The Cascades
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About The Cascades
The Cascades tumbles through a quiet pocket of the Blue Ridge Mountains at E.B. Jeffress Park, right along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Framed by mature hardwood forest, the falls drop in a series of stepped cascades and offer a photogenic ribbon of water year-round. The site sits on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 469-mile scenic road managed by the National Park Service that links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, so it’s easy to visit as part of a longer parkway drive. A short hike brings you to multiple viewpoints that reveal different angles of the falls and the surrounding laurel- and rhododendron-lined valley. The setting is peaceful and shaded, making The Cascades a popular stop for hikers and photographers seeking a relatively accessible waterfall experience in the southern Blue Ridge.
The Setting
The Cascades sits at 2,549 feet along the Cove Creek, in the hills of North Carolina.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Hickorynut Falls (404 ft) lies 2.2 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Rainbow Falls (150 ft, 1.3 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The Cascades trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. Most of the route follows well-packed dirt tread punctuated by wooden steps and short steeper sections as it descends to the creek; the canopy keeps much of the walk shaded. Expect two developed viewing platforms near the water that provide different perspectives of the falls—good turnaround points before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.
What to Expect
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 The Cascades?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at The Cascades?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger in spring, and the fall foliage adds vibrant colors to the landscape.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the viewing platforms and stay on designated trails. The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain. Be aware of changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
68 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 75 years of record
2.13 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
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 COVE CREEK NEAR LAKE LURE, NC (15 km away).
Today
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
68 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
74 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
77 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
77 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
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 Chimney Rock Village 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 259 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,561 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 203 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 226 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, 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
- 2,561 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 259 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Cascades can be accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 271.9. Look for the E.B. Jeffress Park sign, where a parking area is available.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at E.B. Jeffress Park, which provides access to the trail leading to The Cascades.
Elevation
2,549 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.462337° N, -82.273728° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery near the waterfall, especially after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Where to Stay
1850s Settlers Cabin at Wethero Ridge
Lake Lure Inn and Spa
Hampton Inn Black Mountain
The Farmhouse at Wolfehaven
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
CURTIS CREEK CAMPGROUND (NC)
15.4 miles away · 24 sites
Overview Curtis Creek Campground is nestled in the mountains at the base of the Blue Ridge just minutes from the quaint town of Old Fort and less than an hour from the popular city of Asheville. Located in the first tract of National Forest land in the eastern US at the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) camp, the campground is surrounded by old growth forests and roaring trout streams. The gravel road through the campground ascends to the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing easy access to
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Swannanoa, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Swannanoa, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Blue Ridge Parkway scenic overlooks, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, and Boone, NC.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for native plants and wildflowers along the trail.
Cities near The Cascades
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named The Cascades
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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