Tony Vanoy and I went hiking today at Cascade Falls in Pembroke, VA. Started out really great, we thought it was 1.5 or 2 mile loop hike but OMG it turned out to be 5.57 miles roundtrip!! It cost a $3 per car to park and if you have America the Beautiful Card its free!! It was a beautiful day, but it was so long and so many stairs!! Over 1,000 stairs!! read more

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The provenance of this site is somewhat unclear, but I think it falls under the federal government and putting up my national parks pass was successful in getting me through a visit without paying any additional parking fee. The main falls are two miles uphill from the parking lot, but the entire journey is a series of eminently worthwhile sights and sounds. Signs warned of challenging currents for anyone taking a dip in the water, which some people did. I would note that when I arrived a rescue operation was underway and emergency services did drive someone by me with what thankfully appeared okay. There are trails on one elevated bank and one closer to the water, as well as some offshoots and extensions. It's a great stretch of forest where you could easily spend more time than the couple of hours I did. read more

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Beautiful. 2 mile hike up hill is worth the experience at the end! Great water fall, swimming, sun bathing and picturesque views!

I thought the lower trail was supposed to be easier; it wasn't as steep/steady an incline and had scenic places to stop and enjoy being down by the water, but was much longer (more than a mile more) and involved navigating more stone stepping stones. Glad we took the upper trail on the way down/back. read more

Cascade Falls - Cascade falls - Parks Near Me - Pembroke, Virginia

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I'm 76. if I can do it, you can do it (probably). The lower trail is more scenic and a more difficult climb. I recommend resting regularly on the way up unless you're a big squirt with good legs. There are benches and ledges along the way. I also took a hiking cane with me which came in handy. The trail consists of rocks placed along the path but some of them are not real even. The trail itself is real scenic. Nicest one I've seen. The falls at the top is great. There are a couple of viewing areas. I recommend going all the way up. You'll be right next to the cascade. The downward path is a fire road. Unpaved but fairly even. Still very scenic but difficult to see the stream in some spots. All in all a great trip. The temp will not warm up until the sun comes over the gorge. Wear a sweater or something you can take off. read more

Of the more than 75 waterfalls that I've explored over the past few years, this hike ranks near the top of my must visit list. I recommend taking the lower trail on the way up to the falls, as it's the more scenic route. After a few days of decent rainfall, this cascade is very photogenic and is among my favorite waterfalls to photograph in this region of Virginia. To avoid the crowd and to experience a different vantage point on your descent, I recommend taking the upper trail. This is easy to do by staying to the right at each fork in the trail, on your way down. On weekends and around major holidays this area can become very busy, so I recommend arriving early to beat the crowd. Humans are very predictable and seldom arrive early, so it's easy to avoid said crowd. read more

