You Have To Visit This Pocahontas County Waterfall
Tucked away in the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, the Falls of Hills Creek is a stunning series of three waterfalls. With multiple viewing areas and incredible photo opportunities, it’s the perfect stop to add to your mountain adventure. Here’s why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your Pocahontas County itinerary.
The Falls of Hills Creek
Located along the Highland Scenic Highway, the Falls of Hills Creek is an easy detour with a big reward. This 114-acre area features a trio of waterfalls accessible via a three-quarter-mile trail.
To reach the trailhead, travel about five miles west of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center and look for the Monongahela National Forest Recreation sign. From there, turn down a gravel road and park in the small lot nearby.
The waterfalls are tucked into a narrow gorge that descends 220 feet, creating three separate falls measuring 20, 45 and 65 feet in height. The lowest of the three, at 63 feet tall, is the second-highest waterfall in the state.
Hike To The Falls
Start your hike on the paved, accessible boardwalk that extends 1,700 feet to the first viewing point. Here, the first cascade drops 25 feet, dramatically crashing onto the rocks below.
From there, follow a dirt path and walk down a set of wooden steps to the second waterfall. Standing 45 feet tall and much wider than the first, this cascade flows over mossy boulders. During spring and early summer, the forest floor comes alive with more than 40 species of native blooms!
The path continues along a dirt trail dotted with rocks and small boulders before transitioning to metal steps that descend through a series of switchbacks. At the end of the trail, the view of the tallest fall, a 63-foot drop, is well worth the trek.
West Virginia Waterfall Trail
The Falls of Hills Creek is a featured stop on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail — a statewide initiative that invites visitors to explore the state’s most scenic waterfalls using a digital passport system. By checking in at each location, you can earn waterfall-themed prizes along the way. Whether you’re working through the list of 43 waterfalls or visiting your first one, this stop gets you one step closer to a prize!
Other Spots To Visit Along The Way
There’s plenty more to discover near the Falls of Hills Creek! The Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150) is a destination in itself. The 23-mile parkway route winds through pristine stretches of the Allegheny Highlands, providing panoramic views from elevations topping 4,500 feet.
At the southern end of Route 150, on the edge of Cranberry Mountain, is the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. One of two visitor centers in the Monongahela National Forest and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, the Nature Center features live programs on poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes of West Virginia and an exhibit hall exploring forest ecosystems and local history. The Nature Center also includes a gift shop and hosts a variety of annual events.
Nearby is the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, one of the most unusual bog areas found in the region. This 750-acre preserve is home to rare bog ecosystems similar to those found in Canada’s Northern Tundra, and supports more than 60 distinct plant species. Stroll along the half-mile Cranberry Glades Boardwalk to experience the rare flora up close. The accessible boardwalk is open year-round.
The Highland Scenic Highway also has four scenic overlooks — Williams River, Big Spruce, Little Laurel and Red Lick — each offering a unique perspective on the surrounding forest and mountains. The area also provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping and backpacking.
Chase waterfalls and make the most of the journey along the way! Request your free Adventure Guide to start planning your trip to Pocahontas County.