How I (Almost) Missed a Waterfall: Hidden Gems, GPS Fails, and a Little Travel Humor in West Virginia

Discover stunning waterfalls near Charleston, West Virginia—including Kanawha Falls, Cathedral Falls, and Charleston Falls (in Ohio). Avoid GPS mishaps and learn how to turn your travel adventures into income while exploring hidden gems!

---

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of chasing waterfalls—unless, of course, you miss one. 🙈 Yep. You read that right. On a recent whirlwind weekend getaway through Ohio and West Virginia, I managed to almost miss Kanawha Falls altogether (cue the facepalm emoji). But thanks to good friends, a little humor, and a whole lot of persistence, the adventure turned out better than expected.

If you’re looking to escape for a short solo trip or weekend getaway packed with natural beauty, funny moments, and a few insider tips, read on. This one’s for you. 🌿

---

🗺️ Waterfall Hopping OH & WV: What to Know Before You Go

1. Charleston Falls
Start your morning off right with a brisk jaunt to Charleston Falls. This gem is a peaceful intro to a day filled with nature and exploration. It’s perfect for early risers, photography lovers, and anyone craving a scenic walk without major crowds.

2. Kanawha Falls (AKA: The GPS Debacle)
Let me save you the headache—do NOT rely on GPS alone to get you to the actual falls. I nearly drove past them without realizing! The map might steer you to the other side of the river where you can’t even see the falls and are on private property leaving you wondering, “Where’s the waterfall?”
💡 Tip: Put Cathedral Falls into your GPS and you will see the big sign for Kanawha Falls off the side of the road.

3. Cathedral Falls
These are a literal blink-and-you’ll-miss-it stop. Thankfully, they’re only about two seconds down/up the road from Kanawha Falls. Once you find one, the other is right there! And trust me—both are absolutely worth seeing. Cathedral Falls in particular has a fairy-tale feel, nestled right off the roadside like a secret waiting to be discovered.

---

🧳 Quick Tips for Waterfall Adventures

• Bring backup directions or download offline maps—especially in rural areas.
• Wear waterproof shoes (you’ll thank me later).
• Pack light snacks and water, even for short hikes.
• Travel early or off-peak for the best lighting and fewest crowds.
• Have a sense of humor! Adventures never go 100% to plan, and that’s half the fun.

---

🌟 Travel With Heart: The Personal Side of the Journey

There’s something about travel that stirs emotion—excitement, freedom, and even a touch of nostalgia. These are the stories that make our journeys unforgettable.

Whether you’re hitting the road solo, exploring your backyard, or just daydreaming of your next escape, remember that every trip tells a story—and sometimes the best memories come from the detours. If you missed it, check out my blog about “When Travel Plans Fall Apart: Embrace the Detour”.

---

✈️ Want to Travel More—and Get Paid for It?

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could do this all the time,” you’re not alone. I’ve been there. That’s why I started learning how to turn travel into income—and you can too.

👉 Whether you want to save big on your own travel, earn a side income, or even become a travel rep or agent, I’d love to share what I’ve learned.

📩 Reach out if you’re curious. I’ll show you exactly how to get started—no pressure, just real info and real ways to make travel work for you.

---

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you ever missed a must-see stop thanks to GPS? Do you have a favorite hidden gem near Ohio or West Virginia? I’d love to hear your stories—drop a comment below!

And don’t forget to subscribe for more real travel tips, laughter-filled mishaps, and honest advice for solo travelers, pet lovers, and aspiring travelpreneurs. 🌍

Until next time, Happy wandering, come Wander With Me