Cathedral Falls Roadside Gorge Walk
New River Gorge region / Gauley Bridge, West Virginia
Activity
Walking / Waterfall
Distance
0.2 mi round trip
Route
Out & back
The adventure
Cane Creek spills from a high ledge in a slender white cascade framed by dark shale, sandstone, and green forest. The roadside setting is easy to reach, but the tall rock amphitheater gives the waterfall a surprisingly secluded feel.
A short walk reveals the falls through a changing curtain of mist, with the flow especially impressive after rainfall. It is a rewarding stop on a larger New River Gorge waterfall tour.
ONCE YOU’RE THERE
Walk from the signed parking area to the bridge viewpoint. Only continue on the rough dirt spur if conditions are safe, then return to your vehicle.
LOCAL INTEL
The NPS describes Cathedral Falls as a 60-foot cascade outside the national park boundary.
TRAIL CONDITIONS & SAFETY
Road traffic, wet rocks, and slippery dirt require caution; do not climb behind the falls.
FEES & ACCESS
No general entrance fee is charged for this adventure.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Year-round; flow strongest after rain.
What to expect
- Tall roadside cascade
- Rock amphitheater
- Very short access walk
Good to know
- Getting there
- Use the small marked Cathedral Falls parking area on US-60 near Gauley Bridge. Follow the short paved approach to the bridge viewpoint; the dirt spur closer to the base is optional and slippery.
- Safety
- Road traffic, wet rocks, and slippery dirt require caution; do not climb behind the falls.
- Route notes
- The NPS describes Cathedral Falls as a 60-foot cascade outside the national park boundary.
- Fee
- Free — no required entrance or parking fee.
- Entrance fee
- No general admission fee listed; confirm any parking or activity charges.
- Dogs
- unknown.
- Season
- Year-round; flow strongest after rain
Photos