Cathedral Falls
On a creek by the River Mersey a few hundred meters downstream from the famous D'Alton Falls, Cathedral Falls is a lesser-known and rarely visited waterfall. Mainly because it is not accessible by trail and visitors need to hike along the edge of a deep gorge. Cathedral Falls is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in West Virginia. The waterfall plunges steeply into a natural amphitheater. Certainly, the amphitheater is the reason the falls were given the name "Cathedral".
The water here is incredibly magical whether it's static or flowing through a stream. The sound of water flowing over the rocks can help you reconnect with nature and temporarily forget your worries. Moreover, hidden in a small canyon, Cathedral Falls is also a great place to take pictures. Cathedral Creek rushes over a moss-covered rock and over a 60-foot cliff in rainy weather in the winter and spring. It then empties into a tiny, milky pool. The waterfall is gone during the dry season, but the cathedral window structure and overhanging granite bluff are worth the quick journey at any time of year.
Visitation to this waterfall is extremely simple. About a mile east of Gauley Bridge, it is situated in a tiny wayside park along US 60. Although you can see the falls from the road and the parking lot, a short stroll near the falls will give you a better view of the entire falls.
In sum, Cathedral Falls:
- On a creek by the River Mersey a few hundred meters downstream from D'Alton Falls.
- One of the tallest and Most Beautiful Waterfalls in West Virginia.
- A great place to take pictures, and relax.
