Waterfall Hero Hikes: Rock Castle Cascades (Rocky Knob)

Rock Castle Cascades is an ephemeral waterfall on at tributary of Rock Castle Creek in Patrick County, Virginia. The waterfall is located in the Rocky Knob Recreation Area.

Hike Length: 4.8 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Rocky Knob Recreation Area (Blue Ridge Parkway Plateau District)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery. The waterfall is on a very small stream so water level must be very high for this waterfall to exist.
Trailhead GPS: 36.80779,-80.33105
Waterfall GPS: 36.78859,-80.36360

Directions:

From Stuart, head west on US-58 for about 2 miles and turn right on VA-8 north. Drive 13 miles and turn left on CC Camp Road (Route 605) just after crossing Rock Castle Creek. Follow this gravel road for just under a mile to the parking area before the gated fire road.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the trailhead, hike down the gated fire road, which is Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Trail and stay straight on the road at the split. The trail passes by the primitive campsites and crosses Rock Castle Creek on a footbridge after just over a mile. At 1.5 miles, the trail passes the Austin House and then crosses the creek twice more. At 2.4 miles, the trail crosses a tributary on another footbridge and Rock Castle Cascades is visible from the bridge.

The tributary that the waterfall is on is very small, so there will only be a waterfall during periods of high water. As such, the waterfall may not be worth the hike. However, the Rock Castle Gorge National Recreation Trail is a fantastic trail, especially in late April when the wildflowers are blooming.