Are there fees or permits required for Richman Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Richman Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Richman Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,540 ft³/s · About average

Richman Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Richman Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Richman Falls.

West Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Private Land Owner 1 PCON · PVT

Photo Credits (1)

Antony-22 CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Richman Falls

Richman Falls is a tucked-away cascade set in a quiet, forested pocket of West Virginia. The falls sit on private property managed by Private Land Owner 1 (designation PCON), giving the spot a secluded, almost undiscovered feel that draws hikers looking for a peaceful nature escape. Framed by mature hardwoods, the waterfall is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace—bring a camera and expect a tranquil, low-traffic visit. The most common approach is a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back hike that climbs roughly 350 feet. Because the site is on private land (manager listed as PVT), visitors should be respectful of property and posted rules or closures. Camping near the falls is limited; the nearest named shelter is Grandview Playground Shelter, about 15.5 km away, so plan overnight stays accordingly.

The Setting

Richman Falls sits at 1,257 feet within Private Land Owner 1, fed by the New River, in the foothills of West Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Trail: 2.4-mile out-and-back (total) with approximately 350 ft elevation gain. Difficulty: Moderate. The route follows a forest footpath through mixed hardwoods with natural tread; expect uneven footing, roots and occasional rocky sections. There is no listed USFS trail number for this approach, and the route lies on private land managed by Private Land Owner 1 (designation PCON, manager: PVT), so confirm access and respect any restrictions before hiking. Minimal facilities and signage are typical—carry a map or GPS and plan for a backcountry-style outing.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area is typically quiet and offers opportunities for photography and relaxation. The waterfall may be more impressive after rainfall.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Richman Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Richman Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

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

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven trail conditions. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

2,540 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.3k 1.6k 3.3k 8.4k

Based on 66 years of record

1.99 ft

Water depth at gauge

69°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 69 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

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

NEW RIVER AT HINTON, WV

USGS 03184500

7.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 6,273 sq mi

Altitude: 1,355 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NEW RIVER AT HINTON, WV (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

2540 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

2540 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

2428 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

2495 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

2974 cfs

5/10

Fri

Moderate

3210 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

2946 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

2832 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late 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 Meadow Bridge 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 51 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,258 feet.

The ground changes about 285 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 30 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Richman Falls near Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Richman Falls near Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, showing about 51 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,258 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 51 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Richman 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 coordinates.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along the roadside or at a nearby trailhead.

Elevation

1,257 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.777896° N, -80.898979° W

Land Management

Private Land Owner 1 PCON

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Bring water and a map or GPS device, as the trail may not be well-marked.

Where to Stay

3 Mi to New River Gorge NP! Rafting and Hiking Hub

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

Grandview Playground Shelter

9.7 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview The Playground Picnic Shelter is the main shelter at Grandview. It is closest to the main playground and ball fields, located just past the amphitheater.Recreation The Grandview area of New River Gorge National River features five hiking trails, overlooks, a seasonal visitor center, ranger-led activities, summer outdoor dramas (Theatre West Virginia), playgrounds, volleyball court, baseball field, and basketball court.Facilities The Playground Picnic Shelter at Grandview is the largest a

Book on Recreation.gov