West Virginia Waterfalls

From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia

Waterfalls abound in West Virginia, a largely-rugged territory where vast amounts of water must descend from an endless variety of hills, ridges, and mountains. In their descent, thousands of streams must fall over cliffs and tumble through shoals, rapids, and boulders. West Virginia residents who care for waterfalls are lucky: much real estate includes waterfalls on or near residential properties. Many waterfalls in West Virginia are protected within public lands. Many more are being protected through local efforts that include parking, observation, and picnicking areas.

Highest Waterfalls

The highest waterfalls in West Virginia are generally located in the Allegheny Mountains of the eastern and southern Mountain State. These often-sizable streams must descend from elevations nearing 5,000-feet-above-sea-level to reach the foothills and lowlands to the east and west. Good examples include Cathedral Falls, a cascade, Dowdy Falls, and the Falls of Hills Creek.

Broadest Waterfalls

The broadest falls thunder in the "foothills" of the Allegheny Mountains where sizable rivers drop over ledges of bedrock. Good examples of broad falls include Sandstone Falls, Kanawha Falls, and Blackwater Falls.

Rapids and Shoals

Rapids and shoals in West Virginia occur mostly on the lower runs of several major river courses -- among them the New, Elk, Cheat, Gauley, Big Sandy, Potomac, Shenandoah, and Tygart Valley. These streams are known for their drops and routes, which attract hundreds of thousands of whitewater kayakers annually.