Marr Branch Falls: A Hidden Gem in the New River Gorge

Marr Branch runs steeply down the New River Gorge in a tight ravine that is lined with waterfalls from top to bottom. Most of the lower waterfalls are difficult to get to and will be the subject of another blog. But with a little effort the two falls at the top near Fayette Station Road are accessible.

Upper Marr Branch

Upper Marr Branch

To find the uppermost waterfall on Marr Branch turn off U.S. Route 19 at the sign for Fayette Station Road south of the New River Gorge Bridge. After a mile you must pull off and park by a bridge crossing Marr Branch because at this point Fayette Station Road turns into one-way traffic only (GPS: Lat. 38.073412, Long. -81.095878). Walk down the road another 0.2 miles to Upper Marr Branch Falls. The falls have a 10-foot drop split into two segments. The view from the road is okay, but if you’re willing and able it’s best to scramble down some roadside rip-rap to get to the base of the falls. I’ve seen many good photographs of this waterfall taken from creek level.

Upper Marr Branch

Marr Branch Falls

The next waterfall below the upper falls is completely hidden from the road. It has a single, majestic drop of about 25-30 feet and is worth a little extra effort to get to it. To pick up a path to it, double back to your vehicle. Walk across the bridge over Marr Branch. From the end of the bridge take 15 steps along the road and then look to the right for a rough, bushwhacked path through the rhododendron. It’s marked by a plank over a ditch. Take this path, which parallels Marr Branch, until it intersects another trail. Turn right and follow the trail until it ends at the falls. At this point Marr Branch dashes over a thick sandstone ledge and drops into a plunge pool formed by a ring of large boulders. It’s a fine waterfall to photograph or just to linger by and listen to.

Marr Branch Falls

If you visit Marr Branch Falls, I think you’ll find it to be one of those hidden scenic gems of the New River Gorge. For more about this waterfall and others in the New River Gorge see my new book at this blog post Exploring the Wilds of West Virginia