Without a doubt, Cascade Falls is one of my all-time favorite hikes in Virginia. Located in the Jefferson National Forest in the small town of Pembroke. This short 4-mile hike is definitely a fan favorite amongst many outdoor enthusiasts. The trailhead is an amazing hike offering endless picturesque moments of lush dense forest, little stony creeks, and moss-covered boulders. The trail ends at a majestic 69-foot cascading waterfall that crashes into a larger pool below.
The view of the waterfall is incredible! The larger pool below is the perfect spot to take a swim, so be sure to pack your swimming gear.
Best Time to Visit
The Cascades in Giles County Virginia can be visited anytime during the year and has something completely different to offer in each season. The best time to visit would be in the late spring-early summer, I find it’s not too crowded this time of year and the forest is starting to look more lush & full. Hiking in the late fall is also a great time to visit as the leaves are changing color and the weather is a lot more mild and cool.
Getting There
From Staunton it’s roughly a 2hr 12min drive to get to the Cascade Falls, You simply get on I-81S all the way to Blacksburg, from Blacksburg follow US460 West for 13 miles till you get to Pembroke. Turn right onto SR623. Then it’s 3miles to the Cascades parking lot area. You can follow along on Google Maps here.
Parking
There is a parking lot at the base of the trailhead, there’s also a $3.00 fee per vehicle to enter. Opening times are from sunrise to sunset.
Hot Tip: Cascade Falls is quite a popular hike, I highly recommend getting here early in the morning or arriving later in the afternoon as the car park can get very busy, especially on the weekends. I would also avoid trying to park outside the designated parking lot, as you will be at risk of getting towed or fined.
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Know before you go! Helpful Q&A
Are their facilities at the Cascades? Yes, there are drinking taps and toilet blocks at the base of the car park, there are also bbq areas with picnic tables.
Is it pet friendly? Yes, this is a very pet-friendly hiking trail, lots of people take their dogs.
Is it family-friendly? Yes, this is a very popular hiking trail for families with young kids.
How long is the hike? Cascade Falls is a 4-mile scenic loop trail and takes roughly about 1.5hrs to complete.
What level of difficulty is the hike? The trail is considered to be moderate, it does have some steep rocky areas and muddy spots.
Can you swim at the falls? Yes, you can swim at the waterfall and surrounding rock pools. Keep in mind the water can be very cold.
Can you fish? Yes, fishing is allowed in the park.
Hiking Trail Information
Opening Hours: Year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
Distance: 4-mile scenic loop
Elevation: 2200-2900′
Which loop to take:
There are two loops you can choose from, the direct route which is steeper this is the upper trail called the Woodland trail or you can take the lower trail which is the Creekside trail to the falls. Both trailheads are the same in length and both lead to the falls. I recommend taking the Creekside trail up which is the lower trail towards the right and over the bridge, it’s not as steep and I find it more enjoyable, and then take the upper trail back down.
If you want to switch it up and do a bit of both trails, you can crossover at the bridges located on the map that link between the two paths.
Cascade Falls Trail Map
What To Pack
You will want to pack light, but also be sure to bring all the essentials with you. I recommend bringing the basics such as a sturdy pair of hiking boots, comfortable hiking attire & a hat. If you plan to swim then I highly suggest bringing some swimwear, a towel & river shoes that have some grip as the rocks near the waterfall can be quite slippery. And lastly, a water bottle, sunscreen, and some snacks. Depending on the season, you might want to bring additional tops, gloves, and hats. Check out my travel shop for more of my favorite travel essentials.
What To Expect
Expect to be blown away…The waterfall is absolutely stunning and so grand! When you come out at the end of the trail, the area kind of opens up and there is the waterfall right in front of you. Be sure to whip out your camera as you won’t want to miss taking some beautiful photos of the cascades.
The trail is considered fairly moderate, but once you get there, it’s totally worth the trek. After you arrive you can rest up for a bit, there is a viewing area off to the left and plenty of space to chill out and have lunch. If you decide to take a swim just be warned the water is FREEZING! Every time I have been I didn’t swim as it was too cold for me, but you do you. If you don’t feel like swimming you can actually walk right up to the waterfall, I’d be careful tho as the rocks can be very slippery.
Overall
Its totally worth it, I can see why this is a favorite hiking trail for many people, it’s not too long and the beauty of the waterfall at the end is just incredible. As a reminder, to please respect the environment and leave no trace when you leave the park so that other people can enjoy its beauty.
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Have you hiked to the Cascade Falls in Virginia? I’d love to hear about your experience and what you thought in the comments below.
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links I may receive a small commission that helps support this blog. You will not pay more when you buy through these links. All opinions are my own and I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love.
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