Wolf Creek Falls, New River Gorge National River, May 2018

Before the New River Gorge Bridge—the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere—was constructed in 1977, travelers across New River Gorge in southern West Virginia were forced to descend and ascend more than 800 feet in elevation on the slow and winding Fayette Station Road. The road also serviced a pair of small mining towns, which sprang up during the area’s mining boom in the late 19^th century. Today, the mines are shuttered and the vast majority of traffic traverses the 3,000-foot long New River Gorge Bridge, but the Fayette Station Road remains a scenic drive under the protection of New River Gorge National River. The scenic byway crosses under the massive span and crosses New River at the comparatively tiny Fayette Station Bridge. On the west side of the canyon, the drive crosses several beautiful waterfalls, just hidden from view but quickly accessible from the road. These include Wolf Creek Falls and Marr Branch Falls. Set aside at least 1-2 hours to complete this one-way scenic drive, which begins near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and ends west of the river in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Passing under New River Gorge Bridge on Fayette Station Road

Fayette Station Bridge

Fayette Station Bridge on the New River

New River Gorge Bridge from the bottom of the canyon

Wolf Creek Falls

Wolf Creek Falls

Small falls along Marr Branch

Marr Branch Falls

Hiking back up from Marr Branch Falls