Actually, these West Virginia creeks have lots and lots of waterfalls.  So let’s just say the 3 best creeks in the New River Gorge.  Okay?  Great. (And if you can’t find them, we’re happy to give you some directions.)

#1- Mill Creek. Great for the eyes and cool to the touch.  There’s great drive-n-stop viewing as the whole thing is followed by the beautiful Jon Dragan Road.  Easy access, lots of shops close by… pretty much everything you could want out of a waterfall hunting trip.

The most photographed spot in West Virginia lives up to its status.

Mill Creek also has an awesome foot trail that can take you from Ansted to Hawks Nest Lake. You can see some old coal mines as you walk along the creek, too. You may even see some wildlife.

Bonus:  Where Mill Creek meets the New River is right where the New River Jetboat is docked.  Cool fun for the family.

#2- Glade Creek at Babcock State Park. If you’re after a trout, this is the place for you. The creek and lake are both stocked to the gills (pun intended). Great hikes are pretty much everywhere you turn, too because Babcock State Park offers 4,127 acres of scenery.

What you’ll find here is rugged beauty, a fast flowing trout stream, and lots of mountains to be viewed from several scenic overlooks. All of this is adjacent to the New River Gorge National River the heart of whitewater rafting industry.  About half way down to the New River, Glade Creek joins Mann’s Creek and gets a little bigger and waterfall-y-er.

Bonus: If you’re there after a heavy rain, you’ll probably see some kayakers; this is one of the nation’s hardest whitewater runs.  Double Bonus: The grist mill on Glade Creek is supposedly the most photographed spot in West Virginia.

#3- Laurel Creek. Wow, did this creek change a few years back. In 2001, lots of water came through this area. Tons of water.  It was biblical.  There are two giant waterfalls on this creek, and both changed significantly. Not that it really matters to the non-insane-kayaking public; they’re still beautiful.

Again, if you like trout this creek is known for them. And if you’re looking for a nice drive, you can take Rt 16 from Fayetteville to Chimney Corner. This will take you to the end of Laurel Creek and back to the New River.

Bonus: when you get to the New River, you’ll see a section locals call “The Drys”, a de-watered section of the River.  When it’s super-low water levels, there are some fun natural water slides out in the rocks.

Make sure you bring a camera, swimsuits, and a sense of adventure.