Are there fees or permits required for Bull Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Bull Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bull Falls.

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

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 376 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Bull Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bull Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bull Falls.

West Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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

Bluestone Recreation Area REC · UNK

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Bull Falls

Bull Falls sits tucked into the Bluestone Recreation Area in southern West Virginia, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The falls are a quietly scenic stop framed by hardwood forest, making them a favorite of hikers who prefer a low-key outing away from busier parks. Its secluded character and natural setting make Bull Falls an appealing destination for photography, birding, or a peaceful riverside break. Access to the falls is via a moderate hiking route that earns its tranquility — the trail is relatively short but offers enough climb and forest cover to feel like a proper backcountry stroll. If you want to turn this into an overnight trip, Bluestone State Park campground lies about 8.41 km away, providing nearby options for camping and extended exploration of the Bluestone River corridor.

The Setting

Bull Falls sits at 1,407 feet within Bluestone Recreation Area, fed by the Bluestone River, in the foothills of West Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail length: 2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. The route to Bull Falls leads through mixed hardwood forest within the Bluestone Recreation Area (managed by the USACE), gaining about 350 feet over the 2.4-mile round trip. Surface, grade, and formal trail class are not specified in the available managing-agency data; hikers should expect a natural forest tread and come prepared with sturdy footwear and basic trail navigation. Nearest campground: Bluestone State Park, ~8.41 km away.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bull Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bull Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Bull Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

The trail may be slippery after rain, and the area around the falls can have wet rocks. Use caution and wear appropriate footwear. Cell service may be limited, so inform someone of your plans before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

376 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

24 30 96 238

Based on 76 years of record

3.78 ft

Water depth at gauge

62°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display. Water temperature is a refreshing 62 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect slightly cloudy visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.9 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

8.8 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

7.9

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

8.3 FNU

Water Clarity

Slightly cloudy

Minor sediment present

248 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BLUESTONE RIVER NEAR PIPESTEM, WV

USGS 03179000

5.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 395 sq mi

Altitude: 1,527 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BLUESTONE RIVER NEAR PIPESTEM, WV (9 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

376 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

376 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Strong

394 cfs

7/10

Fri

Strong

389 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

375 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

414 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

406 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

429 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

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 Bull Falls near Hinton, West Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

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

Bull Falls is located in a remote area of West Virginia. Visitors typically access it via local roads, but specific directions may vary depending on the starting point. It is recommended to use a GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is limited and may consist of roadside pull-offs or small parking areas near the trailhead.

Elevation

1,407 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.542620° N, -80.910641° W

Land Management

Bluestone Recreation Area REC

Managed by USACE

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail may be uneven. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.