Cascade Falls - Cascade Falls II - Parks Near Me - Pembroke, Virginia

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Nestled in the Jefferson National Forest section of the Virginia Appalachian Mountains is a trail reminiscent of scenes from the movie Indiana Jones. The overall hike to the waterfall is approximately 2 miles one way or 4 miles round trip back to the parking lot. The parking area is spacious with room for more than 2 dozen cars . That being said, it's a popular trail and can fill up quickly. ~ TWO TRAILS | ONE DESTINATION There are two routes to the waterfall. An upper and lower trail with a few connectors in between. The monument sign at the trailhead says the lower trail is the more scenic trail while the upper trail gives more of a cardio challenge, but we would beg to differ. The upper trail is far more spacious and mostly seems to be a gravel road gradually and steadily climbing its way to the falls while the lower trail bounces up and down the entire way. [ THE LOWER TRAIL ] While the lower trail is said to be more scenic, there are some impressive points along the upper trail as well. I did not find the lower trail to be all that attractive until after the 3rd bridge. Until then, the creek was mostly filled with blown over trees and rocky surfaces. But the occasional man-made rocky walkways next to the creek and stone stairs reminded me of an Indiana Jones quest for sure. One section truly felt like the scene were if you stepped on the wrong stone, you might trigger a booby trap and get shot with a poisonous dart. There were actually two other impressive waterfalls along the way to the main fall. However, one of them had so many downed trees covering it that it was impossible to photograph. Otherwise it would have been roughly a 15 foot beauty. The other seemed to be coming from a different creek, dropping into the main creek from a cliff about 35 feet up. It would've REALLY been impressive if the water flow had been greater. [ THE FALLS ] 69 foot Cascade Falls comes into view as we walked up a set of stone stairs near a giant boulder that looks like a doorway as the branches of a nearby tree arch towards the boulder. Once through this opening, the falls are visibly about 150 yards away. This is a popular waterfall to stay and play so the pool at the base of the falls will likely be filled with swimmers in the summer months. The area feels much like an open-air stadium as the waterfall is surrounded by two hundred foot cliff walls. [ THE UPPER TRAIL ] IF you hiked the lower trail to the falls, traditionally you would take the upper trail back to the parking area. Near the big falls are a set of steep stairs to the upper trail, but we opted to follow the lower trail a few hundred yards back to a gentle side trail leading to the upper trail. The upper trail is far smoother and more relaxing than the lower trail since you have far fewer hazards to look out for while walking. ~ FINAL THOUGHTS Cascade Falls was voted Blue Ridge Country Magazine Favorite Waterfall (30th anniversary edition) and the falls also won the GOLD AWARD for Best Short Hike as voted by readers of The Roanoker. While most people only come to hike the trail to the big Cascade, few know you can continue another mile to the Upper Cascades and Barney's Wall. Just follow the wooden stairs to the left of the falls observation deck. It can be trick, so google step by step directions. We did not continue because it began to rain heavily and the wives insisted on returning to the car. DANG IT!!! YES DEAR! I'm assuming it was the right decision since a black butterfly greeted us with a kiss upon returning to the parking area. Oh well, next time! Here is a video link showing the Cascades, Upper Cascades and Barney's Wall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n9kQ1UZZMM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3MV50SMv5FSbXWojA9CO6-hJtWfbvww3U47Mappq_j5wIMCzDNbYCrVsg NOTE: $3 parking fee required 2020 / 36 read more

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Ok listen. You're gonna see reviews being like "there are more steps on this one" or "I loved the hike". Don't listen to them; listen to me. This is NOT a beginners hike. As someone with a full backside and anxiety, this was a challenging hike. I would rate it as a hard beginners or moderate intermediate. Was it beautiful? Of course. Did every single person that passed me complain about how long it is and ask where the top was? Absolutely. The lower hike has more ups and downs but like.. they do be UP like FLIGHTS of stairs. Bring water. Bring a snack. Bring a strong will to live, because that is going to be eroded by the time you even get to the falls. After that, it's a jaunty 45 minute walk back where your thighs are seizing and you're dreaming of garlic bread. read more

Cascade Falls - Trail of pain - Parks Near Me - Pembroke, Virginia

Wanted to find a nice hike to take the kids on before our tour of VA Tech (wasn't aware the tour was a hike in itself)! Found this little gem! If my son chooses Texh or if I get back up to Blacksburg, I'm definitely doing this hike again! It was so lovely and fun. Reminded me of beloved Washington (minus the heat) Take the time to hike this one. read more

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We drove up from Raleigh for the day. Oftentimes, sightseeing day-trips like this leave us a little disappointed ... the sights really aren't worth seeing. Cascade Falls, though, was worth the trip. We took the scenic lower trail up to the falls. It's a winding, stone covered path along the creek that ended up being a little more than 2 miles one way. That path had plenty to offer in its own right, with beautiful small rapids along the creek and the whole trail covered by the tree canopy. We took our 100-lbs dog. I'll offer this advice: a lot of stone stairs and rock jumping. It had just rained and with my large dog on a leash, it was probably a little more treacherous than I'd prefer. I hear the upper trail is flatter and may be a better option for people with dogs. The two miles on the lower trail required a lot of concentration for novice hikers, so our anticipation was built when we rounded the final turn and saw the nearly 70-ft falls! Just beautiful. The kids got in the ice cold water for a bit and made some great memories. I highly recommend. read more

