I have a confession, friends: I am a waterfall wanderer. Winter, spring, summer, or fall — I’m always on the lookout for a chance to enjoy a wild, wonderful mountain cascade. One of my and my family’s favorites is Cathedral Falls in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. We love it because it’s so easy to access from the road. We love it because it’s so impressively tall — one of the tallest waterfalls in West Virginia. We love it because the little cove it falls into creates a haven from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Cathedral Falls is my favorite easy-access waterfall in West Virginia, hiding just steps from the side of the road! Let me take you on a photo tour to show you what I mean.

First things first: let me acquaint you with the drive. It's a beautiful one along Highway 60 (otherwise known as the Midland Trail), whether you're coming from Gauley Bridge or Hawks Nest State Park.
Cristy / Only In Your State
As you might expect, it features some typical West Virginia curvy roads and lots of beautiful mountain views. I have found myself beginning to relax well before reaching Cathedral Falls itself, just soaking in these splendid vistas.
Cristy / Only In Your State
From the small but scenic parking area, it's just a short stroll back to the cove that hides Cathedral Falls. Despite the fact that it's just a few steps, really, from the car, you'll still manage to cross a little creek on a quaint wooden bridge that only adds to the charm of the place.
Cristy / Only In Your State
In the springtime, which is my favorite time to visit, there should be plenty of water pouring over the rim of the cliff into the bowl below.
Cristy / Only In Your State

Related Stories

Best Waterfalls In West Virginia: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

Best Waterfalls In West Virginia: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

 The Little-Known Natural Wonder In West Virginia That Becomes Even More Enchanting In The Wintertime

The Little-Known Natural Wonder In West Virginia That Becomes Even More Enchanting In The Wintertime

 A True Mountain Getaway In West Virginia, This Hotel In Richwood Is Perched Right On A Waterfall

A True Mountain Getaway In West Virginia, This Hotel In Richwood Is Perched Right On A Waterfall
We've found that sometimes in late summer and fall, the water level drops to a trickle.
Cristy / Only In Your State
I still think it's beautiful, but my kids don't find it quite as impressive!
Cristy / Only In Your State
Summer is good for wading or swimming in the pool at the bottom of the falls, though!
Rafsun Mashraky / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
And winter is fun because if you time it right, you can catch Cathedral Falls as a beautiful, lacy pile of ice. But as I'm sure you already know, go carefully on the winter roads and walking paths.
Tim Pennington / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Basically what I'm saying is that there's no wrong season to visit this under-rated roadside waterfall.
Cristy / Only In Your State

Have you ever been to Cathedral Falls on Highway 60 near Gauley Bridge in the New River Gorge National Park area of West Virginia? Whether you have or you haven’t, I recommend planning a visit soon: in my opinion, it’s perhaps THE best easy-access waterfall in all of West Virginia!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore West Virginia

Featured Addresses
Cathedral Falls, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085, USA