A short, moderate hike through New River Gorge to a tiered sandstone drop, open year-round with no entrance fee.
No entrance fee (NPS)
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Big Branch Falls drops nearly 30 feet over tiered sandstone ledges in the New River Gorge, reachable via a 0.7-mile moderate hike from the Brooks Falls parking lot. The National Park Service describes it as a clockwise walk, with the option to return via the same route or continue on a steeper loop for variety.
Dogs are welcome on-leash, and there is no entrance fee to access this NPS site. However, the trail involves rocky terrain and steep switchbacks that make it unsuitable for wheelchair access or mobility devices. Water levels depend on recent rainfall or seasonal snowmelt, so spring and winter typically offer the most flow.
The 1.4-mile round-trip distance assumes the straightforward there-and-back walk. Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for wet or slippery surfaces if you visit after rain. As with all trails in the New River Gorge, stay on marked paths and respect any closure notices posted at the trailhead.
Year-round; water flow is best after rainfall or in spring when snowmelt is active.
NOT wheelchair accessible
Not wheelchair accessible; moderate difficulty and rocky terrain make it unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
No entrance fee (NPS)
Via a 1.4-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 8 waterfalls in New River Gorge.
There are 3 other waterfalls we track in Summers County. All New River Gorge waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS 'places' page, checked Sept 2026; no closure noted. NPS describes the falls as dropping 'nearly 30 feet' down tiered sandstone, reached 0.7 mi (clockwise) from the trailhead across from the Brooks Falls parking lot, with an NPS-noted option to return via the same route (used here for the 1.4 mi round trip) instead of continuing the steeper loop.
Checked September 2026.