Cascade Falls - Cascade Falls, VA - Parks Near Me - Pembroke, Virginia

Cascade Falls is AMAZING. I visited my friend in Virginia. We went hiking at Jeffereson National Forest. And what a great hike it was. After hiking an one and a half or so, the trails end with a beautiful view of Cascade Falls. It is probably the biggest falls I have ever seen. And to be so close to it and stand underneath the falls is mind blowing. If you have any friend or family member that goes to Virginia Tech, use any excuse to the visit them just so they can take you to Cascade Falls. Yes, it's that amazing!! ^^ read more

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One of my favorite hikes ever! You go a while through a residential area to get there but there were many people there. It had rained a lot earlier so the rapids were super high. It was slippery in some spots but it was so well maintained - bridges, stone/mortar paths, and railings. Not too crowded on the trail. As it had rained heavily sometimes the trail was obstructed by two or three sizable streams but passage wasn't impossible. The falls is magnificent and imposing. There is a flat rocky area and a big round pool that receives the waterfall. There was also a path with a railing that went up the hill next to the falls so you could get closer. Swimming is allowed but seems dangerous and the water was cold. You should definitely consider this hike if you're in the area! read more

Cascade Falls - Big boulder on the trail back from the falls - Parks Near Me - Pembroke, Virginia

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Cascade Falls is a highly scenic hike within Jefferson National Forest. Parking is $3 cash, exact change only. My recommendation, if you are looking for a challenge, would be to take the scenic lower trail down to see Cascade Falls and take the upper trail for an easy way back. This is a 4-mile round-trip trail with a beautiful 66-foot waterfall at the end. If it is a nice day, bring your swimsuit and take a dip. Or, spend your time walking up the steps to get different views of the waterfall. Cascade Falls is a must visit if you are in the area. read more

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Cascade Falls is one of the most scenic hikes on the East Coast. While it's not, tall canopied trees, ever present moss, lichen and wild mushrooms and very wet / humid environment reminded me of Hoh Rain Forest and western Vancouver Island. This is a moderate hike but have some difficult components like wet and rocky trails. This POPULAR trail is near Roanoke (1.25 hour) and Blacksburg (1/2 hour). HIKING ONLY and dogs on leash. Here's the DL. = Parking is EXACT CASH ONLY $3/day. 1) STOP at the entrance before parking 2) pay in the envelope provided, write your info AND tear the perforated part 3) Deposit the payment 4) Display the perforated paper on your mirror or dash 5) Park in 1 of 83 stalls - You may need to wait for a spot to open + Facilities, water and trash only at the trail head + Moderate elevation (~700') and 4+miles round trip - NO accommodation for people needing assistance + Dog friendly (on leash and pack out any mess) + 66ft Cascade Falls is at 2880 feet and many small falls along the lower trail + VERY Well maintained and marked trails + SCENIC Lower trail is wet/slippery, stone & wooden steps up along Little Stony Creek + Upper trail is wider, gradual elevation, smaller rocks / pebbles and less scenic I arrived at 8:45AM Saturday and there were 6 vehicles. A couple of people were already returning from their hikes and were leaving. My total hike took less than 2 hours. I took the lower trail that is more scenic up. This route is S shaped up crossing a bridge over LSC at the start and back another bridge at the half way point (~1M). This trail was very wet and was dominated by flat stone pavements, stone steps and wooden steps. Parts of it were slippery and caution is necessary. Took about 50 minutes to reach the CF with at least a dozen stops for pictures and to appreciate the nature splendor, at the top, spent 20 minutes walking around and took in the 66ft cascade. Took the upper trail on my return and it went along the LSC too but from higher elevation. The upper trail was wider and gradually descended. But it was sprinkled with pebbles! I twisted my ankle a couple of times (wore ankle supported Gortex boots) and stopped to shake out tiny gravels from my shoes. This route took about 40 minutes and if it weren't for pebbles, you could run/jog down. After reaching the fall, there are additional wooden steps and wooden bridge to a higher lookout area that provides a different perspective. There are wooden benches to rest and appreciate the view along the trail. On my way up I saw only 6 people but on my way back ~ 12 people. When I finished, the parking lot was full and someone was already waiting for my spot. It was before 11am Saturday. Overall, I'll definitely be back to hike this lovely again but will do the lower trail up and back. The upper trail is often written as easier / faster but I found it annoyingly filled with small pebbles. Maybe due to the copious amount of rain / storm we had recently, Little Stony Creek was roaring drowning out all the noise of daily life in my head along the lower trail. Or maybe I just felt at home in an environment similar to PNW ;-) read more

