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Photo: Kanawha Falls-27527 by Ken Thomas (Public domain) License

Kanawha Falls

Waterfall · Glen Ferris, West Virginia

Cool water — ease in carefully

Use caution

Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 61°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry.

  • Water temp 61°F (16°C)
  • Streamflow 5,940 ft³/s
  • Gage height 4.03 ft

Live, provisional data from USGS gauge KANAWHA RIVER AT KANAWHA FALLS, WV (0.9 mi away), as of Oct 20, 4:15 AM gauge-local time.

Why, sources & official advisories
  • Water temperature is 61°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. — USGS gauge 03193000, as of Oct 20, 4:15 AM gauge-local time
  • Flow is within the normal range (25th–75th percentile) for Oct 20 (median 3,580 ft³/s over 88 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 4:15 AM gauge-local time

No official beach-advisory feed for West Virginia yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.

Get an email when it’s warm enough

It’s 61°F at Kanawha Falls now. We check the water daily and email you once when it reaches your temperature.

Cool today
Editor's Notes
Kanawha Falls drops 24 feet over a diagonal sandstone ledge about a mile below the point where the New and Gauley rivers merge. That ledge has blocked fish from moving upstream for more than a million years; a 1920 dam on its crest feeds the Glen Ferris powerhouse.

Weather at Kanawha Falls

40°F, Clear · H 68° / L 38° · 3% chance of rain
H: 68° L: 38°
Clear
Clear
40°
|
Feels like 35°
Precipitation
3%
Humidity
67%
Wind
2 mph
UV Index
0
12 AM
Clear
43°
3 AM
Clear
41°
6 AM
Clear
39°
9 AM
Sunny
45°
12 PM
Sunny
63°
3 PM
Sunny
68°
6 PM
Sunny
57°
9 PM
Clear
47°

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kanawha Falls?
Kanawha Falls is a waterfall in Glen Ferris, West Virginia.
What is the water temperature at Kanawha Falls?
As of October 20, 2026, the water temperature at Kanawha Falls in Glen Ferris, West Virginia is 61°F (16°C), measured by USGS gauge 03193000, 0.9 miles away.
Can you swim at Kanawha Falls?
Cool water — ease in carefully: water temperature is 61°F, cool enough to cause cold-water shock on a sudden entry. Checked October 20, 2026.
How is Kanawha Falls rated?
Kanawha Falls in Glen Ferris, West Virginia has an average visitor rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on 20 reviews.

Location & Contact

Glen Ferris, WV 25115

Glen Ferris, West Virginia 25115

💧 Best times & visiting tips
  • ›Visit after rainfall for best water flow
  • ›Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction
  • ›Bring a waterproof camera or phone case
  • ›Stay on designated trails and viewing areas
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