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.
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.
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.
It's a great spot for wading, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and photographing. Yet for all its draws, this little watering hole remains relatively unknown.
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.