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.
While destinations such as Blackwater Falls and the New River Gorge attract national attention, Falls of Hills Creek remains a quieter destination, known primarily among hikers, photographers, and travelers seeking a less crowded outdoor experience.
Visitors often describe the waterfalls as one of the state’s most surprising natural landmarks, according to West Virginia Explorer publisher David Sibray.
“It’s one of those places that exceeds expectations,” he said. “You don’t realize how impressive it is until you reach the overlooks.”
Three waterfalls on a single trail
The attraction’s popularity stems in part from its unusual layout.
A boardwalk trail leads visitors through a hardwood forest to three waterfalls, each larger than the last. The upper falls drop about 25 feet, followed by a second cascade of about 45 feet.
The trail culminates at an observation platform overlooking the lower falls, where Hills Creek drops 63 feet into a rocky basin below.
Interpretive signs along the route explain the area’s geology, forest ecology, and the role water has played in shaping the Allegheny Mountains over millions of years.
Because the trail descends steeply into the gorge, visitors should remember that the return trip requires climbing several hundred stairs back to the parking area.
A destination for photographers and families
The falls attract a wide variety of visitors year-round.
Photographers arrive early in the morning to capture sunlight filtering through the gorge. Families often stop by while touring nearby attractions in Pocahontas County. Hikers include the waterfall as part of longer trips exploring the Monongahela National Forest.
Autumn is especially popular, when colorful hardwood forests frame the waterfalls in shades of red, orange and gold.
The site also benefits from its proximity to several of West Virginia’s best-known outdoor destinations, including the Cranberry Wilderness, the Highland Scenic Highway and the Green Bank Observatory.
Accessible beauty in a remote landscape
One reason the waterfall continues to grow in popularity is its accessibility.
Unlike many mountain waterfalls that require long hikes, Falls of Hills Creek can be reached via a relatively short trail from a developed recreation area. Wooden boardwalks, stairs, and observation platforms let visitors experience the gorge without a strenuous backcountry trek.
The combination of easy access and dramatic scenery makes the site appealing to travelers of all ages.
Planning a visit
Falls of Hills Creek is located off W.Va. Route 39 (the Highland Scenic Highway) near Hillsboro in Pocahontas County. The recreation area is typically open from spring through late fall, depending on weather conditions.
Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, bring drinking water, and allow time for the uphill return hike from the lower observation deck.
For many travelers, however, the climb is a small price to pay.
In a state known for hidden natural wonders, Falls of Hills Creek remains one of West Virginia’s most rewarding waterfall destinations — a place where mountain streams, forest scenery, and dramatic cliffs combine to create an experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
For more information on visiting the falls, visit Nature’s Mountain Playground or call 304-799-INFO.
The beauty of Hill’s Creek waterfalls in West Virginia hides geologic secrets
HILLSBORO, W.Va. — Hill’s Creek in eastern West Virginia is more than just a pretty stream. Though its waterfalls have won fame worldwide, scientifically speaking, there’s more to the stream than meets the eye. Descending from the Allegheny Mountains in Pocahontas County, its triple waterfalls attract thousands of tourists annually and are among the most visited scenic locales in the 921,000-acre Monongahela National Forest. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.