It’s hard to imagine a West Virginian who hasn’t seen (or at least heard of) Blackwater Falls. But how about all the other beautiful cascades along the Blackwater River?

The Blackwater River is a study in contrasts. Still pools and rushing rapids. Orange rocks and aqua water. It's one of the prettiest rivers in West Virginia, and while the Blackwater River itself gets lots of attention, the North Fork of the Blackwater River that runs near Thomas, West Virginia is comparatively unknown.
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But as you can see, it's worth getting to know. Here, an unnamed waterfall spills over red sandstone with autumn foliage surrounding.
And one example of an under-rated attraction along the North Fork of the Blackwater is Albert Falls.
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Albert Falls is located outside of Thomas, West Virginia on Rail Falls Road, just under a mile from where Rail Falls Road takes off from Douglas Road. Rail Falls Road is gated, so plan to walk at least part of the way.

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Albert Falls doesn't get nearly as much attention as the nearby Blackwater Falls downstream, and admittedly, it's much smaller. But it is arguably just as beautiful in its own right.
Kenneth Keifer/iStock Collection via Getty Images
Depending on the water level, you'll find one solid semi-circle gushing over these rocks, or you'll find it as pictured, separated into multiple falling strands of water. Either way is beautiful.
And if you continue on another half mile or less beyond Albert Falls, you'll find another gorgeous waterfall, this one narrower but taller: Douglas Falls.
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The North Fork of the Blackwater truly is teeming with cascades!
So scoot on out to Tucker County and enjoy all this area has to offer, including these lesser-known waterfalls along the North Fork Blackwater River!
Walter Pineda/Google Maps

Have you hiked along the North Fork of the Blackwater River before? We’d love to see your photos if you have some; drop them in the comments!

For more to do in and around nearby Thomas, check this article.

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Rail Falls Rd, Thomas, WV 26292, USA