Last updated: September 10, 2024
Article
Enjoy the View Like Jaden Burke
How do you enjoy the view?
The Enjoy the View Like Us series invites National Park Service employees to share their stories about their favorite park views. The ways to enjoy the view are as unique as parks and their visitors. We hope these stories inspire you to enjoy the view! Learn more about scenic views in national parks.
NPS / Jaden Burke
"Imagine a tiered 50-foot rock face covered in moss, with cold water flowing down. Close enough to stick your hands in and catch the water before it even touches the ground."
This is how Jaden Burke describes his favorite view of a cascading waterfall found on the Kaymoor Trail in West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. And this isn’t the only waterfall you’ll find in the park! In fact, you can take yourself on a New River Gorge Waterfall Tour to see the many beautiful waterfalls found throughout the park.
Jaden is a summer intern with Environment for the Americas’ Fish & Feathers program. This is the first time he has worked in a national park, and also his first time at New River Gorge. As he explored the park, this cascading waterfall immediately caught Jaden’s eye.
What makes this view so special?
Jaden says, “The way the sun glimmers off the water and the mist that comes off to cool you down after a long hike make the journey worth it. I have been back to this waterfall with my parents, and then with a couple of my closest friends. I enjoy showing the people I love a view that I love.”
During the workday, most of Jaden’s time is spent teaching children about river ecology and environmentally friendly fishing practices. In his off-time, Jaden loves to hike and take in the beautiful nature throughout the park.
NPS / Gary Hartley
Waterfalls and gorges offer some of the most magnificent views in national parks. From coast to coast, both people and wildlife are drawn to the soothing sounds and cooling temperatures of water features. The National Park Service preserves spectacular landscapes with well-known waterfalls. But there are also many hidden gems across the country, waiting to be explored.
What should visitors know?
The cascading waterfall featured in this article is about 0.25 miles in from the Wolf Creek Trailhead of the Kaymoor Trail. The waterfall will be to the right immediately off the trail. Be prepared to walk at an incline for part of the trail. Other than that, the hike is appropriate for all skill levels. Although this view is only accessible by hiking the trail, other waterfalls in the park are accessible from the road. Check out the waterfalls at New River Gorge for more information.