Are there fees or permits required for Brooks Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Brooks Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Brooks Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Brooks Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,540 ft³/s · About average

Brooks Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Brooks Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Brooks Falls.

West Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Brooks Falls, see below

Private Land Owner 1 PCON · PVT

Photo Credits (4)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

Katmai National Park and Preserve Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Brocken Inaglory CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

WVTROUT CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Brooks Falls

Brooks Falls is a low, wide cascade known for its broad, scenic drop and peaceful riverside setting along the New River in West Virginia. The falls sit on private property and are listed under Private Land Owner 1 (designation PCON), managed by a private landowner (PVT), so visitors should be mindful of access and signage. The spot rewards photographers and nature lovers with postcard-ready views and a tranquil atmosphere that’s ideal for a short outing or a reflective pause by the water. Access to the falls is served by a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail that climbs about 350 feet and is generally rated moderate — a pleasant day hike rather than a roadside pullout. If you’re planning an overnight trip, Bluestone Lake Picnic Shelter is the closest campground, approximately 9.6 km away, making Brooks Falls a nice day destination from nearby camping areas.

The Setting

Brooks Falls sits at 1,319 feet within Private Land Owner 1, fed by the New River, in the foothills of West Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Brooks Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: ~350 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. USFS trail name/number and formal surface/grade/class data are not provided in the available information. Hikers should prepare for a moderate riverside hike and observe any posted private-property access rules.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Brooks Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Brooks Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically higher during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious near the river, as the currents can be strong and unpredictable. Avoid getting too close to the water's edge. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rains can cause flooding.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

2,540 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.3k 1.6k 3.3k 8.4k

Based on 66 years of record

1.99 ft

Water depth at gauge

69°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 69 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

NEW RIVER AT HINTON, WV

USGS 03184500

3.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 6,273 sq mi

Altitude: 1,355 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NEW RIVER AT HINTON, WV (5 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

2540 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

2540 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

2428 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

2495 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

2974 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

3210 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

2946 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

2832 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Hinton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Brooks Falls near Hinton, West Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Brooks Falls near Hinton, West Virginia

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Brooks Falls is located near Hinton, West Virginia, along State Route 20. It is accessible via a short drive from the town of Hinton. The falls are visible from the road, making them easy to access.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the falls along State Route 20. Parking availability may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

1,319 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.719286° N, -80.892033° W

Land Management

Private Land Owner 1 PCON

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or after heavy rains to see the falls at their fullest. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Be cautious near the water, as the river currents can be strong.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

BLUESTONE LAKE PICNIC SHELTER

6 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Bluestone Lake Picnic Shelter is a day-use area near the shores of Bluestone Lake in southern West Virginia. The 2,040 acres of water provide boaters, water skiers and fishermen with plenty of recreational opportunities. With a capacity of up to 100 guests and dozens of activities and amenities, the day use area is a hot spot for large gatherings and outdoor fun. It is very popular among Little League Baseball groups and fishermen.Recreation The New River is the best warm water fishery i

Book on Recreation.gov