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Brush Creek Falls © Harold E. Malde

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

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Plan Your Visit

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Get Directions

Location
Mercer County, WV

Size
124 acres

Conditions
The main trail into the preserve consists of a wide foot trail that begins at a state-owned parking area.  The trail continues onto Conservancy property and leads to the mouth of Brush Creek and the river.  

Why You Should Visit
A trail that parallels Brush Creek and the Bluestone River is a great place to see beautiful Spring wildflowers, migrating warblers, and the dramatic limestone and sandstone cliffs. Adjacent to the preserve lies Brush Creek Falls, the largest falls in southern West Virginia and owned by the State of West Virginia.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants
Plants include many uncommon species, including white cedar, Canada yew, shale barren onion (a regional endemic), and the globally rare shrub Canby’s mountain-lover. Spring wildflowers are easily found along the trail.

What to See: Animals
Migrating warblers are most abundant in late April and early May.

Plan Your Visit

The preserve is scenic in all seasons. Spring, Summer, and Fall each have their own wildflower displays. Spring is perhaps best with the dramatic trillium display and many migrating birds.

Directions

From Rt. 20:
From the entrance to Pipestem Resort State Park, go south on Rt. 20 4.7 miles to Brush Creek Falls Rd. on the right and turn right. Go 2.8 miles to a split in the road. Bear left, staying on Brush Creek Falls Rd. (See sign for White Oak Creek Rd.) Continue 0.7 miles to Brush Creek and park at the picnic pavilion, just before the road crosses the creek. Follow the trail downstream to the falls and continue downstream to the Preserve, just below the falls.

From I-77:
Take the Camp Creek exit off I-77, south of Beckley. This is the first exit south of the Ghent/Flat Top exit. Go south on Rt. 19 a very short distance. Just below (south of) the interstate, turn left on Eagle Crest Rd. Cross the interstate and turn right on Eads Mill Rd in 0.5 mile. On Eads Mill Rd., cross over the Bluestone River, pass under the interstate and continue, passing under the interstate a second time. After 3.2 miles on Eads Mill, come to an intersection (the sign was missing when I was there) and turn left. Continue 0.4 miles to Brush Creek, cross the creek and park at the picnic pavilion. Follow the trail downstream as described above.

Discussion

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Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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