Cascades Falls has been on my to-do list for a very long time. My only hesitation with this hike is driving 4 hours from Northern Virginia to do a pretty short and easy hike. I decided to use one of my Fridays off to finally make the drive while also taking the Blue Ridge Parkway back (also on my to-do list).
This is a fairly short easy hike, around four miles roundtrip. I arrived at the trailhead around 9 a.m. on a Friday morning. Most of the trail was paved by stones and clearly marked. Very little chance of getting lost. It was misty and cool, ideal for most hikes but not swimming weather. This waterfall is spectacular in person. Unfortunately for me, it was too cold to take a swim. I definitely recommend stopping by here if you're in the area or tacking this on to another hike in the region.
Want to go yourself? Here's some key info:
Coordinates: 37.353523, -80.599566
Parking: $3 fee required, cash. They do check to see if people have paid since it is a very popular site. You can use your America the Beautiful Pass, make sure it is visible on your front window.
Come Early! By the time I left around noon, the parking lot was full.
Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Cascade Falls
Smaller waterfall along the hike
Lower Trail
