Tucked away in Monongahela National Forest, Falls of Hills Creek is a series of three waterfalls. A winding boardwalk trail guides visitors down a steep ravine, where the air grows cooler and the roar of rushing water beckons. Here, the forest canopy illuminates a world of moss-covered rocks, towering hemlocks, and spray from the cascades.
Falls of Hills Creek is part of West Virginia’s Highland Scenic Highway.
Falls of Hills Creek
These falls get progressively taller – cascading 25 feet, 45 feet, and 63 feet. From Upper Falls to Lower Falls, Hills Creek drops 220 feet. Each waterfall has a wooden overlook to take photos, enjoy the views, and simply relax.
Over 40 species of wildflowers carpet the forest floor. During my visit, pale touch-me-not, rhododendron, and scarlet beebalm were in bloom.
This is a popular spot. The lot was empty when I arrived and had 7 other cars when I left. I passed 5 families with children on my hike out.
Falls of Hills Creek Trail
The trail starts with a 1,700-foot universally accessible paved path and boardwalk to the first waterfall.
To continue to the other waterfalls, the quarter-mile trail turns into dirt-and-gravel paths and wooden stairs. I counted approx. 400 steps from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls.
Along the way, there are a couple of spur trails out to the creek.
Upper Falls
At 0.3 miles, a boardwalk overlooks the brink of the 25-foot Upper Falls. It was overgrown during my visit so I couldn’t see the full length.
Middle Falls
After Upper Falls, dozens of wooden and metal steps brought me to a long wooden boardwalk. Half a mile into the hike, the boardwalk connects Middle Falls and Lower Falls.
Please note: One staircase has serrated metal grip treads which may hurt pets’ feet.
Turning to the right brought me to the 45-foot Middle Falls as it cascaded over a rock ledge.
Lower Falls
Then I followed the boardwalk to another set of wooden steps down to Lower Falls. This view was worth every step! At 63 feet, Lower Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in West Virginia.
History of the Falls
According to signs along the trail, Hills Creek was once much shorter, but thousands of years ago it captured the headwaters of the North Fork of Cherry River. This “stream piracy” caused Hills Creek to swell in size which enlarged the falls.
Looking for a longer hike? Fork Mountain Trail intersects with the Falls of Hills Creek Trail. It is a 24-mile point-to-point ridgeline path.