White Oak Creek Falls (Bluestone)

White Oak Creek Falls is a waterfall in three sections on White Oak Creek, a tributary of Bluestone River, in Mercer County.  The waterfall is located on state-owned land just outside Brush Creek Preserve.

Hike Length: 3.6 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Just outside Brush Creek Preserve
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Moderate (High at Brush Creek Falls)
Warnings: The rocks are around the waterfall are very slippery.  It is very difficult to climb up to get a good view of the upper section.  Do not try to climb up if the rocks are wet.
Trailhead GPS: 37.46475,-81.06405
Waterfall GPS: 37.47845,-81.04928

Directions:

From Beckley, head south on I-77 for about 22 miles to exit 20 for US-19 and Camp Creek.  Turn right onto US-19 and make an immediate left on Camp Creek Road.  In 0.6 miles, turn right on Eads Mill Road and go 3.1 miles.  Turn left on Brush Creek Falls Road and go 0.4 miles to the parking area on the left immediately after the bridge over Brush Creek.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, pick up the Falls Trail that follows the creek downstream.  In about a quarter mile, the trail passes by the top of Brush Creek Falls.

Right after, a steep path to the left leads down the base of this beautiful waterfall.

Stay on Falls Trail to continue towards White Oak Creek Falls.  In a little over a mile, the trail reaches the confluence high above and turns right to follow Bluestone River downstream.  The trail ends at the confluence of White Oak Creek and Bluestone River.

White Oak Creek Falls is immediately upstream.

I climbed up to the middle section, but the rocks were too wet and slippery to make it up to the upper section.

Blog Entries:

31-Jul-2020: Brush Creek and Pipestem

External Links:

Nature Conservancy website: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/brush-creek-preserve/