Ramsey Branch Falls: a Hidden Gem

Ramsey Branch Road is rough and rocky, but worth the ride. It drops you off at a secluded and lovely place--Ramsey Branch Falls. Nestled in a canyon just off the Gauley River, the falls are truly a gem hidden in the hills of the New River Region.
 

Ramsey Branch Falls

To get to Ramsey Branch Falls take U.S. 60 five miles west of its intersection with U.S. 19 to Saturday Road (GPS: Lat. 38.128491, Long. -81.074095). Turn right (north) on Saturday Road and wind through the countryside of pastures and woods. After 6.9 miles turn left at the junction with Ramsey Branch Road and continue 1.6 miles to the Gauley River. The last half a mile is steep, rough, rocky, and requires a truck for 4WD vehicle with a high center. 

Ramsey Branch Falls

Turn right at the river and after a very short distance look for a road to the right which drops down to the streambed of Ramsey Branch. Take this road for just a few yards and stop at a hairpin turn at creek level. A short, bushwhacked trail leads upstream to the falls (GPS: Lat. 38.2010, Long. -81.0126). At the falls, Ramsey Branch rolls over a sandstone ledge forming a broad veil of white water. Having photographed more than 70 waterfalls in the New River Gorge region, I believe that the falls at Ramsey Branch are one of the most picturesque. They are a “must see” for adventure seekers along the Gauley River. 

Ramsey Branch Falls

While on the Gauley, you might as well explore the banks of the river, too. There’s an easy way to the riverside through the tunnel under the road that runs along the Gauley River. At Ramsey Branch the Gauley widens and forms at calm reflecting pool. It’s a great place to sit and soak in some scenery before you turn around and head home.

Gauley River