Waterfall Hero Hikes: Upper Cascade Falls (Hanging Rock)

Upper Cascade Falls is a 25-foot waterfall on Cascade Creek, in Stokes County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in Hanging Rock State Park.

Hike Length: 0.6 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Hanging Rock State Park
Trail Users: N/A
Dogs: Must be leashed
Features: Waterfalls (1+)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 36.39393,-80.26679
Waterfall GPS: 36.39543,-80.26913

Directions:

From Winston-Salem, head north on US-52 for about 13 miles to exit 122 for Moore-RJR Drive. Turn left and drive 4.4 miles then turn left on NC-66 north. Go 6.9 miles and turn right on Moore's Spring Road. In 5.4 miles, turn right on Hanging Rock Park Road and go up 1.8 miles and turn right to the parking for the Visitor Center.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the south side of the parking area, pick up Upper Cascades Trail, which is initially paved until crossing the park road. Across, the trail is gravel and makes a curve as it gradually descends to a viewing platform. Wooden steps lead down to the base.