Valley Falls State Park
4.8(1.4K)google
5.0(18)yelp
WaterfallRiverHikingOutdoor
Overview
Valley Falls State Park is a 1,145 acre (4.63 km²) day use facility sited along both banks of the Tygart Valley River. The park is located about 7 miles (11 km) south of exit 137 of I-79, near Fairmont, West Virginia. The park's main feature is a half-mile long set of cascades — the "Valley Falls" — that separate Marion and Taylor County, West Virginia.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeLate spring (May to June) offers maximum water volume over the cascades. Aiming for an evening stroll between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM is spectacular; the setting sun casts deep amber hues across the massive, flat sandstone ledges and the churning four-tiered foaming waterfalls of the Tygart Valley River.
Getting ThereTucked away in a rural canyon with zero public buses. From Fairmont, take state route WV-310 S southbound for about 7 miles, then turn right onto the narrow, sharply descending Valley Falls Road country lane. Drive cautiously to the dead-end loop which opens directly into a free gravel park lot.
Travel Tips
- Swimming forbidden; stay behind barriers.
- Day-use only.
Photo Tips
Best LightWeekday mornings are best for photos.
Reviews
Positive
- The multi-tiered waterfalls tumbling over wide rocky riverbeds create a mesmerizing rumble and an incredibly relaxing view.
- The massive expanses of flat bedrock by the water serve as wonderful picnic spots where guests can lounge and read.
- The park grounds are meticulously clean, boasting manicured lawns, a kids' playground, and plenty of picnic pavilions.
- It features free admission and excellent highway accessibility, making it a stellar, cost-free stop to rest during road trips.
Heads up
- Due to continuous water flow, the wide river rocks are heavily coated in moss and are dangerously slick to walk on.
- Because of swift currents and hidden undertows, swimming is strictly prohibited, disappointing those looking to cool off in the river.
- On sunny summer weekend afternoons, the small parking lot fills to capacity quickly, forcing long wait times at the entrance gate.
- The restroom facilities are primitive vault toilets which can develop quite a strong, unpleasant odor during hot summer days.