Piney Creek Gorge Trails - Image 1
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Piney Creek Gorge Trails

4.4
·28 reviews·Beckley, United States

Discover the serene beauty of Piney Creek Gorge, featuring accessible trails to seasonal waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall

Best waterfall flow & foliage

CrowdMedium
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Piney Creek Gorge Trails - Image 1

Piney Creek Gorge Trails

Best Time

Spring & Fall

Best waterfall flow & foliage

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the serene beauty of Piney Creek Gorge, featuring accessible trails to seasonal waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

4.4
(28 reviews)

"Easy walks to waterfalls, but check for rain – they can be trickles!"

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Check Waterfall Levels

Flow varies greatly. Check recent visitor posts or local conditions before your visit .

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be soft and muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cranberry Creek Cascades

Cranberry Creek Cascades

Main waterfall trail

A beautiful series of cascades, best viewed after recent rainfall for a more dramatic display.

Little Whitestick Falls

Little Whitestick Falls

Short, easy trail

An easily accessible waterfall, though its flow is highly seasonal and can be minimal during dry periods.

Scenic Overlooks

Scenic Overlooks

Along main trails

Enjoy picturesque views of the gorge and surrounding nature from strategically placed benches and viewpoints.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Waterfall Flow Before You Go

Waterfalls at Piney Creek Gorge are highly dependent on recent rainfall. If you're aiming for impressive cascades, check local weather and recent visitor reports. Dry spells can leave them as mere trickles.Reddit

Trail Conditions & Etiquette

Trails can be soft and muddy, especially after rain.Reddit Stick to marked paths and be mindful of leaving no trace. Pack out all waste, including toilet paper, to preserve the natural beauty.Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall
Why
Best waterfall flow & foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
After Rain
Why
Waterfalls at their peak
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💧 Check Waterfall Levels

Flow varies greatly. Check recent visitor posts or local conditions before your visit.Reddit

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be soft and muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended.Reddit

💩 Pack Out What You Pack In

Leave no trace. Carry out all trash and used paper products.Reddit

🚗 Small Dirt Road Access

The road to the trailhead is a small dirt road, so drive with care.

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Check Waterfall Levels

Flow varies greatly. Check recent visitor posts or local conditions before your visit.Reddit

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Trails can be soft and muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are recommended.Reddit

💩 Pack Out What You Pack In

Leave no trace. Carry out all trash and used paper products.Reddit

🚗 Small Dirt Road Access

The road to the trailhead is a small dirt road, so drive with care.

What Travellers Say

4.4
(28 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the easy, well-maintained trails leading to the waterfalls at Piney Creek Gorge, noting them as pleasant for short walks. However, the waterfall's flow is highly seasonal and can be minimal during dry periods, leading to disappointment for some. Trail conditions can become muddy after rain, and responsible waste disposal is a concern for maintaining the natural beauty.

"I took our two doggos for a walk at the Preserve. We went to see the waterfalls - the first - Little Whitestick Falls- sadly had zero water, and the Cranberry Creek Cascades had a steady, small dribble. We need rain!!!
The trails to the waterfalls were very nice, easy and short. There is a bench at each waterfall and another about halfway to the crossroads. I did not try to find the longer trails today - I'll do that with my hubby soon.
Some great person left a tourist flower near one of the waterfalls - so gross.
Please folks, if you have to go, step away from the trail as far as possible, dig a small hole, go, and pack out your used paper. If you aren't prepared (by also always carrying small plastic bags) then bury the paper in the little hole. So easy!"

Kathryn Tikkanen

"Easy walk and beautiful view. Small dirt road to get to it."

Tina Lilly

"4 stars because it's such an easy walk. We stopped in November on the way through to Michigan. Tree colors were not bad... but not great. Waterfalls are almost unrecognizable that time of year when it's the dry season. One is just a trickle compared to other times of the year."