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Beautiful hike but could have used a heads up at 61 years old of how hard the hike by the creek was.

This trail was so scenic. We took the lower more strenuous trail up to the big falls and the wider one on the return. Beautiful views of rocks, moss covered rocks and cascading water all the way up the path. Wildflowers were very pretty too. Took us 4 hours but took lots of pictures. Don't forget a water bottle. Highly recommend. read more

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I had gone there with a former boyfriend and though it was raining, the falls and rest of the fauna and flora were so beautiful. Also....if you are nice with the park ranger...you might get a Smoky the Bear pin for your backpack . Yep, I got one and was thrilled. How often does that happen? I mean, seriously?? All in all this park is worth the drive. read more

This is the most peaceful and beautiful hike I have ever completed. It's about a 4 mile out and back, with the falls as the turnaround point. There are a lot of stones to climb and climb over, it was a decent workout. Saw others on the trails, but it's not crowded. Would love to see this trail in the winter, snow covered. Will definitely be back. read more

While visiting the Blacksburg area we were looking for something active to do outdoors since the weather was perfect and came upon a sign for these falls. The concierge at our hotel confirmed it was a flat 2 mile walk through the woods to the actual falls at the end...he failed to tell us to stay to the left at the bridge. We followed the signs and turned right over the bridge thinking the falls were just an easy 2 miles down the path...wrong! While it was a beautiful hike, it was physically draining. Over rocks, fallen trees and stairs, 90 min later we were spent bet we made it. It was amazingly beautiful! Coming back we took the more direct route and were back to the car in 40 min! If you are in the area, go! Bring a backpack with food and water, wear your swimsuit, and stay to the left if you are not physically fit...you won't be sorry! read more

Great hike. We live in NC and we've had harder and easier 4 mi (round trip) hikes. This one was in the middle as far as difficulty. Take the upper trail. It's shorter and less strenuous. Both follow the creek for the first 1/3. The upper starts a slow climb upwards and the lower stays along the creek. The upper is a smooth path, the lower has lots of rocks, steps, and terrain to climb over. The upper is also 50 min shorter (round trip). My wife and I have knee issues and the upper is better for us. From the parking lot, head toward the falls, cross the first bridge on the right for the lower or go straight for the upper and do not cross the bridge. read more

The Cascades hike included 2 separate trails up to a beautiful waterfall. We took one up and the other down. I honestly do not remember which was which. Both hikes were a moderate level with opportunities for some bolder climbing along the way slightly off the trail. Visit our blog for more info https://travelptswithacraftbeerprob.wordpress.com/ read more

The Fourth of July reminds me of Hot Dogs. Hamburgers. S'Mores. Baked Beans. Beer. Chips. More Hot Dogs. Fireworks. A Few More Hot Dogs. Now it can remind me of a really easy, relatively flat hike (from base to summit the elevation only increases by 700 ft). There are two trails, one of which is more scenic and follows Little Stony Creek up to the falls, while the other is steeper, shorter and less scenic. The best part about this hike is obviously the falls themselves. It's a ridiculous payoff for such an easy hike. Make sure to wear a bathing suit, so you can take a dunk in the super cold, super deep water. On your way back to the main road make sure to stop at the lemonade stand being run by a super saavy 10 year old. The secret to her success? It's Country Time. read more

