Brush Creek Nature Preserve offers an unforgettable pair of waterfalls in southern West Virigina. Discover the impressive 30-foot Brush Creek Falls and its quieter downstream cousin, White Oak Creek Falls. Rare plant species thrive here and wildflowers and migrating warblers are abundant in spring. This backcountry wonder exemplifies Appalachian hiking.
Trail and Preserve
Following a historic narrow-gauge railbed, Brush Creek Falls Trail is part of West Virginia’s Mountaineer Mile Trails. The Mountaineer Mile portion to the first waterfall is an easy hike, perfect for families or casual hikers. I would rate the full hike to White Oak Creek Falls as a moderate trail.
The trail runs parallel to the creek and sits high above it for most of the hike. That doesn’t mean it’s not magical! There are monolithic limestone and sandstone cliffs, beautiful wildflowers, and stunning wildlife.
After Brush Creek Falls, the trail heads into Nature Conservancy property and the trail blazes reflect this.
Brush Creek Nature Preserve is a haven for wildflowers. Common mullein, common self-heal, daisy fleabane, goldenrod, pale touch-me-not, panicled tick-trefoil, spotted jewelweed, sunchoke, and white wood aster were in bloom during my late July visit.
While there are some climbs at the beginning and end of the trail, for the most part, the terrain is level. You will pass over a couple of seasonal mountain streams. As you get closer to White Oak Creek Falls, the trail starts to descend closer to the water. By the time you reach the waterfall, you are level with the creek and river.
Brush Creek Falls
Brush Creek Falls is a quarter mile into the trail. After entering the narrow 400-foot-deep canyon, Brush Creek cascades over the 33-foot falls, and joins the Bluestone National Scenic River. The overlook from the main trail offers beautiful views of the brink.
However, shortly after the overlook, there is a steeper spur path to the base. Don’t be confused by some areas of water runoff that look like extremely steep and loose paths. The spur trail to the base is beyond these and curves sharply back on a clear narrow slope.
From the base, I watched the creek flow over the wide sandstone ledge. Sunlight illuminated trees upstream, creating a lovely backdrop.
White Oak Creek Falls
For those craving a longer adventure, don’t stop at Brush Creek. It is another mile and a half on the trail to reach White Oak Creek Falls. The trail ends where the creek meets Bluestone River.
The secluded cascade tumbles over tiered rock formations.
White Oak Creek empties into a curve of Bluestone River. I loved being able to watch the water flow over tiny cascades and continue downstream. In the short time I was at the base of the falls, light quickly filled the riverbank across the bend.
Know Before You Go
Brush Creek Falls Road is very narrow as it winds around the mountainside.
The preserve’s parking lot is small – fitting 4 to 5 cars. It was empty when I arrived in the morning; however, by the time I left at 11:15 a.m., the area was full with 8 vehicles. Due to the limited space, some of these were parked along the road.
Whether you’re a serious hiker, a casual wanderer, or just passing through southern West Virginia, the Brush Creek Falls Trail is a short escape that promises big beauty.