Right now
Status note (Nov 11, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell. The Park Conditions section of the WV State Parks page listed no alerts when we read it on Nov 11, 2026. The page shows no update date. WV State Parks says the park access road may close in bad winter weather. What the status labels mean
Valley Falls is a series of four falls on the Tygart Valley River in Valley Falls State Park, near Fairmont, West Virginia. WV State Parks says the 0.2-mile Tygart Valley River Trail, easy to reach from the parking lot, gives a close view of the falls. Swimming and wading are not allowed. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.
About Valley Falls
"A series of four picturesque falls created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River distinguish this 1,145-acre park," WV State Parks says. It also describes a "half-mile long set of cascades." It gives no height for the falls.
Mill town history
WV State Parks says a trader bought the site in the 1830s and built a lumber mill, and a grist mill followed in 1847. The community grew after the B&O railroad from Grafton to Wheeling was finished in 1853.
A fire and a flood devastated the community between 1886 and 1888, per the park history page. In 1964, the state park system acquired the falls and surrounding land and created Valley Falls State Park.
The park says hikers can still see "the stone remains of the historic grist mill and lumber mills."
About our map pin
Our map pin is the Wikipedia coordinate for the falls. GNIS has no separate falls record. Its point for the park (feature ID 1718208, read via TopoQuest) is in Marion County. Wikipedia says the falls separate Marion and Taylor counties.
For other West Virginia falls, see Sandstone Falls, or browse all West Virginia waterfalls.
Getting there and parking
The park address is 720 Valley Falls Rd., Fairmont, WV 26554, per WV State Parks. Wikipedia puts the park about 7 miles south of exit 137 of I-79.
WV State Parks says the Tygart Valley River Trail is easy to reach from the parking lot. In winter, it warns, "the park access road may be closed due to inclement weather."
Hours and fees
The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset, per WV State Parks. We found no fee on the park pages we read. The park offers no overnight lodging.
Contact
Valley Falls State Park: 304-367-2719 or valleyfallssp@wv.gov, per WV State Parks. The statewide line is 1-833-WV-PARKS.
Map and nearby falls
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Valley Falls trail: the 0.2-mile Tygart Valley River Trail
For the falls, WV State Parks lists the Tygart Valley River Trail: 0.2 mile, moderate. The park says it lets you "catch a close glimpse of the waterfalls." It is mostly level, with one steep incline.
A longer walk past the falls
The 1.9-mile Rhododendron Trail "passes by the gorgeous waterfalls before coming to a climb at the northern portion of the park," WV State Parks says. It rates it moderate.
Dogs
WV State Parks allows dogs and cats in state parks. "Pets must be leashed and restrained," its rules say.
When to visit
WV State Parks names no best month for the falls. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Status checks
On Nov 11, 2026, the Park Conditions section of the park page listed no alerts. In winter, the access road may close in bad weather, the park says. Call 304-367-2719 to confirm.
| Trail | WV State Parks lists the Tygart Valley River Trail, 0.2 mile and moderate, for a close view of the falls. It is easy to reach from the parking lot, mostly level with one steep incline. |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | WV State Parks rates the Tygart Valley River Trail moderate: mostly level, with one steep incline. |
| Entry fee | No fee is listed on the WV State Parks pages we read. |
| Permit / reservation | No permit listed. |
| Parking | Lot near the River Trail (WV State Parks) |
| Dogs | WV State Parks allows dogs and cats in state parks. "Pets must be leashed and restrained." |
| Swimming | Not allowed. WV State Parks says "swimming and wading is not allowed at Valley Falls State Park." |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No official accessibility information found. WV State Parks says the River Trail has one steep incline. |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Best time to visit | No official best month. |
| Crowds | No official visitor figure found. |
| Managed by | West Virginia State Parks (Valley Falls State Park) |
Safety and swimming
WV State Parks says "swimming and wading is not allowed at Valley Falls State Park."
The River Trail has one steep incline, per the park. WV State Parks describes "dark, rushing waters" here. Stay on the trail and off wet rock.
Fishing is allowed with the proper license and stamps, per WV State Parks.
In an emergency, call 911. Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Valley Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Fairmont.
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Photos
Valley Falls FAQ
Is Valley Falls State Park open now?
As far as we can tell, yes. The Park Conditions section of the WV State Parks page listed no alerts on Nov 11, 2026. The park says its access road may close in bad winter weather.
Can you swim at Valley Falls?
No. WV State Parks says "swimming and wading is not allowed at Valley Falls State Park."
How long is the walk to Valley Falls?
WV State Parks lists the Tygart Valley River Trail at 0.2 mile, rated moderate. It is easy to reach from the parking lot and mostly level, with one steep incline.
What are the hours at Valley Falls State Park?
WV State Parks lists the park as open from 7 a.m. to sunset.
How tall is Valley Falls?
WV State Parks gives no height. It describes a series of four falls in a half-mile set of cascades on the Tygart Valley River.
Nearby waterfalls
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Sources
- WV State Parks: Valley Falls State Park (description, hours, Park Conditions, contact; read Nov 11, 2026)
- WV State Parks: Valley Falls trails (read Nov 11, 2026)
- WV State Parks: Valley Falls activities (swimming and wading rule, winter road; read Nov 11, 2026)
- WV State Parks: Valley Falls park history (read Nov 11, 2026)
- WV State Parks: Rules and regulations (pets; read Nov 11, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Valley Falls State Park (falls coordinates, I-79 exit, county line; read Nov 11, 2026)
- USGS GNIS feature 1718208, Valley Falls State Park (class Park, Marion County), read via TopoQuest mirror Nov 11, 2026
Last verified Nov 11, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with West Virginia State Parks (Valley Falls State Park) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.