About Kanawha Falls
Kanawha Falls is a named waterfall in Fayette County, West Virginia, located about 6.2 miles west of Ansted. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Gauley Bridge 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 38°09′04″ N, 81°12′44″ W (38.15122, -81.21233). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Meadow Branch (stream, 0.6 mi), Falls Creek (stream, 0.7 mi), and Riggs Branch (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Richman Falls, 31 miles to the southeast.
More Photos
77 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Kanawha Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Kanawha Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Kanawha Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Kanawha Falls holds a 4.4 average from 29 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Kanawha Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Meadow Branch — stream, 0.6 mi
- Falls Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Riggs Branch — stream, 0.7 mi
- New River — stream, 1.1 mi
- Gauley River — stream, 1.1 mi
- Left Fork Scrabble Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Scrabble Creek — stream, 1.4 mi
- Laurel Branch — stream, 1.5 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 38.15122, -81.21233. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Kanawha Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kanawha Falls located?
Kanawha Falls is in Fayette County, West Virginia, about 6.2 miles west of Ansted. Its coordinates are 38.15122, -81.21233 (38°09′04″ N, 81°12′44″ W).
What town is closest to Kanawha Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Ansted, WV, about 6.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Kanawha Falls?
The closest is Richman Falls (31 mi southeast). Others within reach include Sandstone Falls (32 mi), Brooks Falls (35 mi), and Upper Falls (37 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Kanawha Falls?
Kanawha Falls appears on the USGS Gauley Bridge 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.