Meadow Creek Falls: Hiding in Plain Sight

Searching for waterfalls in the New River Gorge, I�ve scoured mountainsides, bushwhacked rough trails, and scrambled over steep slopes to find them. Yet to my surprise, I�ve learned that some of the loveliest waterfalls in southern West Virginia are hiding in plain sight.
Meadow Creek Falls, also known as Claypool Falls, are a good example. They�re right off a hardtop road and no more than four miles from an interstate highway. Yet, they remain �off the radar� so to speak for most visitors to the Gorge. 
To find this not so elusive waterfall, take I-64 to the National Park Service Sandstone Visitor Center at Exit 139 (GPS: Lat. 37.78320, Long. -80.89778). Then take the road to the town of Meadow Creek, which is a little less than three miles from the visitor center. When you reach a junction in town with a sharp left turn, bear straight ahead onto Claypool Road. Claypool Road is a hardtop road that runs along Meadow Creek all the way to the Town of Meadow Bridge. About a mile and a half up Claypool Road, look for a wide spot in the road to your left and the falls on your right (GPS: Lat 37.8236, Long -80.9061). 
Meadow Creek Falls
The falls can be appreciated from the road, but for a closer look, there�s a trail down to creek level. It�s short, rocky, and steep, and I admit not for everyone. But if you�re sure-footed, it�s worth the scramble down. This is one truly beautiful waterfall. It spans the creek with about a 20-foot drop that is very photogenic. The falls present a multitude of camera angles and fascinating foreground. Flat, rock ledges are convenient for exploring the creek side, setting up a tripod, or just sitting and admiring the view.
Meadow Creek Falls
A little upstream from the main falls, there are small, but picturesque drops as well. This is truly a waterfall for all seasons. Having a large watershed, the creek maintains good flow year round. If you�re looking for some new places to explore in the New River Gorge, why not try Meadow Creek Falls? 

Upstream from Falls
Meadow Creek Falls

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Group Discussion Spots You Need to Check Out in NYP

Image
Term Break has ended! Apart getting to see our friends again, we all have group projects to do! NYP has lots of conducive places to study, but here are my top 5 best picks! #1: Smart Learning Spaces   Location: NYP Library, Block A, Level 4 North Wing Air-conditioned? � Check! Quiet? � Check! Power sockets? � Check! Located within the Library�s Smart Learning Hub, the Smart Learning Spaces are basically rooms that can be booked through our NYP portal. Each room is enclosed, meaning that you will be able to block out noise, and brainstorm with your group in peace!  Also, it comes with plenty of power points J . Only caveat? You can get a maximum of one hour, per group (min 3pax, max 6 pax), each day. Plus bookings only open only 1 day in advance. Still worth it though. To book: Visit the NYP portal > e-Services > Facility Reservations > Online Booking (Only for Library Smart Learning Spaces), then follow the instructions on the screen.  PS: Here�s a tip: There i...
Read more

10 Things Every NYP Freshman needs to know

Image
Hey there freshmen! Welcome to Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)! NYP will be your home for the next three years and you will definitely enjoy yourself here! Be prepared to gain important knowledge, meet new friends and learn more about the world. To help you out, here is a quick guide that includes important information and some campus tips. Without further ado, let�s get started! 1) LAPTOP ROADSHOW 2017 Every year, there will be a laptop roadshow in NYP for all students and staff. If you do not have a laptop, you are encouraged to purchase one as there will be e-learning assignments and project work to be done throughout your three years.         The roadshow will feature devices at special prices for students. TIP! Do your research on the laptops� specifications before purchasing. You can view the models available by clicking this link .  Laptop Roadshow details: Date: Mon, Apr 17 �  Sat, Apr 22 Time: 9am to 6pm (Monday to Friday), 9am to 3pm (Saturday) Venue: ...
Read more

Hidden Gems at NYP

Image
NYP celebrated its 25 th anniversary in 2017. So, we decided to scout for things that not many people know about.   To get this list, it was weeks of research and speaking to NYPians before whittling down to the best. Enjoy! 1.    Outdoor Amphitheatre Think of performance venues at NYP, and the auditorium or the Theatre for the Arts usually comes to mind.  But we have another outdoor performance venue: tucked away near the sports stadium, is an often overlooked amphitheatre. This 500-seater has mainly hosted CCA meetings, school-related activities and musical events. It�s got a dramatic dome that makes it perfect for drama performances, or for students of ancient Greek philosophy in togas. We�re kidding about the togas. 2.    Beach Volleyball Sand Pit There is no need to travel to Sentosa for a game of beach volleyball! There are dedicated sand pits at our own sports stadium. Head to the stadium, and they�re on the right side of the track, visible from th...
Read more