The watershed for Riggs Branch is even smaller than that of Laurel Branch , so the best time to visit is definitely in winter or early spring . Although not as tall as the waterfall at Laurel Branch , when the water is running well , Riggs Branch Falls are very photogenic . Halfway down its vertical plunge , the waterfall strikes a hollowed-out ledge in the sandstone cliff . Hitting this ledge , the water is thrust up and out before making the last vertical descent into the plunge pool . The effect is striking and dramatic making it a wonderful waterfall to photograph .
Just 2,000 feet south of Riggs Branch Falls lies an attractive seasonal waterfall . Its watershed is small , so it ’ s best to catch it after a very heavy rainfall or several days of steady rain . Nevertheless , when the creek is full , the waterfall is quite pretty . It stair-steps over several sandstone ledges as it descends to the Kanawha River . It ’ s easy to find as a large pullout is right at the falls .
About a mile south of the previous waterfall on U . S . 60 and just before the town of Charlton , W . Va ., lies a waterfall I ’ ve dubbed the “ Wall Falls .” At the head of the waterfall is a wall about 20 feet high constructed of stone blocks . Although I ’ ve asked , no one yet has been able to tell me why the wall was built . It does form a retaining wall for the creek crossing of an old road that sits atop the wall and perhaps that ’ s its purpose . The watershed for this falls is quite small , so you have to also catch it in periods of heavy flow .
If you climb to the top of the wall at Wall Falls , you ’ re treated with a second waterfall that descends in stair-step fashion over a substantial drop . So the Wall Falls are really two waterfalls in one . This brings our tour of the waterfalls of the Midland Trail to a close . These seasonal waterfalls along U . S . 60 are at their very best in winter and early spring . When winter seems to be its dreariest , I suggest you take a drive along the historic Midland Trail and visit these beautiful waterfalls .
Happy Trails .
30 ❖ SOUTH ❖ JANUARY - FEBRUARY ' 22