Upper Cascade Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Cascade Falls
Upper Cascade Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina. It is a popular destination for visitors due to its scenic beauty and relatively easy access. The waterfall cascades over a rock ledge into a serene pool below, surrounded by lush forest.
The Setting
Upper Cascade Falls sits at 1,558 feet within Hanging Rock State Park, in the hills of North Carolina.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Cascade Falls (35 ft) lies 1.3 miles to the north.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Upper Cascade Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It features a gentle incline and leads through a wooded area to a viewing platform overlooking the falls.
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 Upper Cascade Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Cascade Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, 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, so exercise caution. Stay on designated paths and do not climb on rocks near the waterfall to avoid accidents.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Dan River, 8.4 miles away, not on Upper Cascade Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
84 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 84 years of record
1.37 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 (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
82 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
83 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
82 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
84 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
84 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
89 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
92 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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.
Is Upper Cascade Falls Frozen?
Updated about 10 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Upper Cascade Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 70°F to 47°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 84 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.
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.
1-meter lidar measures about 161 feet of descent through Upper Cascade Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,557 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 154 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 115 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls 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
- 1,557 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 161 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
Upper Cascade Falls is located within Hanging Rock State Park. The trailhead to the falls is near the main parking area of the park, making it easy to locate.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the main parking lot of Hanging Rock State Park. It is free of charge, but spaces may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,558 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.395878° N, -80.269616° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery after rain. Bring water and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
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
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Hanging Rock State Park include Lower Cascade Falls, Hanging Rock Trail, and Moore's Knob Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Upper Cascade Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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