Local Trail Spotlight: Cascades Falls

Cascades Falls Trail is a beautiful loop trail near Pembroke, Virginia. The hike measures 3.8 miles and is rated moderate. There is also a $4 fee per vehicle to hike the trail that must be paid in exact change. Dogs are welcome but required to be on a leash. More information about the trail can be found here.

The hike’s main attraction is the 69-foot cascading waterfall at the trail’s apex. The waterfall, Cascades Falls, is a stunning site throughout all seasons. Depending on how high the water is, there is a small rock platform that lets hikers get almost directly under the falls.

Near the start of the hike, the trail splits into a lower and upper route. The lower route closely follows Stony Creek, a brook that flows out from the falls, and it is recommended that hikers take this route on the approach to the falls. The lower route is very well-defined with frequent rock steps and bridges.

The last leg of the lower trail that leads out to the falls can become very slippery and hazardous in colder conditions. If you plan to hike Cascades Falls in the winter, be sure to bring a good set of boots.

Photos by Rampage student photographer Nathan LePere.