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If you like waterfalls, you�ll love the Big Branch Trail of the New River Gorge. Depending upon how you count them, you�ll see six or seven waterfalls in the space of � mile. For the sheer joy of seeing water descend over rock, the Big Branch Trail is hard to beat. I won�t describe all the waterfalls in this blog, but we�ll take a look at most of them. Big Branch Falls Trailhead The trailhead is about 4 miles from Hinton on the River Road�the road that takes you to Sandstone Falls. Look for the trailhead across the road from the Brooks Falls overlook. Starting at the trailhead, take the left-hand fork, which after about 500 feet of woodland walking leads to the streambed of Big Branch. At this point the trail crosses Big Branch for the first of four times. Since this stream doesn�t have a large watershed, it�s generally a trickle in summer and fall. But in winter and spring, it�s full enough that you should plan to get your boots wet when crossing. First Waterfall First Waterfall Befo...

�As I approached White Oak Falls on my second visit, a shaft of light was shifting across the face of the falls. I had to work fast to get this shot. I scampered up the rocks and into the basin below White Oak Falls, hurriedly set up my tripod in the stream bed, and, while trying to keep my wits, started shooting as quickly as possible. You just never know what you're going to find when you take a walk in the woods with your camera. The world changes day-by-day, minute-by-minute. How exciting!� from West Virginia Waterfalls: The New River Gorge by Ed Rehbein and Randall Sanger. Click HERE.   White Oak Falls The Great Mystic White Oak Falls is the great mystic of southern West Virginia waterfalls. A beam of light seemingly sent from the heavens illuminates the falls adding a magical quality that few other waterfalls possess. What�s more it happens regularly�usually mid to late afternoon. Photographs of this blade of light crossing the face of White Oak Falls create a uniquely moody...

�The Midland Trail is more than a road; it�s a virtual history book. Originally a crude pathway worn by buffalo and the early pioneers, it stretches from White Sulphur Springs westward to Kenova, zigzagging along rivers, over mountains and through lush valleys. Along the way it touches just about every aspect and time period of West Virginia�s story�coal mines and chemical plants, Civil War battlefields and historic churches, ancient Native American burial mounds and African-American slave quarters� (Highway to History, by James E. Casto). To celebrate this historic road, I�ve chosen to highlight some of the waterfalls that line U.S. 60 from just east of Gauley Bridge to Charlton Heights. Some of these waterfalls, like Cathedral Falls, are well-known landmarks. But most are smaller and lesser known seasonal waterfalls that flow best in the winter and spring months during periods of rain and thaw. Although they don�t run all year long, when in season, these waterfalls are as pretty as a...

Nestled in the steep slopes of the New River Gorge are hundreds of rugged waterfalls. These waterfalls are fertile ground for nature lovers offering challenging hikes and striking landscapes. Having published a photo book of the waterfalls of the New River Gorge, I�d like to share five of those waterfalls that really stand out.  Cathedral Falls Let�s start with picturesque Cathedral Falls, which is located on US Highway 60 one mile east of Gauley Bridge, WV. Since the falls are located at a roadside rest stop, access is easy. You can literally step out of your vehicle and start photographing the falls. Descending 60 feet in a series of three dramatic drops within a large semi-circular rock amphitheater, Cathedral Falls is as photogenic as they come. Easy access generally means plenty of visitors and photographers, so you have to be patient and creative to get a photograph. To eliminate people in the foreground, I generally work my way around the left side of the rock amphitheater f...

What others are saying about West Virginia Waterfalls: The New River Gorge by Ed Rehbein and Randall Sanger.  �More than 100 waterfalls grace the cliffs and canyons of the New River Gorge and its tributaries. This book invites you the savor this untapped wealth of beauty in two enjoyable ways�by viewing photographs of these waterfalls and by experiencing them for yourself.  Laurel Creek Falls �Photographers, hikers, and nature lovers Ed Rehbein and Randall Sanger have photographed some of the most beautiful places in the New River Gorge, plus�provided maps and information on how to visit each waterfall yourself. The pull-out hiking guide will keep you on the path to your own Appalachian Adventures.� Book Cover Pirate's Cove �The New River Gorge is such a beautiful place that it is often said photos don't do it justice. This photography certainly does. Ed Rehbein and Randy Sanger have successfully captured not only the beauty of these waterfalls, but the emotion and the majesty...