5 Must-See Waterfalls in West Virginia (2026)
If you only have time for five West Virginia waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the New River Gorge and Southern Coalfields and Allegheny Highlands.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited West Virginia waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Sandstone Falls
Hinton, WV · Raleigh County · New River Gorge and Southern Coalfields
Why it is a must-see
With 392 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in West Virginia, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Lush forest trails offer sweeping views of this powerful waterfall spanning the New River." 3 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Richman Falls and Brooks Falls. It is one of 8 named falls in the New River Gorge and Southern Coalfields region. The nearest town is Hinton, about 5.9 miles to the south.
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2. Blackwater Falls
Parsons, WV · Tucker County · Allegheny Highlands
Why it is a must-see
With 171 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in West Virginia, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "A long boardwalk with stairs leads to views of this 57-foot waterfall in a scenic recreation area." It is one of 7 named falls in the Allegheny Highlands region. The nearest town is Parsons, about 11 miles to the west.
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3. High Falls
Elkins, WV · Randolph County · Allegheny Highlands
Why it is a must-see
With 46 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in West Virginia, and it holds 4.8 stars. It is one of 7 named falls in the Allegheny Highlands region. The nearest town is Elkins, about 11 miles to the north.
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4. Falls of Hills Creek
Richwood, WV · Pocahontas County · Allegheny Highlands
Why it is a must-see
With 35 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in West Virginia, and it holds 4.9 stars. It is one of 7 named falls in the Allegheny Highlands region. The nearest town is Richwood, about 11 miles to the west.
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5. Kanawha Falls
Ansted, WV · Fayette County · New River Gorge and Southern Coalfields
Why it is a must-see
With 29 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in West Virginia, and it holds 4.4 stars. It is one of 8 named falls in the New River Gorge and Southern Coalfields region. The nearest town is Ansted, about 6.2 miles to the east.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 154 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Blackwater Falls (start, near Parsons)
- High Falls, about 28 mi southwest
- Falls of Hills Creek, about 51 mi southwest
- Sandstone Falls, about 42 mi southwest
- Kanawha Falls, about 32 mi northwest
When to Visit West Virginia's Waterfalls
West Virginia's falls are fullest from late winter through spring, typically March through May, when snowmelt in the highlands and frequent rain swell streams. The Allegheny Highlands receive heavy snowfall, and winter visits to Blackwater Falls can reveal dramatic ice formations, though stairways and trails may be icy and some roads challenging. Summer brings lush green gorges, warm swimming weather and occasional heavy thunderstorms, but smaller falls can weaken by August. Fall color usually arrives in the high country in early October and moves to lower elevations later in the month, drawing crowds to the New River Gorge and Canaan Valley areas. The big river falls, like Sandstone Falls and Kanawha Falls, flow year-round, with appearance varying by river level.
Before You Go
Public land holds most of the state's well-known falls. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve manages Sandstone Falls and other gorge sites, the Monongahela National Forest covers much of the Allegheny Highlands, including the Falls of Hills Creek and High Falls, and state parks protect Blackwater Falls and others. Many smaller falls in the southern counties are on private or industrial land. Expect winding mountain roads, limited cell service and long drives between sites. The biggest hazards are moving water and wet rock: the New and Kanawha rivers have powerful currents and hidden hazards around ledges, and sandstone near falls is slick when wet. Winter travel in the highlands can be difficult in snow. Remote trails require self-reliance and good maps.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More West Virginia Waterfalls
See all 16 waterfalls in the West Virginia waterfall guide, or browse by town: Hinton, Parsons, Elkins, Richwood, Ansted.
More West Virginia Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in West Virginia?
Sandstone Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 392 Google reviews. It is near Hinton in Raleigh County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited West Virginia waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 154 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in West Virginia?
Our directory lists 16 named waterfalls in West Virginia. See them all, sorted by town, in the West Virginia waterfall guide.
Why is the water at Blackwater Falls dark?
The Blackwater River is stained amber by tannins leached from the hemlock and red spruce forests and boggy soils it drains. The color is natural and gives the river and falls their name.