By Mary Catherine Brooks the register-herald
West Virginia ’ s Waterfall Trail is the nation ’ s first statewide waterfall trail and its popularity is growing , thus far attracting visitors from all 50 states and 41 countries . Over the Memorial Day weekend , the West Virginia Waterfall Trail surpassed 75,000 participant check-ins , according to Gov . Jim Justice .
With the summer season underway , the Department of Tourism has added three falls , bringing the total number of stops along the trail to 43 .
The trail was created for waterfall hunters to get off the beaten path , reconnect with nature , and visit the dozens of featured waterfalls , all while earning a chance to win prizes .
More than 200 waterfalls are hidden in West Virginia ’ s mountainous terrain .
Among the featured waterfalls on the trail are Marsh Fork and Black Fork found in Twin Falls Resort State Park , near Mullens . The park is named for the two falls . A new overlook has been added to make Marsh Fork more accessible for visitors as part of trail infrastructure improvements at several sites across the state .
“ It is absolutely beyond belief that our West Virginia Waterfall Trail has reached over 75,000 check-ins ,” the governor said in a press release . “ We ’ re talking about West Virginians and visitors from all 50 states and 41 countries who have explored these trails .
“ I couldn ’ t be more excited that we ’ re adding three more incredible waterfalls to this trail . It opens up even more opportunities for folks to get out there and experience the breathtaking beauty right here in Almost Heaven .”
The West Virginia Waterfall Trail has been nationally recognized by major travel publications , including Travel + Leisure , USA Today , Southern Living , and Fodor ’ s Travel .
Iconic favorites such as Cathedral Falls , Kanawha Falls and Blackwater Falls remain some of the most visited falls .
The trail also features lesser-known hidden falls that include Seneca Creek Falls , Parkin ’ s Waterfall and Loopemount Waterfall .
The three new falls have been made more accessible for visitors in recent months due to trail infrastructure improvements . The new waterfalls include the following :
• Clear Fork Rail Trail Waterfall : To find this deceptively unassuming beauty , watch for rail Clear Fork Rail Trail signs along WV Rt . 1 , also known as Clear Fork Road . The closest access point to the rail trail allows for an easy walk to the base of the waterfall .
Navigating toward the waterfall , GPS driving directions will take you to the parking area , just ad-
The tiered rock formations of White Oak Falls .
Pipestem Falls
Hinton
Pipestem Falls features a 30-foot drop on Pipestem Creek . To get there , it is located along Route 20 , approximately 11 miles south of Hinton . Follow the wooden steps by the pull-off and follow the sound of the roaring waters as summer foliage hides the falls from the road . The falls is a worthy addition to any day trip around southern West Virginia .
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