The Paint Creek Scenic Byway follows its namesake, Paint Creek, through the winding backcountry paralleling the West Virginia Turnpike (I-64/I-77) from Tamarack all the way to the Kanawha River at Pratt. And along this scenic route, hidden away in the West Virginia forest, is a pristine, secluded waterfall: Paint Creek Falls.

Paint Creek Scenic Byway is a narrow mountain backroad in West Virginia that leads through ruins and relics of days gone by. And along the shoulder of one of the many curves that dot this route, there's an unmarked gravel pull off. If you're not careful, you'll cruise right on past it.
Cristy / OIYS
But if your curiosity gets the better of you, and you park at this gravel pull off and scramble down the steep embankment to Paint Creek below, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise.
Cristy / OIYS
That pleasant surprise? A true West Virginia hidden gem: Paint Creek Falls.
Cristy / OIYS

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Paint Creek Falls is a beautiful cascade that tumbles down over several ragged gray ledges into (in the right light) an emerald pool below.
Cristy / OIYS
Surrounded by a thick canopy of deciduous forest, this beautiful creek is hidden away from the world, despite being just a stone's throw from the interstate.
Tim C / used with permission
It's a great spot for wading, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and photographing. Yet for all its draws, this little watering hole remains relatively unknown.
Cristy / OIYS
You can find this waterfall wonderland for yourself on Millburn Road between West Virginia Turnpike exits 60 and 66, near where the now overgrown community of Westerly used to thrive.
Mark Daughety / Google Maps
Have you ever visited these picturesque falls? Were you there to hike, swim, fish, or just enjoy the scenery?

West Virginia is full of these hidden gems – for another beautiful yet relatively obscure roadside waterfall, try Drawdy Falls in Boone County.

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Paint Creek Falls, Powellton, WV 25161, USA