Rhododendron Trail and Rocky Trail Loop

Fairmont, West Virginia

4.3/5

based on 3 reviews

Save

View all 15 photos

All 15 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

3.82 miles

Elevation Gain

738 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Ashley Stimpson

A trail for the waterfall lover in your life.

A former lumber and gristmill community, Valley Falls State Park offers one of the most accessible--and massive--waterfalls in WV. Just a few dozen yards from the parking lot, you'll find the park's namesake (and probably a lot of people, engagement photoshoots, and just general mayhem). But if you hike the Rhododendron Trail as it follows the Tygart River and then Glady Creek, you'll find the more private and pristine of the park's waterfalls, located on the north side of the trail, at about 2 miles in. Keep in mind this waterfall is technically just off state park land, but still close enough to admire and snap photos. Loop back to the parking area via the Rocky Trail.

View a park trail map here. Trail descriptions here.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Rhododendron Trail and Rocky Trail Loop Reviews

Julie Sullivan

Rhododendron Trail and Rocky Trail Loop

06/05/23

My dog and I took the Rhodedendrum trail and followed the directions to the hidden falls. There was a lot of debris and rocks. It was fun to hike bike there and felt safe yet off the beaten path at the same time. I think storms may have washed a lot of trees down and blocked the falls. It was hard to see them and get to them. Still worth the hike and it was an easy trek. I also saw some old brick work structures and the bridge was cool as well.

4.0

Kristen J

Rhododendron Trail and Rocky Trail Loop

05/26/23

Beautiful waterfall

5.0

Stephen Catalano

Rhododendron Trail and Rocky Trail Loop

08/11/20

As noted, it gets pretty crazy at the main falls. Lots of folks there. The trail seems to thin the herd, however, and it makes for a great escape.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Valley Falls via Rocky and Rhododendron Trail

Hike to Raven’s Rock Overlook

The Raven’s Rock Trail leading to the Raven’s Rock Overlook is easily the second most photographed area of the Coopers Rock State Forest! There are two ways to access the trail which doubles as an access road. The first trail access can be found along the WV County Road 73/16 also known as Coopers Rock Road. The parking lot will be on the right side of Coopers Rock Road and the trailhead/access...

Take in the View at Coopers Rock Overlook

The Coopers Rock Overlook is the crown jewel of Coopers Rock State Forest. The name is derived from a legend about a fugitive who hid near the overlook to elude capture. He was a cooper by trade and continued to make and sell barrels to the local communities to support himself while living in the woods. The overlook and the surrounding area was developed through the work of the Civilian Conserv...

Hike to the Henry Clay Furnace

Across the road from the McCollum camping area entrance of Coopers Rock sits the entry point of the Clay Run Trail. With a hiking distance of 1.8 miles (1 hour and 10 minute walking time), this adventure will lead you to a jaw-dropping landmark, the Henry Clay Furnace.Built between 1834 and 1836, the Henry Clay Furnace sits at 30 feet high, much larger than most anticipate it to be. This unique...

Hike the Cathedral Trail in Cathedral SP

Cathedral Trail is a part of Cathedral State Park located east of Aurora, WV. Cathedral State Park was originally the site of Brookside Resort which attracted visitors from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD due to it’s cool clean air and natural beauty. The land was purchased in 1922 by Mr. Branson Haas, a workman for the Brookside Resort. Then, in 1942, Mr. Haas sold the land to the state of W...

Hike the Herrington Manor/Swallow Falls Trail

I began my adventure at the trailhead in Herrington Manor State Park. The parking lot was empty and the trail was very easy to access. From start to finish this trail varies in the width of its path. For the first mile I had a lot of foot room, but as I went deeper into the forest, the trail turned to a single track. This transition happens multiple times throughout the trek.My favorite part of...

Rhododendron Trail and Rocky Trail Loop

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Rhododendron Trail and Rocky Trail Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Valley Falls via Rocky and Rhododendron Trail

Hike to Raven’s Rock Overlook

Take in the View at Coopers Rock Overlook

Hike to the Henry Clay Furnace

Hike the Cathedral Trail in Cathedral SP

Hike the Herrington Manor/Swallow Falls Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps