Cascade Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Tennessee, known for its serene surroundings and relatively easy access. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of lush greenery.
The Setting
Cascade Falls sits at 1,765 feet along the Elk River, in the hills of Tennessee.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Deer Lick Falls (15 ft) lies 5.3 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Cascade Falls is part of the Grundy Forest Day Loop, which features a well-maintained path through a forested area. The trail is relatively short and includes minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most visitors. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of small streams, rock formations, and dense foliage.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cascade Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascade Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Cascade Falls, as the weather is mild, and the surrounding foliage is particularly vibrant. Summer is also a good time, but the trail may be busier.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, and there are some rocky sections near the falls. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked trails to avoid injury.
Current Water Conditions
29 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 61 years of record
2.02 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge ELK RIVER NEAR PELHAM, TN (7 km away).
Today
Roaring
29 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
25 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
25 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
23 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
29 cfs
6/10Fri
Roaring
30 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
31 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late March, peaking in January.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Monteagle hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 170 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,762 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 81 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 71 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,762 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 170 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cascade Falls is located within the Fiery Gizzard Trail system in South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee. The trailhead can be accessed from the Grundy Forest Day Loop parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Grundy Forest Day Loop trailhead. It is recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking may fill up quickly.
Elevation
1,765 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.235637° N, -85.877199° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery in some sections. Check the weather forecast before heading out, as rain can make the trail more challenging.
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This easy 2.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn Monteagle
The Sewanee Inn
The Smoke House Lodge
Spark by Hilton Kimball
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in South Cumberland State Park include Foster Falls, the Fiery Gizzard Trail, and Stone Door.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter salamanders and other amphibians near the streams.
Cities near Cascade Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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Other waterfalls named Cascade Falls
24 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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