Falls of Hills Creek
West Virginia • 63 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.3 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Falls of Hills Creek
The Falls of Hills Creek is a series of three stunning waterfalls located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. The area is known for its lush forest surroundings and well-maintained trails that lead visitors to the upper, middle, and lower falls. The lower falls, the tallest of the three, is particularly impressive.
The Setting
Falls of Hills Creek sits at 3,205 feet within Monongahela National Forest, in the mountains of West Virginia. The falls drop 63 feet.
Height: 63 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Falls Of Hills Creek Trail (#249), a 1.3-mile out-and-back trail over other. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 10-12%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
FALLS OF HILLS CREEK TRAIL #249
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.20 miTrail Description
The trail to the Falls of Hills Creek is a combination of paved paths, boardwalks, and stairs. The first 0.2 miles to the upper falls is paved and wheelchair accessible. Beyond this point, the trail becomes steeper and includes stairs leading to the middle and lower falls. The lower falls, at 63 feet, is the most dramatic and requires descending a significant number of stairs.
What to Expect
The falls drop 63 feet. 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 Falls of Hills Creek?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Falls of Hills Creek?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a chance to see the falls partially frozen.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Monongahela National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The stairs to the lower falls can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution and use handrails where available. Stay on designated trails and do not climb on rocks near the waterfalls, as they can be very slippery.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Greenbrier River, 11.2 miles away, not on Falls of Hills Creek's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
249 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 97 years of record
2.59 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge GREENBRIER RIVER AT BUCKEYE, WV (18 km away).
Today
Roaring
269 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
251 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
235 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
262 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
267 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
286 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
294 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — 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 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 Hillsboro hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Falls of Hills Creek Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Falls of Hills Creek is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 36°F to 31°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 129 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 219 feet of descent through Falls of Hills Creek, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 63 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 3,213 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 166 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 126 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,213 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 219 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Falls of Hills Creek is located off WV Route 39/55, approximately 5 miles west of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. A well-marked parking area provides access to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
A designated parking lot is available at the trailhead, with ample space for visitors.
Elevation
3,205 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.173729° N, -80.335076° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and take breaks if needed when climbing the stairs. Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.
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With 1.3 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Smiths In-law suite! Pet friendly! Hot Tub!
2 Mi to Green Bank Observatory! Mtn-View Cabin
Moore House Inn & Cabins
La Quinta Inn & Suites - New River Gorge National Park
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Gauley Ranger District
7.8 miles away · 0 sites
The Gauley Ranger District is located in Richwood, WV.
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Nearby Attractions
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, and the Highland Scenic Highway.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors may also see unique plant life, such as ferns and mosses.
Cities near Falls of Hills Creek
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