​LOCATION: Pembroke, VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 4.2 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ PARKING: Cascades Recreation Area
TRAIL TYPE: Loop
TRAIL GRADE:  Difficult (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 50 spots or more
KEY WORDS:  Big forest, Water features, Waterfalls
TRAIL INFO
What’s to like about the trail: Amazing scenic area with abundant access to waterfalls, big trees and wonderous topography.
Why go for a hike on this trail:  This is a surefire top fiver for the state of Virginia, its combination of unique setting, waterfalls and trail make this one of a kind.
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 continue on 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 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 0.2 miles to intersect with the Upper trail. Take a LEFT onto the Upper trail and hike back 1.9 miles to return to the parking lot. The upper trail will lack the visual stimulants of the lower however what it does provide is a gradual glide through the forest with limited elevation change. The trail is more fire road than trail but none the less fulfills your journey to the Cascade Falls.​

NOTE: This trail can be combined with Barneys Wall trail, read more here
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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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