself chasing one more fall before summer fades, let it be in a place where nature still feels wild and unfiltered. West Virginia isn’t waiting for tourists; it’s waiting for those who are willing to follow the sound of water and see where it leads.

For mapped trails, seasonal highlights, and expert guides, check the West Virginia Tourism site, explore AllTrails waterfall picks, or scroll through Southern Living’s travel features to find what summer still has in store.

TL;DR

• West Virginia has over 200 waterfalls that make for misty, scenic hikes in summer.
• Butcher Branch Falls is a 40‑foot secluded cascade reached by a steep, mile‑long trail.
• Drawdy Falls is a small roadside waterfall with picnic spots for an easy summer stop.
• Finn’s Falls and Coonskin Grotto offer quiet, shaded trails and hidden, playful spots.
• Blackwater Falls plunges 62 feet with boardwalk access and family‑friendly hiking paths.
• Elakala Falls has four drops, with the first easy to see and the others for skilled hikers.
• Sandstone Falls stretches 1,500 feet wide, with short trails and roaring summer water.

If you liked this, you might also like:

• Best summer waterfalls to chase across Idaho
• Washington’s wildflower trails to hike this summer

This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.