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

Live Conditions · 109 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 Sep 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 approach to the falls follows a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. 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, fed by the Bluestone River, in the foothills of West Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 2.4 miles total with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. 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

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 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

109 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

20 32 127 418

Based on 76 years of record

2.61 ft

Water depth at gauge

62°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 62 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

9.3 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

3.2 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

267 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

Barely Flowing right now

113 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

113 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

113 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

113 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

122 cfs

3/10

Fri

Low

127 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

127 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

127 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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.

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.