Waterfall Hero Hikes: Upper Cascade Falls (Jefferson)

Upper Cascade Falls is a -foot waterfall on Little Stony Creek in Giles County, Virginia. The waterfall is located in Cascades Day Use Area in Jefferson National Forest.

Hike Length: 4.4 miles
Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Cascades Day Use Area (Eastern Divide Ranger District of Jefferson National Forest)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1+)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 37.35301,-80.59984
Waterfall GPS: 37.37260,-80.57439

Directions:

From Blacksburg, take US-460 west for 13 miles to Pembroke and turn right on Cascades Drive (SR 623) and follow to the parking area at the end. There is a small day-use fee per vehicle to access the area, payable at a self-serve kiosk at the parking area.

Map:

Hike Description:

Pick up the Cascades Trail (#70) past the restrooms. In 0.2 miles, the trail comes to a split. It's a loop so you can go either way, but the upper trail is shorter so go left and don't cross the bridge. The old road follows the creek upstream from above.

At about 1.7 miles, the trail comes to a split, where right leads down to Cascade Falls, which is a worthwhile detour. Go left to stay on the road heading up and come to another split at 2.1 miles. Go right to head down to the creek at the top of Upper Cascade Falls.