A 15-foot roadside falls on the Kanawha River with no hiking required, accessible from a dirt lot as Stop 1 on the NPS waterfall tour.
No entrance fee — NPS states no entrance pass is required for New River Gorge NPP
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Kanawha Falls is a 15-foot drop across the Kanawha River in New River Gorge National Park, accessible from a dirt roadside lot at Gauley Bridge with no hiking required. The falls is marked as Stop 1 on the official NPS New River Gorge Waterfall Tour, making it a convenient starting point for a waterfall-viewing circuit in the area.
Dogs are allowed on-leash, and there is no entrance fee. The minimal access requirements and reliable water flow make this an excellent option for visitors with limited time or mobility constraints.
This roadside stop is ideal for photographers and travelers seeking quick waterfall views along the scenic Gauley Bridge area. The consistent water flow and well-marked location as part of the formal NPS waterfall tour make it a reliable destination year-round.
Year-round; the falls flow consistently throughout the seasons.
Dirt roadside lot with no hiking required.
Cathedral Falls and other stops on the NPS New River Gorge Waterfall Tour.
No entrance fee — NPS states no entrance pass is required for New River Gorge NPP
It's viewable without a hike, from a pullout or short walk near the parking area.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 8 waterfalls in New River Gorge, 3 of which are roadside like this one.
There are 6 other waterfalls we track in Fayette County. All New River Gorge waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS 'places' page, checked Sept 2026; no closure noted. NPS: falls drop 15 ft at their highest point across the Kanawha River, visible from a dirt roadside lot with no hiking required; Stop 1 on the NPS New River Gorge Waterfall Tour.
Checked September 2026.