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Falls of Hills Creek
Tucked away in a narrow gorge just off the Highland Scenic Highway is a hidden treasure known as the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area. This popular 114 acre area contains three waterfalls - 25 feet, 45 feet, and 63 feet. The lower falls, at 63 feet is the second highest waterfall in West Virginia.
At a Glance
| Fees: | None |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is located 5 miles east, has maps, guidebooks and information on nearby attractions and campgrounds. |
| Restroom: | Two accessible toilets |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | For more information during the summer months contact the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center at (304)653-4826 (voice and TTY) and during the winter months contact the Gauley Ranger District at (304)846-2695 (voice and TTY). |
General Information
General Notes:- There are no trash cans along the trail, so please carry out all trash when taking snacks and drinks into the Scenic Area.
- Short cutting trails causes erosion and kills vegetation. Stinging nettle is common along the trail. Please stay on the trails.
- See Falls of Hills Creek Brochure and Map for additional information.
Accessibility:
The first 1700 feet of trail is a paved and has a wheelchair accessible path to the upper falls viewing platform.
Directions:
From the North and East via Interstate 79, use Exit 57 onto US Route 19 South to State Route 55. Take WV 55 through Richwood to the Falls of Hills Creek. Approximately 65 miles from Exit 57.
From South and East via Interstate 64 use Exit 169 onto US 219 North to State Route 39/55. West on WV 39/55 to Falls of Hills Creek. Approximately 42 miles from Exit 169 in Lewisburg.
Activities
Day Hiking
A three quarter mile trail leads visitors to spectacular views of the three waterfalls as Hills Creek descends 220 feet between the upper and lower falls. The first 1700 feet of trail is a paved, wheelchair accessible path to the upper falls viewing platform. The remainder of the trail is more strenuous with stairways and boardwalks leading to the lower falls. The complete trip takes about an hour, or longer, if you want to rest often or just enjoy the scenic beauty.
Viewing Plants
As well as the scenic beauty of the gorge and waterfalls, the trail offers an abundance of spring wildflowers. Over 40 different species have been recorded and many can be easily viewed and photographed from the trail. Please remember this is a unique and fragile area with steep slopes and easily erodible soils. Remaining on the trails and boardwalks will assure that the soils and delicate plant life will be protected. Picking wildflowers is prohibited in the Scenic Area, so please take only pictures!
Viewing Scenery
Geology
Here in the Hills Creek area, there are exposed layers of hard sandstone rock over very soft layers of red shale. Water running down these alternating hard and soft layers began to cut rapidly in the soft shales and much slower in the hard sandstone. As a result, the shale was eroded from underneath the sandstone causing blocks of stone to break off when the shale no longer supported them.
Photos
Because of the steep, narrow gorge, there are few hours during the day when sunlight hits the waterfalls. The best time for photographs is mid-day when the sun is highest. In summer months, the water flow can be quite low, so the best viewing times are after heavy rains.
Featured Events
- Evan Hill & Fred Stalnaker Concert at Seneca Shadows Campground Amphitheater
Date(s): Jun 10, 2023 - Wild Onion Identification with Serafelle at the Historic Sites Homestead
Date(s): Jun 17, 2023 - Jason Hall Concert at Seneca Shadows Campground Amphitheater
Date(s): Jun 17, 2023 - Lavender Workshop with Trish Uptain
Date(s): Jun 24, 2023 - Music with Dakota Karper at Seneca Shadows Campground Amphitheater
Date(s): Jun 24, 2023 - Native Orchid Tour
Date(s): Jun 24, 2023
Location
