Waterfalls Near Me In West Virginia: Cathedral Falls

West Virginia has hundreds of beautiful waterfalls — 275, to be exact. Cathedral Falls is probably one of the more impressive ones, and you don’t even have to take a hike to find it. So if you’re looking to explore one of the most beautiful *and* accessible waterfalls in West Virginia, this adventure is for you!

To find Cathedral Falls, hop in your car and take Route 60 to the town of Gauley Bridge, about 40 miles southwest of Charleston.

Once you locate Gauley Bridge, follow Route 60 for another mile until you reach the pull-off for Cane Branch. From there, you will be able to see the falls.

Once you are there, you will probably want to get closer to really take in the majesty of the falls.

These majestic falls are about 100-feet high. The first 40 feet of the creek's descent is hidden as the water makes its way from Gauley Mountain through a series of Upper Nuttall sandstone ledges. This descent is visible for the last 60 feet as the water spills off the mountain and into the valley below.

The water drops into a C-shaped stone valley carved into the mountain. This lush cove is comprised of stacked ledges, each carpeted with thick foliage and tall trees with long bare trunks.

Even the falls themselves cascade down a series of ledges, allowing exploration that leads you around and even behind the falls.

The most interesting thing about the falls is that the water does not necessarily follow the same descent year round. Depending on the weather and other conditions, the falls are never the same from day to day.

And in the winter, there are sometimes no falls at all. The icy cold air can freeze them completely as if time had stopped and gravity was rendered inert.

But the waterfall is best after a good rainfall. There is nothing quite like watching water cascade down a mountainside and crashing to the creek below.

From there, the water rushes over and in between a valley comprised of large boulders, creating hundreds of stone islands through which the water may pass, allowing you to follow its path from the falls.

And as you bear witness to the high falls within the cove, it just may astonish you how the simple act of gravity can create such a majestic sight.

Have you ever been to Cathedral Falls? If so, feel free to comment and tell us about your visit.

Perhaps one waterfall isn’t enough for you. Would you like to see more? Are you still curious about “waterfalls near me” in the Mountain State? We hear you! Check out this ultimate waterfall road trip in West Virginia. On this trip, Cathedral Falls is only one of nine waterfalls on a route through central West Virginia.

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Sarah M. | March 21, 2022

What's the largest waterfall in West Virginia?

West Virginia is home to some 275 waterfalls, each more glorious than the last. If it's a grand waterfall of superlative stature you're seeking, you'll find it nestled in Blackwater Falls State Park. Within this West Virginia wonderland, Blackwater Falls drops a spectacular 57 feet straight into the Blackwater Canyon and is the tallest waterfall in the state! The best part? Getting there is easy -- just follow the .04-mile Blackwater Falls Trail! There are viewing platforms where you can stop, admire the falls, and snap photographs.

Did you know that Blackwater Falls ranks among the most photographed sites in West Virginia? It is, which means the falls can become quite crowded on beautiful days. As such, we recommend planning to visit early in the day, or perhaps even on a drizzly or chilly afternoon. That way, you can really take in the unbridled beauty of Blackwater Falls!

What are some beautiful and scenic places to explore in West Virginia?

West Virginia truly is the most underrated state in the country. For proof of this, simply head to Harpers Ferry National Park, a vision of endless emerald greens in the spring, golden yellow hues in the summer, bold oranges in the fall, and a white wonderland in the winter. Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in the eponymous West Virginia town, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park really does have it all. This site of great history and national significance is one of the most beautiful places in the country, and its location along the Appalachian *and* American Discovery Trails make it the perfect place for numerous bucket-list-worthy adventures.

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Cathedral Falls, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA

Discover One Of West Virginia's Most Majestic Waterfalls - No Hiking Necessary

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