Brush Creek Falls Trail: Short Hike to a Tall Waterfall

My jaw dropped the first time I saw Brush Creek Falls. I couldn’t believe such a lovely, large, and accessible waterfall had escaped my attention for so long. The falls span the width of Brush Creek and are about 33 feet high. A few smaller drops precede the main fall. The Brush Creek watershed is substantial and supports good flow in summer. While it begins as a shallow, meandering stream, Brush Creek swells to river size and cuts a 400-foot deep canyon by the time it reaches the falls. 

Brush Creek Falls

Twenty-four acres surrounding Brush Creek Falls are now managed by the State of West Virginia as part of Pipestem Resort State Park. To get to Brush Creek Falls from the Pipestem State Park entrance, take state Route 20 south 4.5 miles to the town of Speedway and turn right onto county Route 3 (Brush Creek Falls Road, GPS: Lat. 37.45632, Long. -81.01005). After 2.7 miles bear left on county Route 3 and descend 0.6 miles into the Brush Creek Gorge. Park at the picnic shelter just before the bridge crossing Brush Creek (GPS: Lat. 37.46478, Long. -81.06404).
 

Upper Brush Creek Falls

It’s an easy, though rocky, ¼ mile hike from the picnic shelter to the falls. The trail at this point may have been a wagon road serving grist and woolen mills operating at the site from 1851 to 1909. From relatively flat sandstone ledges, you can explore the top of the upper falls that hosts numerous small drops. 
 

Brush Creek Falls

And there’s a well-graded trail leading to the creek below the main falls. This trail is not the first one that you’ll come upon. Look for a second trail, which switches back at an abrupt angle to the left. It’s the easiest way down to creek level where you can explore the base of the falls. 

Brush Creek Falls