Dunloup Creek Falls

Just about everyone loves a waterfall. Fortunately in the New River Gorge, waterfalls abound. In our book West Virginia Waterfalls: The New River Gorge, Randall Sanger and I documented 120 waterfalls. And I know there are more. All waterfalls flow well in spring when there is plenty of water due to melting snow and thawing ground. But during the summer many streams shrink and waterfalls dry up. So in the summer where can you go in the New River Gorge to get your waterfall fix? 

Dunloup Creek Falls

One place is Dunloup Creek Falls (GPS: Lat. 37.9382, Long. -81.0977). It might need a little help from summer rains, but it has a sizable watershed that keeps the stream flowing even in summer. And it’s easy to find. From Glen Jean take the road to Thurmond. About 4 ½ miles from Glen Jean look for a wide pull off on the right hand side of the road where there’s parking for about three or four vehicles. 

Dunloup Creek Falls

The falls consist of a river wide drop of some 20 feet. Paths lead from the parking area to the top of the falls where you can explore the shallow waters that run across the sandstone ledge capping the falls. Paths also lead to creek level below the falls. Be careful; the wet rocks are slippery. If you enjoy waterfall photography, you’ll like Dunloup Creek Falls. You can get good compositions from above the waterfall. The best shots, though, are at creek level. Angular rocks and smooth flowing water make for some dramatic shots. 

Dunloup Creek Falls

Since the town of Thurmond is just two miles further down the road, it might make a good addition to a day-trip in the Gorge. During the early 1900s, Thurmond was a classic railroad boomtown built by swelling profits from coal shipments originating from local mines. The National Park Service has restored many of the old buildings and has turned the historic Thurmond train depot into a park visitor center.

Dunloup Creek Falls