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Brush Creek Preserve

Brush Creek
Brush Creek Falls
© Harold E. Malde
Why You Should Visit
A trail that parallels Brush Creek and the Bluestone River is a great place to see beautiful Spring wildflowers, migrating warblers, and the dramatic limestone and sandstone cliffs. Adjacent to the preserve lies Brush Creek Falls, the largest falls in southern West Virginia and owned by the State of West Virginia.

Location
Mercer County, WV

Size
124 acres

Conditions
The main trail into the preserve consists of a wide foot trail that begins at a state-owned parking area.  The trail continues onto Conservancy property and leads to the mouth of Brush Creek and the river.

How to Prepare for Your Visit
The preserve is scenic in all seasons.  Spring, Summer, and Fall each have their own wildflower displays.  Spring is perhaps best with the dramatic trillium display and many migrating birds. 

Directions
From I-77 North bound (from Princeton) in Mercer County;  Exit Interstate 77 at the Athens Road/Rt. 20 Exit, which is Exit 14.  Turn right off of exit ramp and go 0.1 miles and turn left on the Eads Mill Road.  Continue 3.3 miles and make a hard right onto Brush Creek Falls Road. (Note: this is an un-marked road.  If you miss the turn, in another 0.2 miles you will go under the I-77 overpass.  Turn around and take the next hard left in 0.2 miles.)  After 0.4 miles, cross Brush Creek and park at picnic shelter on left.

From I-77 South bound (from Charleston, Beckley); Take the Camp Creek Exit, Exit 20.  Turn right and then immediately left onto Speedway, Route 3.  Go 0.3 miles, crossing over I-77, and turn right onto Eades Mill Road.  Go 1.9 miles to a T-intersection at the bottom of the hill.  Turn right and cross the Bluestone at 0.2 miles and go under I-77, continue and cross under I-77 again.  Continue 0.2 miles after crossing I-77 the second time, turn left onto Brush Creek Falls Road (un-marked).  Proceed with above directions.

What to See
Plants include many uncommon species, including white cedar, Canada yew, shale barren onion (a regional endemic), and the globally rare shrub Canby’s mountain-lover. Spring wildflowers are easily found along the trail.

What to See
Animals: Migrating warblers are most abundant in late April and early May.