Brush Creek Falls

Jimmy D. Johnson established a water-powered mill at the site [Brush Creek Falls] about 1880 and built a three-storied structure. An overshot water wheel powered machinery to grind grain and manufacture yarn and woolen blankets. In 1896, George Sturdevant and John W. Johnson purchased the factory, and in 1904 they constructed new buildings with machinery powered by a water-driven turbine. In 1909, their partnership dissolved, the factory ceased to operate, and the buildings were torn down. ---Meador, Michael Factories Operated at Brush Creek Falls, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, December 28, 1950.

Brush Creek in Mercer County terminates in the Bluestone River near Eads Mill. The creek’s most notable feature is its water fall. It is the largest waterfall in Southern West Virginia, found in the Brush Creek Preserve, a 124 acre area by the confluence of Brush Creek and the Bluestone River. ---en.Wikipedia.org

Open year-round the preserve is a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. Brush Creek Falls is a beautiful 25’ waterfall that spans across Brush Creek. It is accessed via a short 0.5 mile hike with minimal elevation gain.

From the parking area on Brush Creek Falls Road, take the trail to the right of the picnic shelter. This easy and relatively-flat trail through rhododendron winds 0.5 miles to a fenced overlook of the falls.

Take in the view of the falls from the fenced overlook, then continue further on the trail for about 0.5 miles. A side trail will break off to the left and bring you to the bottom of the falls for a better view of the falls.

If you want some good exposures of the waterfalls, the falls are shaded in the morning. Once finished at the falls, take the side trail back up to the main trail, turn right, and follow the trail 0.5 miles back to your car.” ---theoutbound.com

Roadside parking offers a picnic area.