DAVIS, W.Va. — West Virginia’s rugged mountains, steep gorges and high-elevation streams have created hundreds of waterfalls across the state. While some are known for their width or scenic beauty, others stand out for their height.
From the iconic Blackwater Falls to the towering cascades hidden in the Monongahela National Forest, these are the highest waterfalls in West Virginia that visitors can experience today. Heights vary slightly among sources, but these falls are generally recognized as the state’s tallest natural waterfalls.
1. Cathedral Falls — Approximately 60 Feet
Located along U.S. Route 60 near Gauley Bridge, Cathedral Falls plunges about 60 feet down a rocky cliff beside the highway. Fed by Cane Branch, the waterfall is among the easiest major waterfalls in West Virginia to visit, requiring only a short walk from a roadside parking area. Many visitors consider it the tallest readily accessible waterfall in the state.
2. Blackwater Falls — 57 Feet
The namesake attraction of Blackwater Falls State Park, Blackwater Falls drops 57 feet into Blackwater Canyon. Its amber-colored waters are stained by tannins from fallen hemlock and spruce needles, making it one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in West Virginia. The falls are among the state’s most photographed attractions.
3. Falls of Hills Creek (Lower Falls) — Approximately 63 Feet
Although the Falls of Hills Creek consist of three separate waterfalls, the Lower Falls is generally considered the system’s tallest single drop, at roughly 63 feet. Located off the Highland Scenic Highway in Pocahontas County, visitors descend a long boardwalk and staircase to reach the overlook. The waterfall tumbles into a narrow sandstone gorge deep within the Monongahela National Forest.
4. Elakala Falls (Third Falls) — Approximately 40 Feet
Hidden within Blackwater Falls State Park, the Third Falls of Elakala Creek is among the park’s tallest and most dramatic waterfalls. Reaching it requires a more challenging hike than the park’s famous namesake falls, but many experienced hikers consider it one of West Virginia’s most spectacular cascades.
5. Butcher Branch Falls — Approximately 40 Feet
Located near Fayetteville, Butcher Branch Falls plunges nearly 40 feet into a rocky ravine in the New River Gorge region. The waterfall is reached via a short, steep trail and becomes especially impressive after heavy rains.
6. Douglas Falls — Approximately 35 Feet
Douglas Falls in Tucker County may not be among the tallest waterfalls in West Virginia, but its striking red sandstone backdrop makes it one of the state’s most unusual. The falls descend about 35 feet and are a favorite destination for photographers.
Honorable Mention: Sandstone Falls
At only about 10 to 20 feet high, Sandstone Falls is not among the state’s tallest waterfalls. However, it is arguably West Virginia’s largest waterfall by width, stretching roughly 1,500 feet across the New River near Hinton. The broad cascade is a signature attraction of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Why West Virginia Has So Many Waterfalls
West Virginia’s mountainous terrain, resistant sandstone cliffs, and high annual rainfall create ideal conditions for waterfalls. The state is estimated to contain more than 200 waterfalls, with concentrations in the Allegheny Highlands, the Potomac Highlands, and the New River Gorge region.
Planning a West Virginia Waterfall Road Trip
Many of the state’s tallest waterfalls can be visited on a single extended road trip. Travelers often combine stops at Blackwater Falls, Elakala Falls, and Douglas Falls in Tucker County before heading south to Falls of Hills Creek and the waterfalls of the New River Gorge region. The state’s official Waterfall Trail highlights more than 40 waterfalls across West Virginia.
Why thousands visit these little-known waterfalls in West Virginia each year
HILLSBORO, W.Va. — Tucked away in the rugged mountains of eastern West Virginia, a series of waterfalls that many travelers have never heard of draws thousands of visitors each year. The Falls of Hills Creek, located within the Monongahela National Forest near the community of Hillsboro, features three waterfalls cascading through a narrow mountain gorge. The largest of the three plunges 63 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls accessible by trail in West Virginia. READ ABOUT THESE LITTLE-KNOWN WATERFALLS.