Cathedral Falls

I went yesterday, almost zero water. Someone in the other comments suggested that may happen. It just sucks to drive so far out of the way not knowing what is going to be there. This is a roadside falls, no need to hike anywhere.

We go here just about every year. But sometimes there won’t be any water flowing. It’s good to go after a big rain. And some of the rocks are slippery of course… I have learned.

I had an amazing experience at Cathedral Falls in West Virginia a few years ago when my daughter was little. The family had stopped on a road trip to stretch our legs and spent a pleasant time wading through the shallow pools at the bottom of the fall. This scenic spot is absurdly accessible from the highway, literally 30 seconds off the road and you’re there.
But the moment I still remember most was climbing my way up the steep hillside to the right to get around towards a small rock ledge midway up the falls (a hazardous undertaking not for the unwary). I stopped in mid-​climb to get my bearings, the side of my head just a few inches from the wall of the cathedral.
Suddenly I heard the sounds of music. It was an ethereal, wispy kind of jazz with a melodic line that could not quite be pinned down, try as I might to follow it. I assumed someone down below had brought a CD player. A delightfully evasive and haunting sound. I finished the climb up and back down again. It was not until later that I realized I had heard the sound the cascading water made as it bounced and hummed through the surrounding landscape. If anyone else ever hears this subtle nature music I would sure like to know about it!

I have been here several times. But the most recent trip was best ever. This is right out side of gauley bridge, wv. If you can find train tracks on east side of town you are there. This is literally a city park with a dozen parking spaces. It maybe the New River Gorge’s best kept secret!