Big Branch Trail
A steep streamside loop past cascades, Big Branch Falls, spring wildflowers, farmstead ruins, and wooded gorge views.
Route overview
Big Branch Trail in West Virginia.
The route crosses and follows Big Branch Creek, climbs to a ridge, and descends steeply toward Brooks Falls. Historic Berry Holler remains add cultural context.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- West Virginia
- Distance
- 3.22 km
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- Loop
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No entrance fee or ordinary individual day-hike permit. River Road is narrow and single-lane in places; cross carefully from Brooks Falls parking.
Safety context
Multiple stream crossings, slick waterfall rock, steep descent, narrow River Road crossing, and seasonal high water demand strong footwear and conservative turnaround decisions. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Multiple stream crossings, slick waterfall rock, steep descent, narrow River Road crossing, and seasonal high water demand strong footwear and conservative turnaround decisions.
Highlights
Big Branch Falls, Brooks Falls, waterfall loop, Berry Holler, strenuous hike
Why find a buddy
Match on full-loop versus falls-only objective, stream-crossing limits, steep-terrain ability, and turnaround thresholds.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.