Cascade Falls Trail

The trail leads to Cascade Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls (69 feet) in Virginia and possibly on the entire East Coast. It continues to be one of the most visited falls in Virginia with over 150,000 visitors each year. Little Stony Creek cascades over a vertical cliff in several different streams.

Distance

• ~ 3.5 miles in length, out and back hike

Hike It

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• This hike includes a $3 day-use fee (cash only).
• Map kiosk at the trailhead (straightforward hike).
• To access the trail, go towards the upper end of the parking area. If the Lower Trail is open, follow it to the falls (take the Upper Trail on the way back).
• The Upper Trail, which is half of the scenic 4-mile trail, provides hikers with aerial views of Little Stony Creek.
• Continue onto the Lower Trail, which proceeds along the banks of the creek and consists of breathtaking views equal to that of the Cascade Falls itself.
• Crossing 4 bridges and countless stone steps provides visitors with this memorable hike.
• The closer the trail gets to the falls, the more the trail clings to the steep banks. The terrain will get rougher, but the sights will get more astounding.
• The Upper and Lower Trails converge leading visitors around a boulder to follow the roar of the Cascade Falls.
• Once rounded the boulder, visitors are left in awe as the spectacular falls stand before them.

Directions & Parking

From Roanoke – Take I-81 S until Exit 118C-B-A is reached. Use the right two lanes to take this exit and merge onto US-460 W. Continue for about 14 miles and take a right onto Mill Rd. In 0.5 miles take another right onto Cascade Dr. In 3 miles, you will arrive at the parking area after taking a right turn.

Add-On Adventure

• Tubing down the New River with New River’s Edge
• Check out the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech for plays, symphonies, modern music and dance

• Directions
• Map