From iconic cascades like Sandstone Falls in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve to more hidden gems such as the secluded Seneca Creek in the Monongahela National Forest, more than 200 waterfalls can be found across West Virginia. In June 2022, the West Virginia Department of Tourism, in collaboration with travel technology platform Bandwango, launched the nation’s first statewide waterfall trail. 
“The research is telling us that travel preferences have shifted in favor of destinations that offer strong outdoor recreation – and that means West Virginia,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Breathtaking waterfalls are everywhere in our 1.5 million acres of parks and public lands, making this trail a must-experience activity for adventure-seekers.”
Currently, the West Virginia Waterfall Trail features 43 falls, 12 more than when it launched. Nine waterfalls were nominated by residents and added to the trail in May 2023. Then, two more – Cranberry Creek Cascades and Little Whitestick Falls in Raleigh County’s Piney Creek Preserve – were added a few months later. Clear Fork Rail Trail Waterfall in Wyoming County, White Oak Falls in Mercer County and Devil’s Sawmill in Clay County are the most recent additions. The Department of Tourism also accepts nominations for waterfalls on the trail’s website: wvtourism.com/waterfalls.
In its first six weeks, the West Virginia Waterfall Trail logged 10,000 check-ins, a number that doubled within a few months. By Memorial Day 2024, the trail had recorded 75,000 check-ins from visitors representing all 50 states and 41 countries. Data showed that Saturdays were the most popular day for visits, with Kanawha Falls, Cathedral Falls, Mill Creek Falls, Blackwater Falls and Elakala Falls ranking among the most frequented stops.
To participate in the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, individuals can sign up at wvtourism.com/waterfalls. After registering, they will receive a text message or email link to download a digital passport. The passport allows users to filter waterfalls by name or distance, making it easy to plan their route. Participants earn exclusive prizes based on the number of waterfalls they visit – for example, an official trail sticker for three check-ins, a branded water bottle for 10 check-ins and a West Virginia Waterfall Trail T-shirt for 20 check-ins. Those who mark off all 43 waterfalls receive a limited-edition letterpress print made by Base Camp Printing Co.
“From simple boardwalks to hilly treks, we want to make your efforts to experience our falls worth every mile,” Ruby said. “While out and about on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, be sure to post photos of your explorations on social media using the hashtag #AlmostHeaven.”
Dawn Nolan is a freelance writer living in Huntington, West Virginia.