Please be aware there is a $3.00 charge per car...The envelope/receipt needs to be hung up on your review mirror ...Our mirror did not allow for this...so when we came back we got a ticket for 75.00...They should have big signs saying there are severe fines, too...Most parks give you an option for a donation. This park does not...Also seniors usually get a break, not at this park. It was a great hike, going over the bridge is a much more strenuous hike...It should also be marked as such...the trail to the left was so much easier...glad to walk back that way. Just amazing ! You don't realize that something like this could exist in a neighborhood. Saturdays and Sundays are ridiculously busy, so go early, or be prepared to wait a while. read more

I was looking for an easy to moderate hike while in Roanoke for a wedding this weekend and this fit the bill! Although it's just about an hour away from downtown Roanoke it was totally worth the trip! The trails were not crowded and it felt like the two of us were the only two around until we reached the end of the trail at the base of the waterfall. We used first time advice we found online which was to take the second route (over the first bridge) on the way out and take the upper trail on the way back. The route out had a bit of ups and downs, lots of stairs that followed the river, and not nearly as steep as the alternative. Although pictures don't do it justice, here is a glimpse into the views you will have during most of the hike if you take this route. read more

Cascade Falls - View of the falls throughout the hike. - Parks Near Me - Pembroke, Virginia

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Nice hike - 2 miles in and 2 back out. Suggest that you take the lower trail to the falls. It follows the creek bed and one gets to see many cascade and pools along the way. The falls are about 67' tall. If the hike in isn't enough, go on up to Barney's Wall for an additional 2 miles (I think) each way. Bring the upper trail back just to make it a loop. There is a $3/car fee for parking (I never remember to take it with me). read more

Great little hike that took us about 2 1/2 hours with stopping for awhile at the falls. We did it with our 13 and almost 10 year old and they did great. I was wearing my Fit Bit and it clocked the hike at closer to 4.4 miles round trip so plan for that. Definitely worth the drive! read more

Cascade Falls - Parks Near Me - Pembroke, Virginia

My first time hiking was here! Cascade Falls was breathtaking! My friends and I enjoyed the struggle of climbing the steps in the lower trail. I fell on my butt a couple times but it makes for a good memory. The view of the waterfall was simply beautiful. I think I fell in love (pun intended) with this place. Plus, I saw a guy propose to his girlfriend here. Will definitely hike again in the fall. read more

These dad gum teenagers taking selfies annoys me to the edge of insanity. For example, I met this dude. His name was Logan Dylan and he was a jerk. In conclusion: less teens, more nature. read more

Great hike! Absolutely beautiful! Not a hard walk, even up the harder trail. I've been during the summer but soon my boyfriend and I will be going to see the waterfall frozen! It's supposed to be awesome. read more

One of my absolute favorite hikes and I've hiked the Grand Canyon and Zion, so that's saying something. As others mentioned, you will need three dollars in exact change for parking. It's an honors system where you put the money in the envelope and put the envelope in the box. The grounds are well maintained and there are bathrooms. The trail splits into two and you have your choice of challenges. We hiked along the river to the falls and then followed the road trail back to the parking lot. The trail along the river is absolutely beautiful but it is more strenuous with lots of steps, but well worth it. We didn't take a backpack nor lunch or water but wish we had. The falls are stunning and we would have enjoyed sitting there and soaking up the scenery if we would have taken drinks and snacks. I highly recommend this hike, especially walking along the river trail. read more

Although it sure seemed much more than 2 miles there and back, it was well worth the hike!! Soo beautiful and we even got to swim in it and be next to it. In the end I felt accomplished for hiking that much and being rewarded with an amazing experience. read more

