jacent to the Larry Allen “ Crocky ” Holstein Jr . Memorial Bridge . Once parked , head to the trail kiosk from the road and turn left to follow the wide gravel path – just under a quarter of a mile upstream . As there is limited cell service in the area , download your route ahead of time . While hikers and cyclists will hear flowing water as they pass along the Clear Fork Rail Trail , you may not see the full majesty of this waterfall unless you take a moment to peer up into the canopy . From this perspective , you can appreciate the multi-tiered waterfall that extends like stairsteps at least 40 feet up the mountainside into dense forest cover . In spring or after a heavy rain , you will spot multiple smaller falls along this section of the trail .
• White Oak Falls : Nestled within the lush forests of Mercer County , White Oak Falls can now be accessed with a 4-mile total out-and-back hike through a scenic valley along the Bluestone River . A partnership between the Mercer County Commission , the Nature Conservatory , and Camp Creek State Park has led to trail expansions and improvements beyond Brush Creek Falls , giving way to the additional two miles connecting to the beautiful White Oak Falls .
After parking at the access point for Brush Creek Falls , continue down the trail past Brush Creek ’ s rushing waters , another 1.75 miles to reach the more delicate White Oak Falls . This gentle cascade tumbles over tiered rock formations – where the White Oak Branch meets the Bluestone River .
As you make your way back to the Brush Creek Falls parking area , you ’ ll round out your hike at about 4 miles total , through both State Parks and Nature Conservancy land .
• Devil ’ s Sawmill : Head to Clay , W . Va ., to explore the beauty of Buffalo Creek . Driving to the location of this waterfall , you will find yourself in the parking area of Rail Explorers , where – starting on June 8 – you can purchase tickets to ride the rails on their state-of-the-art railbikes . Enjoy the views and scenery for about 5 miles until you approach the striking sight of Devil ’ s Sawmill , which is a local gem .
To check into the Waterfall Trail is a simple process made possible by Bandwango , a travel technology platform that makes checking in at each location quick and easy .
To participate , visit WVtourism . com / waterfalls and register to have the West Virginia Waterfall Trail passport delivered to your smartphone . Those who have already registered and want to restart their adventures may text “ resend waterfall trail passport ” to 1-888- 921-5333 to be connected with a support agent .
Sandstone Falls ’ span reaches out 1,500 feet .
TRAILS ALONG SANDSTONE FALLS
Gwinn Ridge Trail
Length : 3.0 miles / 4.83 km ( Round-trip ). Difficulty : Strenuous . Trail type : Hiking only . South of Sandstone Visitor Center on the east side of the New River off Brooks Mountain Road is the Gwinn Ridge Trail , a three mile loop through a ridge top forest . The south branch of the moderately strenuous trail follows the edge of the ridge where hikers can sometimes ( in winter ) get views through the trees .
12 � DESTINATIONS � JUNE ’ 24