New River Gorge Insider

Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall in West Virginia — 1,500 feet wide, divided by forested islands, spanning nearly the full width of the New River at low water. It doesn't fall dramatically from a single height; it cascades in broad, powerful sheets across a wide rock shelf.

The NPS has built ADA-accessible boardwalks and viewing areas along the falls, making this one of the most accessible natural landmarks in the park. Wildflowers bloom along the boardwalk in spring and early summer. The falls are at their most dramatic in late spring when the river is running high after rain.

Located in Hinton, WV — about 1.5 hours from Fayetteville. Worth the drive for a full-day excursion; combine it with a stop in the small town of Hinton itself. Dogs on leash allowed on the boardwalk.

Butcher Branch Falls is the waterfall most people hiking the Kaymoor area never find — which is part of why it's worth seeking out. From the Kaymoor parking lot, follow the Butcher Branch Trail. Where the path forks, take the right branch marked "climbers' access." The falls are at the end — a tiered cascade tumbling down a sandstone wall, with lush forest growth around the base.

The area is quiet, photogenic, and genuinely tranquil in a way the main gorge overlooks aren't. Two important notes: the path down is both steep and rocky, and the falls are rainfall-dependent — in drier conditions they can be reduced significantly or dry entirely. Best visited in spring or after a wet period. The out-and-back is 0.9 miles from the parking lot but the terrain makes it feel longer. Not recommended for young children or in wet conditions.

Cathedral Falls is one of the tallest roadside waterfalls in West Virginia — 60 feet, falling in a narrow plume into a pool at the base. It's visible directly from Route 60 with a designated parking pullout, which makes it the most accessible dramatic waterfall in the region.

The short walk from the parking area to the base takes less than five minutes. The falls are best in spring and after rain; in dry summer months the flow can thin noticeably. Located near Gauley Bridge, about 30–40 minutes from Fayetteville depending on your starting point.

A natural quick stop if the group is driving between Fayetteville and the Kanawha Valley. The surrounding rock and foliage create a bowl that amplifies the sound of the water in a way that photographs don't convey.

The Glade Creek Gristmill is the most photographed structure in West Virginia — a working 1976 replica of a 19th century grist mill, sitting beside a waterfall in a gorge clearing at Babcock State Park. The "falls" here are the cascading water that feeds the mill's wheel, framed by sandstone walls and dense forest.

It's a short, easy walk from the parking area. The mill is operational and the machinery inside runs when staff are present. The falls photograph best in overcast conditions or during fall foliage — the light is flat and the leaves add context to the frame. Babcock State Park is about 35 minutes from Fayetteville and makes a good half-day addition to a waterfall trip. The park also has hiking trails, fishing, and seasonal swimming.

Turkey Creek Falls sits inside Hawks Nest State Park — a park most visitors know for its scenic overlook and tram ride down to the marina, but few explore on foot. To reach the falls, start at the Hawks Nest gift shop and take the Cliffside Trail. After a short walk through forested terrain, the trail delivers you to an 8-foot waterfall flowing over natural staircase rock formations, surrounded by dense foliage.

The scale is modest compared to Sandstone Falls, but the setting is intimate and the access is easy. Hawks Nest State Park is also worth pausing at for its gorge overlook view before or after the trail — the New River is visible far below from the main park area. The tram ride down to the marina at the base is a separate (ticketed) activity worth adding if the group has time.

Kanawha Falls stretches along the length of the Kanawha River and is visible directly from Route 60 — easy to access, no trail required. The falls are wide rather than tall, with a long, photogenic cascade that makes for a strong scenic stop on its own. What sets Kanawha Falls apart from the other waterfalls on this list is what you can do on the water below them.

Mountain Surf Paddle Sports operates guided paddleboard tours and equipment rentals specifically at Kanawha Falls — the calm, flat section of river just below the falls is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, giving a direct water-level view of the cascade from the river itself. Tours are guided, include instruction, top-quality boards, PFDs, and complimentary photos. Small group sizes (max 10); groups of 5 or more get a private trip. They also run tours at Summersville Lake and under the New River Gorge Bridge. Book by phone at 304-470-SURF or online at mtnsurfps.com.