Falling for Appalachia: 3 Must-See Waterfalls

The Appalachian mountains in the eastern United States are home to a myriad of natural wonders. Among these treasures the waterfalls of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania stand out, each offering a unique blend of beauty and adventure. Blackwater Falls, located in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, is a sight to behold, with its cascading waters that contrast sharply with the serene surroundings of the park.  Muddy Creek Falls in Maryland, nestled within Swallow Falls State Park, offers a different kind of allure. The park, which showcases some of Maryland's most pristine natural landscapes, is smaller in size but equally captivating. And then there's Cucumber Falls in Pennsylvania's Ohiopyle State Park, a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

Blackwater Falls in West Virginia

Blackwater Falls is in Blackwater Falls State Park, nestled in the rugged Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The park spans over 2,358 acres and boasts a series of cascading waterfalls, the most majestic of which is the Blackwater Falls itself. This waterfall plunges 57 feet into Blackwater Canyon and is an amazing sight.

I was pleasantly surprised to find parking conveniently located near the falls. Parking was limited and the main parking was almost full when I arrived, but there is an overflow parking area just a short distance to the right. Next to the parking area, there is a trading post that sells souvenirs.  The trading post has modern bathroom facilities inside.

The trading post also has a snack bar with a decent variety of food, including very large and somewhat greasy pepperoni rolls – a challenge to finish in one sitting.

The first viewing platform is easily accessible from the parking lot, and offers a glimpse of the falls. While the trail leading down to the falls is described as "gentle", I found it to be fairly steep. Beyond the first platform, stairs are the only option. The area was very busy at the time I was there.

While the Blackwater Falls is undeniably the park's crown jewel, there are other lesser-known spots that offer equally captivating views. For instance, Elakala Falls, hidden amidst a dense forest, provides a serene backdrop for those seeking solitude. The park has a vast network of trails, which range from easy walks to challenging hikes. The Lindy Point Overlook offers panoramic views of the canyon. Finally, the park's nature center offers insights into the area's diverse ecosystem.

Muddy Creek Falls in Maryland

Muddy Creek Falls plunges dramatically over a 53-foot drop, is a mesmerizing sight nestled within the boundaries of Swallow Falls State Park in Maryland. Swallow Falls State Park covers over 257 acres and showcases Maryland's natural landscapes.

While Muddy Creek Falls is undeniably the star attraction, the park also has other waterfalls, like the Lower and Upper Swallow Falls, which are almost as impressive.

Entry to Swallow Falls State Park comes at a modest fee: $5 for those from out of state and $3 for Maryland locals. The park was fairly busy during my time there. If you're planning to explore, the upper loop trail has a gravel surface for at least part of its length, while the lower trail alongside the river is a more challenging, rugged hike.

Stairs are necessary to access viewpoints for each waterfall. The waterfalls are all close to each other, and if your time is limited (like mine was) you can see all of the waterfalls in a short amount of time.

Cucumber Falls in Pennsylvania

Cucumber Falls is in Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania, which spans over 20,000 acres.  Cucumber Falls cascades from a height of 30 feet and is surrounded by lush greenery.

One of the first things I noticed upon arrival was the proximity of parking to the falls, which made it very easy to see the falls. The limited parking spaces, however, meant that many cars were parked along the road leading up to the falls.

The trail leading to the falls is relatively short and well-marked, but has a lot of stairs. The falls, which are fed by the Youghiogheny River, create a misty atmosphere that can be quite refreshing on a warm day.

There are a couple of vantage points to see the falls: the top of the falls provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area, while the base offers a closer look at the cascading water.  The base of the falls is rugged terrain filled with slippery surfaces and large rocks.