Lower Cascade Falls
North Carolina • 35 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Lower Cascade Falls
Lower Cascade Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina. It features a beautiful cascade that flows into a serene pool, surrounded by lush forest scenery. The waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Lower Cascade Falls sits at 978 feet within Hanging Rock State Park, in the foothills of North Carolina. The falls drop 35 feet.
Height: 35 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Lower Cascade Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It features a gentle descent through a forested area, with some stairs and rocky sections near the waterfall. The trail ends at a viewing area where visitors can enjoy the falls up close.
What to Expect
The falls drop 35 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Cascade Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Cascade Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The waterfall is beautiful year-round, but spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow. Fall offers vibrant foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with potential ice formations.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery. Stay on designated trails and viewing areas to avoid accidents.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Dan River, 7.2 miles away, not on Lower Cascade Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
78 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.43 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 DAN RIVER NEAR FRANCISCO, NC (12 km away).
Today
Moderate
78 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
78 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
77 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
76 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
78 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
85 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
92 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early May, peaking in April.
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 Danbury 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 167 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 35 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 997 feet.
The ground changes about 64 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 55 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 997 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 167 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lower Cascade Falls is located within Hanging Rock State Park. The trailhead can be accessed from the parking area near the visitor center. Follow the signs for the Lower Cascades Trail.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the designated lot near the trailhead. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
978 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.414851° N, -80.268595° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven or rocky sections. Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Bring water and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.8 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn Mount Airy Mayberry
Comfort Inn Mount Airy
Wolf Creek Farm B&B and Motorcycle Manor at Wolf Creek Farm, LLC
Quality Inn Jonesville I-77
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 Hanging Rock State Park include Hanging Rock Trail, Upper Cascade Falls, and Moore's Wall Loop Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see native plants and wildflowers along the trail.
Cities near Lower Cascade Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Writing about Lower Cascade Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.