West
Virginia is rugged, picturesque and very much in danger from pollution, both
in the water and in the air. The Coal River, a center of hot debate and,
obviously, appropriately named, has some very viewable waterfalls.
Unfortunately, most are very difficult to reach except from the river
itself. Peach Tree Creek, in southern West Virginia, contributes to the Coal
River but in a grandiose fashion: Peach Tree Falls.
Lower
Peach Tree Creek has worn a little canyon up to its confluence with the Coal
River. The Coal River, however, has worn away much more of its river bed
creating a 30-foot+, quite spectacular, waterfall where Peach Tree Creek
dumps into the Coal River.
From
I-77 in Beckley, take exit 44 and follow WV-99 west to Glen Daniel (about 12
miles). Turn right onto WV-3 and follow it to Dry Creek (about 12½ miles).
About 0.6 miles beyond Dry Creek you'll see a road on your left crossing the
Coal River. This used to be called Jarrell Road. As soon as you cross the
river, turn right and follow the river for about a mile. On your right there
is a wide area where people park - and a trail to Peach Tree Creek. If you
continue a little further, you will see more trail and finally the road
crosses the creek and meets County Road 10 which we used to call Peach Tree
Road. Turn right and for the next half mile you will see more trails. Be
careful in approaching the creek; there are some dangerous drop-offs and the
bank has been known to give way.
I
have frequently enjoyed the narrows just above the falls. I used to take
this route as a detour heading north to Ohio (it also avoids some toll
charges) because WV-3 joins WV-94 at Racine. Turn right on 94 and you'll
re-join I-77 at exit 89. If you scoot past the Turnpike and follow the river
road through South Charleston you can get back on I-77 and never have to let
go of a dime. It is a beautiful, peaceful, scenic route and the Peach Tree
Falls is an ideal spot to stop driving, recuperate and have a bite to eat.
Other web sites
about Peach Tree Falls:
