Fall in Love with These State Park Waterfalls

Explore these beautiful state park waterfalls and see why West Virginia is Almost Heaven in the fall.

Waterfalls are one of the most alluring things you can find in nature. There’s something so comforting about the soothing sound of water tumbling over rocks. If you’ve been itching to explore some of these natural wonders, West Virginia’s state parks feature some of the state’s most iconic waterfalls. And this time of year is a great time to visit! Here are five parks where you’ll find some amazing waterfalls. And don’t forget to bring your camera!

Valley Falls

Valley Falls State Park features a series of four waterfalls that tumble along the Tygart Valley River. A popular spring and summer destination, these falls take on new life in the fall. They’re also rich in history. In the 19th century, the area was a thriving lumber community. Remains of a sawmill and gristmill are still visible along the river.

Twin Falls

The two waterfalls at Twin Falls Resort State Park can be viewed from the 1-mile Falls Trail loop. Cabin Creek Falls, also known as Marsh Fork Falls and Foley Falls, was once the site of a mill built in 1882. The old grist mill is gone, but you can still take in the park’s history at the Pioneer Farm. Black Fork Falls, the other “twin,” is about a quarter mile past the first waterfall. The waterfalls are seasonal and tend to dry up in the summer, so it’s best to view them later in the year after the park has some rain (winter and spring are best).

Pipestem

Pipestem Resort State Park is known for its stunning views of the Bluestone River Gorge. But did you know this park is also home to several scenic waterfalls? Indian Branch Falls, which plunges 45 feet into a ravine, can be reached by hiking the 1.2-mile County Line Trail, which starts at the nature center. Several other unnamed waterfalls drop downstream from Indian Branch Falls as the creek makes its way to the Bluestone River. Near the park, Brush Creek Falls drops over a double ledge as it makes its way to the Bluestone River. The falls can be accessed from a parking area on Camp Creek Speedway Road.

Camp Creek

You’ll find two beautiful waterfalls at Camp Creek State Park. Campbell Falls is the larger of the two and can be found near the parking lot above Blue Jay campground. Mash Fork Falls is located above the Mash Fork campground. A gravel road leading to a limited parking area adjacent to falls makes visiting these falls easy and suitable for all ages.

Tip: Camp Creek and Pipestem, both located in southern West Virginia, are only a short drive from each other. Plan to visit both parks in the same day or weekend!

Blackwater Falls

Perhaps West Virginia’s most iconic waterfall is the main attraction at Blackwater Falls State Park. Coming in as the state’s tallest waterfall, Blackwater Falls plunges 57 feet into the Blackwater Canyon. A boardwalk leading from the parking area offers several viewing platforms at different levels. Most people visit the park to see Blackwater Falls, but no trip would be complete without trekking out to Elakala Falls. These falls tumble over a series of drops on Shay Run before the tributary meets the Blackwater River. A trail leads from the lodge to a bridge that crosses the first drop in the falls.

Plan your waterfall adventure today!

Which waterfall would you like to see this fall? Visit your favorite one or make a trip to each park to see them all. Start planning your trip today. And don’t forget to share your photos and adventures with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!