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

Nearby gauge (Bluestone River) · 101 ft³/s · About average

Bull Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bull Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bull Falls.

West Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 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, in the foothills of West Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Difficulty: moderate. Trail type: out-and-back. 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 1 hour ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Bluestone River, 5.5 miles away, not on Bull Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

101 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

26 46 250 644

Based on 76 years of record

2.55 ft

Water depth at gauge

57°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 57 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.0 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.2 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.0

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

1.7 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

320 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

Roaring right now

101 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

101 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

102 cfs

9/10

Sun

Roaring

103 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

104 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

98 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

109 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

113 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly 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.

Is Bull Falls Frozen?

Updated about 21 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Bull Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 71°F to 50°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 78 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in West Virginia.

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.