Westlake Falls

  • Location: Near Ansted, WV (Fayette County)
  • Elevation: 1,184 feet
  • Coordinates: 38.131778, -81.100167 / (38°07’54.4″N 81°06’00.6″W)
  • Waterway: Rich Creek
  • Height: Around 15 feet

This is an underrated but beautiful waterfall on Rich Creek that empties into Mill Creek along the Ansted Rail Trail in Fayette County. As shown in the image below, the waterfall sits between the trestle bridge to the left, and an abandoned building on the right. There are plenty of angle opportunities with this wonderful waterfall, plus there are several other waterfalls very close by!

To access Westlake Falls, drive on Route 60 to the town of Ansted in Fayette County. When you’re in town, locate a Rite Aid (likely a Walgreens now) and drive into the parking lot. You’ll notice that the parking lot connects to a little road. Take that road, which will lead you to Rich Creek Road. You’ll very briefly be on this road before making a sharp left onto Route 60/2, which is Hawks Nest Road. Take that road, which will put you under Route 60, and it’ll take you to a parking area. Follow the Ansted Rail Trail. You will walk across a very long trestle bridge after a short walk. While walking this bridge, you will be able to see and hear Westlake Falls as well as Upper Mill Creek Falls, but to get a closer view, drop left once you cross the bridge. There will be a couple of faint trails, but the key is to carefully navigate your way down to the stream bed. Be warned, the rocks in this stream bed are extremely slick!

Westlake Falls Location

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