About Upper Falls
Upper Falls is a named waterfall in Kanawha County, West Virginia, located in Tornado. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Alum Creek 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 38°20′33″ N, 81°50′29″ W (38.34259, -81.84152). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Falls Creek (stream, under 0.1 mi), Smith Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), and Dry Branch (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Lower Falls, 2.4 miles to the northwest.
More Photos
8 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Upper 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 Upper 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 Upper 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
Upper Falls holds a 3.9 average from 7 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Upper Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Falls Creek — stream, under 0.1 mi
- Smith Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Dry Branch — stream, 0.7 mi
- Martin Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Tanbark Ridge — ridge, 0.9 mi
- Angel Fork — stream, 1.6 mi
- Mannens Branch — stream, 1.7 mi
- Browns Creek — stream, 1.7 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 38.34259, -81.84152. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Upper Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Falls located?
Upper Falls is in Kanawha County, West Virginia, in Tornado. Its coordinates are 38.34259, -81.84152 (38°20′33″ N, 81°50′29″ W).
What town is closest to Upper Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Tornado, WV, about 0.2 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Upper Falls?
The closest is Lower Falls (2.4 mi northwest). Others within reach include Kanawha Falls (37 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Upper Falls?
Upper Falls appears on the USGS Alum Creek 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.