Here in these gray days of winter, the sight of one more day of late winter rain is enough to put you over the edge. That’s why in recent years, I’ve referred to those incessant rains as waterfall-factories and have purchased not one but two waterfall books to find some of those really hidden gems in the region. We definitely recommend Randall Sanger’s “Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia,” which has detailed descriptions and exquisite photos of some 174 falls in Old Dominion and the Mountain State. Go online at randallsanger.com to link up to this Williamson resident’s book.

While we haven’t made it to the Devil’s Bathtub in Virginia, we have gotten to see more than a few jaw-dropping waterfalls in the area. Here’s a few that are definitely worth checking out. 

 Cathedral Falls – Located right off of U.S. 60 just east of Gauley Bridge, this 60 foot waterfall is literally located just feet from the road and for those with accessibility issues can be seen from the car. Take plenty of photos, but ask Joe Murphy, don’t fly your drone too close to the falls. There’s also a couple of water falls (including Kanawha Falls) just a few miles away in Glen Ferris, where the famed and historic Glen Ferris Inn is always a great stop for lunch or dinner. Go online at https://wvwaterfalls.com/index.php/greenbriar/gauley-bridge/cathedral-falls

Falls of Hill Creek Scenic Area – If you’re up in Pocahontas County near Cranberry Glades, a must stop is the three for one waterfall special inside the Monangahela National Forest. Folks with accessibility issues can see the Upper Falls of Hill Creek (a 25 foot waterfall). Further down the path is the 45-foot-tall Middle Falls of Hills Creek, an appetizer of sorts, to the Lower Falls of Hills Creek. At 63-feet it is one of the highest waterfalls in West Virginia and certainly one of the most scenic. It’s about a 1.5-mile roundtrip walk down to the Lower Falls and back up to the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area. Go online at  https://www.pocahontascountywv.com/falls_of_hills_creek.aspx

Wildcat Falls – If you’re up in Ireland, W.Va., for St. Patrick’s Day festivities (including some Irish Road Bowling) or making a trip over to Holly River, a good side trip (down Wildcat Road, and then Green Hill Road) is the picturesque Wildcat Falls where the gorgeous and green waters of Glady Creek cascade down four ledges over giant boulders on hills draped on both sides in rhododendron. Wildcat is also located just a few miles from Falls Mill Falls (located on the upstream of Burnsville Lake).https://wvwaterfalls.com/index.php/lakes/wildcat

Twin Falls (the other Twin Falls) at Valley Falls State Park – If you’re up in Mountaineer Country, it’s always a good call to pop off of I-79 for a hike at Valley Falls State Park. In addition to the scenic and wide (a 350-foot-wide ledge), the 25-foot tall Valley Falls, is a great place for a picnic since it’s a very short walk from the parking lot. If you want to stretch the leg though at Valley Falls State Park you can and it’s worth it. Take the Rhodendrun Trail for about a two-mile roundtrip hike to see the Twin Falls. Although only 20-foot-high this Glady Creek cascade is beautifully tucked into the woods and happening upon it is a real slice of Almost Heaven magic. Go online at https://wvstateparks.com/park/valley-falls-state-park/?

 Cascade Cavern Falls – Although the recent popularity of paddling Grayson Lake out to Hidden Cove to see that waterfall might be close competition as to the most visited waterfall in Carter County, Ky., in winter, and early spring, is a great time to head underground over at Carter Caves State Resort Park, near Olive Hill Ky. The park is home to 20 caves and the county at least 200 known caves, and Cascade Caverns, which is a Kentucky State Nature Preserve is one of the largest with a 30-foot high underground waterfall as well as the Lake Room’s reflecting pool, the Cathedral in North Cave, and the Dance Hall where a previous owner held weekly dances. You can take a 75-minute-long tour (easy terrain with the exception of over 250 stairs throughout the cave). Winter tour hours (through March 22) are 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and then 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $10 for adults (13 and up) and $6 for ages 3-12. 

Call 606-286-4411 or go online at  https://parks.ky.gov/groups/find_locations/eastern-region/carter-caves-