Cascades
Virginia • 66 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
700 ft
About Cascades
The Cascades, located in Pembroke, Virginia, is a stunning 66-foot waterfall surrounded by lush forest in the Jefferson National Forest. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the region due to its scenic beauty and relatively accessible trail.
The Setting
Cascades sits at 2,831 feet within Jefferson National Forest, in the hills of Virginia. The falls drop 66 feet.
Height: 66 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Cascades Creekside (#70A), a 4.0-mile loop trail over natural surface. Expect 700 feet of elevation gain with grades of +12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
CASCADES CREEKSIDE #70A
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.82 miTrail Description
The trail to the Cascades offers two routes: an upper trail and a lower trail. The lower trail follows Little Stony Creek and features several wooden bridges and scenic views of the creek. The upper trail is less scenic but provides a quicker route to the falls. The loop allows hikers to experience both trails.
What to Expect
The falls drop 66 feet. 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 Cascades?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $3.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cascades?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Jefferson National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall, as they can be wet and dangerous. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Walker Creek, 10 miles away, not on Cascades's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
49 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 88 years of record
3.02 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge WALKER CREEK AT BANE, VA (16 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
49 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
45 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
51 cfs
3/10Fri
Barely Flowing
47 cfs
2/10Sat
Barely Flowing
41 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
43 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
43 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.
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 Pembroke hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Cascades Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Cascades is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 49 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Virginia.
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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 190 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 66 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 2,828 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 225 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 206 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,828 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 190 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Cascades are located off Route 460 near Pembroke, Virginia. From the parking area at the Cascades Day Use Area, the trailhead is clearly marked.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot at the Cascades Day Use Area. A small fee is required for parking, typically $3 per vehicle as of recent reports.
Elevation
2,831 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.367347° N, -80.575896° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be rocky and muddy in places. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Be prepared for cooler temperatures near the waterfall due to mist and shade.
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With 4.0 miles and 700 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Virginia Tech - On Campus
Hyatt Place Blacksburg/University
Hilton Garden Inn Blacksburg University
Residence Inn by Marriott Blacksburg-University
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.
Nearby Campground
Eastern Divide Ranger District
12.8 miles away · 0 sites
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Appalachian Trail, Mountain Lake Lodge (famous for being a filming location for 'Dirty Dancing'), and the town of Blacksburg, home to Virginia Tech.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Be cautious of snakes, which may be present along the trail.
Cities near Cascades
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1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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