Rob Pietsch

What People Like

Easy, short trails
Well-kept paths
Scenic gorge views

What People Dislike

Seasonal waterfall flow
Muddy trails after rain
Littering concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access to Piney Creek Gorge Trails is via a small dirt road. Drive cautiously as conditions can vary, especially after rain.

The entrance is marked, but the small dirt road might require careful navigation. Using GPS is recommended.

The main trails to the waterfalls are generally well-maintained and easy to follow. Longer trails may require more attention.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Currently, there are no mentions of entrance fees for Piney Creek Gorge Trails. It appears to be a free-access area.

Piney Creek Gorge Trails are generally open from dawn to dusk, as is typical for natural preserves. Always check for any specific posted hours.

No advance booking is typically required for Piney Creek Gorge Trails, as it's a natural area. However, it's always wise to check for any special event or reservation requirements.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Yes, dogs are welcome at Piney Creek Gorge Trails, as indicated by visitor experiences. Please ensure they are leashed and you clean up after them.

The trails to the waterfalls are described as very nice, easy, and short.Reddit Longer trails may offer more challenge.

Information on specific facilities like restrooms is limited. It's advisable to come prepared and use facilities before arriving.

Bring water, snacks, and wear appropriate footwear for potentially muddy trails. A small bag for packing out trash is essential.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfalls, especially Cranberry Creek Cascades after rain, offer great photo opportunities. Scenic overlooks also provide beautiful gorge views.

During dry seasons, waterfalls may be reduced to trickles, making them less ideal for dramatic waterfall photography. Focus on the gorge's natural beauty instead.

Early morning or late afternoon light can offer softer, more flattering light for landscape photography in the gorge.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piney Creek Gorge Trails offer a great opportunity for families to enjoy nature. The short, easy trails to the waterfalls are perfect for little legs, allowing kids to experience the excitement of seeing cascades without a strenuous hike.Reddit Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions by having kids wear appropriate footwear. The benches along the way provide convenient spots for breaks. Most importantly, teach children about 'Leave No Trace' principles to help keep the gorge beautiful.

🐶 Dog Owners

Piney Creek Gorge Trails are a fantastic destination for those looking to bring their canine companions along. The easy trails make for a pleasant walk for both you and your dog. Visitors have confirmed that dogs are welcome.Reddit Ensure your dog is on a leash and always clean up after them to maintain the trails for other visitors and protect the natural environment. The scenic beauty of the gorge provides a stimulating and enjoyable outing for your furry friend.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Waterfalls

The allure of Piney Creek Gorge Trails is largely centered around its waterfalls, primarily Cranberry Creek Cascades and Little Whitestick Falls. However, their visual impact is heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall. Visitors have noted that during dry spells, these cascades can be reduced to a mere trickle or even be unrecognizable.Reddit For the most impressive views, planning a visit after a few days of consistent rain is highly recommended.Reddit This seasonality means that expectations should be managed, and a visit during a dry period might focus more on the gorge's natural beauty and trail experience rather than the grandeur of the falls.

When the water is flowing, the trails leading to these falls are described as easy and short, making them accessible for most visitors. Benches are available at each waterfall and along the path, offering places to rest and enjoy the scenery. Despite the potential for low water flow, the well-kept trails and the natural setting still provide a pleasant experience for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Trail Conditions and Responsible Visiting

The trails at Piney Creek Gorge are generally well-maintained, offering an enjoyable walking experience. However, a recurring theme in visitor feedback is the potential for soft and muddy conditions, particularly after periods of rain.Reddit This can make the paths slippery and require sturdy, waterproof footwear. Visitors are encouraged to stick to marked trails to minimize erosion and preserve the delicate ecosystem.

A significant concern raised by visitors is the issue of 'leaving no trace.' There have been instances of inappropriate waste disposal near the waterfalls.Reddit Responsible visitors are urged to pack out everything they bring in, including all trash and used paper products. If necessary, digging a small hole and burying waste away from the trail is suggested, but packing it out is the preferred method to maintain the pristine condition of the gorge for everyone to enjoy.Reddit

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