LOCATION: Pembroke, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 8.4 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: CASCADES RECREATION AREA
TRAIL TYPE: Loop
TRAIL GRADE:  Difficult (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 50 spots or more
KEY WORDS:  Big forest, water features, waterfalls, summit view
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: Amazing scenic area with abundant access to waterfalls, big trees and a big Summit view
Why go for a hike on this trail:  This is a surefire top fiver for the state of Virginia with a view that drops jaws! 
Best time to go for a hike on this trail:  Spring, Summer, Fall​

Summary
Your adventure begins at the Cascades Parking lot, initiating at the top of the lot next to the restrooms. The trail is very well maintained and manicured via compacted gravel and provides wide width for ease in sharing the trail. At 0.2 miles bear right and cross the bridge (scenic area for photos) to join the lower trail. The lower trail explodes with forest diversity and access to Little Stony Creek. The area has a rich tapestry of ferns, moss, groves of pine, river birch and maple. You will notice that the trail is purposefully keeping your hiking experience close to the water all the whiles immersed within a heavy tree canopy. The lower trail’s composition itself has a unique diversity with parts compacted dirt and roots, and then areas where man made stone walkways provide intimate access to smaller falls and ledges within Little Stony Creek. After 0.8 miles come to a second bridge, cross to rejoin the lower trail. This final stretch of trail leads to the Cascade Falls, a 66-foot waterfall descending into the Little Stony Creek. Be mindful that access to the waterfall (even for pictures) can have tricky footing and can be impaired by rains and floods.  In the summer, when the water is lower many visitors use the Falls area as a swimming hole. Once you have had your experience with the falls, continue your adventure by using a set of stairs towards the back of the falls area to gradually ascend out.  At the top of the stairs, hang a left and go for 0.2 miles to intersect with the Upper trail and the Conservancy trail. At the intersection take a right onto the Conservancy trail (really a fire road) as it gradually climbs for 0.4 miles until the intersection with Barneys Wall trail (trail marker signage). Take a left onto the Barneys Wall trail (yellow hash), from here it is a gradual climb through dense forest of mountain laurel, hemlock and pines as you make your way up. Aside from a gentle creek crossing this trail is easy to navigate with few natural obstacles. After 1.1 miles, turn left onto the Barney Wall Spur trail. This portion quickly slithers along the ridgeline to a campsite, bear right at the campsite to saunter down to the Barneys Wall overlook.  The overlook sits at 700 feet atop the New River Valley with dramatic views of the valley and pocket views of small waterfalls along the mountainside to your right.  To return to your car, retrace your steps to where ​
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HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

LOCAL

  • Nearby Hikes
  • Things to Know
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  • $3.00 entrance fee per car
  • Very Popular on weekends,. arrive early
  • trail access can be impacted by rain / flooding
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