DUNLOUP CREEK FALLS
Dunloup Creek Falls
Near Thurmond, West Virginia
Image by Rick Berk @ www.rickberk.com
Dunloup Creek Falls, located near Thurmond, West Virginia, is part of one of the United States' newest national parks, New River Gorge National Park. Dunloup Creek empties into the New River just below Thurmond. The 20-foot tall waterfall is a beautiful roadside attraction, requiring minimal hiking to reach, despite being located a bit out of the way.
The falls are a bit isolated, located 8 miles from US-19 on Thurmond Road. The best vantage point is from the creek bed itself, a short scramble down the rocky banks. The near-ghost town of Thurmond is located just over 4 miles down the road, and is worth a visit as well.
Photos and location summary by Rick Berk
Trail Difficulty - EASY
I'd rate the trail 1.5 out of 5 (5 being hardest). You can park along Thurmond Road (CR-25) when you reach the falls and they are on the right side of the road. There is a short rocky scramble down to the creek bed, making it a bit more difficult than just a walk-up. If you choose to walk into the creek, be aware that the sandstone creek bed is VERY slippery and one misstep can lead to a fall more likely to hurt your ego than your body, but is still worth being careful. I highly recommend micro spikes for your shoes for extra traction on the creek bed. Depending on flow, the creek may be relatively shallow, allowing you to get very up close and personal with the falls.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
1,355 Ft. Elevation
Photography Tips
Walking into the creek was a bit of an adventure. The water was only about an inch deep, but a layer of slime covered the sandstone bottom of the creek, making it worse than walking on ice. Micro spikes on my boots were a tremendous help and are highly recommended. I used a 4-stop neutral density filter on this photo to get a slower shutter speed, as I prefer the silky looking water.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to Dunloup Creek Falls
From Charleston, WV - drive on I-64 east/I-77 south for 40 miles and take exit 60 for WV-612 toward Mossy/Oak Hill. Drive 14.5 miles and turn right onto Scarbro Rd. Drive toward Glen Jean and then turn left onto Thurmond Road. Drive for 4.3 miles and Dunloup Creek Falls will be on the right.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 16 mm
Exposure – 1 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 26th
Time – xxx
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Early morning or late afternoon are best, when direct sunlight isn't shining into the gorge. Cloudy days are even better due to the flat, even light the clouds help create.
Best Time of Year
While late spring will provide the heaviest flow due to snow melt in the mountains, and the lush green of summer also offers a beautiful scene, this location absolutely stunning in the fall when the foliage turns a riot of gold, orange, and red, and fallen leaves decorate the rocks in and around the creek.
The image above was taken on Oct 26th
Lens(es) Needed
Wide angle and standard length lenses such as 16-35mm and 24-70mm lenses are perfect for this spot. If you want to photograph detail shots of the falls, a longer lens will do just fine.
The above image was taken at 16mm.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required in the area.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is north around 12°.
Equipment Needed
Micro spikes for walking in the creek bed. Neutral density filter to manipulate exposure if you wish to use longer shutter speeds.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
You might see a few other photographers at this locaiton.
Weather
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty
Lodging & Camping
The closest town to the Dunloup Creek Falls is Oak Hill, WV where there are several hotels. There is limited primitive camping in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. These primitive camping areas are located along the river and have no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
New River Gorge National Park Camping
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Comfort Inn New River
801 Mall Rd, Oak Hill, WV
Holiday Lodge Hotel
340 Oyler Ave, Oak Hill, WV
Nearby Restaurants
The closest town to the Dunloup Creek Falls is Oak Hill, WV.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Cafe One Ten
(304) 469-7657
110 Main St. Oak Hill, WV
Heart Of Gold Diner
(304) 469-7678
1550 E Main St. Oak Hill, WV
Area Guides and Workshops
Rick Berk (25 years as a landscape photographer) - offers private group, 1 on 1 and group workshops (BlueHour Photo Ventures) for the Maine and other northeast US area. Rick lives Freeport, Maine and has traveled and photographed the NE for most of his adult life. His outstanding work can be found at www.rickberk.com