Are there fees or permits required for Harvey Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Harvey Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Harvey Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Harvey Falls near Glen Lyn, West Virginia

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Bluestone River) · 99 ft³/s · About average

Harvey Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Harvey Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Harvey Falls.

West Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Bluestone Recreation Area REC · UNK

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Harvey Falls

Harvey Falls is a quietly scenic cascade tucked into the Bluestone Recreation Area in southern West Virginia. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a recreation site, the falls are a lesser-known, peaceful destination where a modest drop of water is framed by mature hardwood forest—perfect for hikers and photographers seeking a low-traffic outdoor stop. The trail is a well-established forested path that feels intimate rather than rugged, making it a satisfying half-day outing. The nearest developed campground is Bluestone State Park, roughly 14.4 km away if you plan to extend your stay in the area.

The Setting

Harvey Falls sits at 1,421 feet within Bluestone Recreation Area, in the foothills of West Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The route follows a well-trodden forest path through the Bluestone Recreation Area (managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). The trail surface is a natural footpath winding through mixed hardwoods; expect a generally moderate grade with some short uphill sections. No USFS trail number is provided for this route.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The area is typically quiet, making it ideal for photography or relaxation. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on recent rainfall.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Harvey Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Harvey Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have a stronger flow due to seasonal rainfall.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail may be slippery after rain, and the area around the waterfall could have uneven or wet rocks. Exercise caution and wear appropriate footwear.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Bluestone River, 9.1 miles away, not on Harvey Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

99 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

36 51 213 575

Based on 76 years of record

2.54 ft

Water depth at gauge

45°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

11.5 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

330 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

9.1 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 (15 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

99 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

99 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

102 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

107 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

118 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

124 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

123 cfs

9/10

Sat

Roaring

129 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring 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 Glen Lyn hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Harvey Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Harvey Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 38°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 84 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 Harvey Falls near Glen Lyn, 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

Harvey Falls is located in a remote area of West Virginia. Access typically involves driving on rural roads, and the exact location may require local guidance or GPS navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along the roadside or at a nearby pull-off area.

Elevation

1,421 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.503454° N, -80.852026° W

Land Management

Bluestone Recreation Area REC

Managed by USACE

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby. Cell service may be limited in the area.