MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Mercer County, West Virginia, is known for its real waterfalls tucked away in state parks and along scenic pull-offs. But one unforgettable photo captured that same powerful imagery in an entirely unexpected form.
On December 17, 1993, local photographer Mel Grubb took a once-in-a-lifetime shot of East River Mountain in Bluefield. On that day, thick fog cascaded over the mountain’s edge, creating the stunning illusion of a massive, frozen-in-time waterfall. A World War II veteran, skilled pilot, and respected photographer, Grubb was especially known for his striking aerial photography — and this surreal image remains one of his most celebrated.
How the Phenomenon Happened
A few days before the photo was taken, a three-inch snowfall blanketed Bluefield and much of the southern and southwestern regions. Soon after, a high-pressure system settled over parts of West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, gently pushing fog up over the southern mountains and across East River Mountain.
Then, a cold front from the northwest collided with the high-pressure system, locking the fog in place. What resulted was a rare, stationary curtain of fog that flowed over the mountain ridge like a waterfall — lasting from morning until 11 p.m. The atmospheric event transformed the landscape into a scene that looked almost otherworldly.
A Photo That Went “Viral” Before the Internet
Long before the days of social media, this photo spread the old-fashioned way — by word of mouth. It quickly became a local treasure, proudly displayed in homes, offices, and public spaces across Mercer County. Today, prints of the photo are still sold by local photographer Steve Jessee in the Mercer Street Grassroots District. While many locals continue to cherish the image, most orders now come from outside the region — from those looking for a unique piece of Mercer County’s history.
Experience the View for Yourself
While the exact weather conditions that created the photo haven’t occurred again, a trip up East River Mountain still offers breathtaking views of Mercer County’s natural beauty. Once a difficult and winding drive between Bluefield, West Virginia, and Rocky Gap, Virginia, the route was made easier with the opening of the East River Mountain Tunnel in 1974.
Today, the East River Mountain Overlook stands at 3,500 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the valleys below and the town of Bluefield nestled in the distance. Whether you’re watching storms sweep across the mountains or enjoying a cool breeze on a sunny day, the overlook is a must-see destination.
Don’t forget to snap a photo on the Almost Heaven swing — the perfect spot to capture your own unforgettable Mercer County memory.
Check out Visit Mercer County to discover everything Mercer County has to offer!
This story was originally published and produced by Visit Mercer County.