PART TWO... read part one first .   You've made it to the falls.  Take pictures.  It is gorgeous!!!!  Be careful about playing in the water. Do not allow children out of site.  It is always ice cold and can be dangerous, especially when the water is high. Do not climb the falls.  The water is posted AT YOUR OWN RISK.  In 2016 there were 2 drowning fatalities and many injuries.  By the way, Giles County Rescue Squad answers 911 calls.  Call them if you need them, but don't call frivolously.  If you do call them, don't vanish without letting them know you are better and have gone home.  I have seen them search for hours after someone called then came down on their own and went on home without even the courtesy of a call back. .  When you're done playing and snapping photos at the falls, come on down. Be safe.  Bring down everything you brought up, especially your trash.  The waterfall fairy does not make trash pick up on the mountain.  .  At the bathrooms, please be thoughtful.  Cleanliness may be next to Godliness, but no one's soul was ever saved by trashing the bathrooms.  If you line the commode with toilet paper before sitting, then make sure the paper is flushed away.  If you get messy and wash up at the sink basin, kindly clean up after.  Men, too.  I think you folks get the drift here.  I actually had one person tell me that they had left me a mess so I'd get overtime.  I dont think they got the concept of Volunteer.  I had another ask who I knew to make the forest service provide me with such a nice RV.  I'm still snickering over that one.. .    Did I tell you I love this place?  Did I tell you I go down to the third tier of the picnic grounds where the table is almost in the creek to meditate and soak up the beauty? Did I tell you I sit silently for hours to watch the deer, that I recognize some of them and have watched them grow from year to year. Did I tell you I wait impatiently each year for those brief weeks when the blue butterflies flock everywhere and for the time when the buckeyes begin to fall.  I know fall is coming then. .  I love it here!!!  I love the wonderful people I've met in the forest service. I feel like I have watched some of their kids grow up. A more caring, giving group I can't imagine.  I love the many, people I've made friends with in this area.  How special they have all made it!!  I have loved my interactions with the masses of people who have come to visit "my" waterfall.  98% of you were awesome.  The other 2% were memorable, LOLOL!!! ..   Okay,  I've said enough.   I hope I've told you what you wanted or needed to know.  Come to the Cascades!  Bring your walking shoes, $3 in exact change, water, a camera, and a good attitude.  .   It is nearly the end of our last season here.  I'll be 64 at the end of this week and this place will always be a part of me.  I hope when you come to my waterfall you will feel the same way.   Treat it well.  Care for it and all the earth.  Keep it safe for generations yet to come.  Make it yours read more

This was a beautiful hike and the waterfall at the end definitely did not disappoint! I took the Lower Trail (I think? To the right of the first bridge) and I found it a bit more challenging than the reviews said-- lots of rocky steps-- but I took the Upper trail back and that was a ton easier! I'm an amateur hiker, but I'm fairly fit and active so I was surprised I was struggling on the way there. The whole hike, with pausing for plenty of pictures because it was all so pretty, took about an hour and forty five minutes. I got there right when the park opened at 7AM, which was great because I only saw a few other hikers towards the end and I had what felt like the whole forest to myself! It was some of the most beautiful nature I've ever seen. Parking costs $3 on an honor system so make sure you have cash or a check handy. Definitely bring your own snacks and water from home as there isn't much around the entrance to the park. I didn't even see a gas station for miles. Seriously good trip! You won't regret it. read more

Nice hike, 2 mi each way. Lower trail (encouraged on the way to the waterfall) follows the river and is slightly difficult. Upper trail, typically taken on return, is much gentler and easier. Less to see from upper trail though. Waterfall is nice. Definitely recommend spending an afternoon (or morning) doing this if you're visiting Blacksburg. read more

Oh where do I start.... I'm on business and I wanted to venture out from behind my desk and stuffy hotel. I got lost using the address posted here. The GPS took us through the mountains. Although it had its advantage we had no signal on our phones so we enjoyed the views in peace. The views were breath taking. When we finally used a different address we came across the entrance to cascade falls. You have to drive through a small little neighborhood which makes you think your going the wrong way, your not. When we finally arrive we hear from others around us that it would be a 2 mile hike there! Don't be fooled through once you get to the mile marker it's about 10-15 minutes after that. It's a very steep hike. Wear proper clothes... As I did not. Bring water as well. Forgot that too. I was very determined to see this waterfall and I finally did! It was amazing! Defiantly worth the trip! Be cautious though. It's a long tedious hike. Enjoy the view! read more