The Cascades are located at mile post 271.9 (E. B. Jeffress Park) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This easy 1 mile trail is perfect for the whole family.
The Cascades trail starts on a paved trail beside a restroom (open May through October). The path becomes gravel. Turn right at the beginning of the loop. There are a few benches along the way and educational plaques describing the local vegetation including dogwood, mountain laurel, white oak, flame azalea, highbush blueberry, and chestnut oak.
Descend and cross a bridge over Falls Creek. At the junction, go right down the steep steps to two overlooks for Cascade Falls. Descend 50 feet to reach the first overlook and another 200 feet to reach the second overlook. The upper overlook allows the visitors to see approximately 20 feet of cascades above the overlook and a long slide below the overlook. The lower overlook allows a different view of the slide. After it has been raining, the steps can be very slippery so take your time and be careful. The overlooks are behind stone walls. There are signs stating to not climb, sit or stand on the stone walls. These are for your safety, as people have died doing so.
After viewing the falls climb back up the stairs and go right at the junction to follow the stream. When you climb back up and reach the trail you started on, turn right back to your car.
I’ve been on the Blue Ridge Parkway before, but never stopped at this overlook. I can’t believe all this time I’ve missed out on seeing a waterfall. Face palm. I’m planning on going again this coming summer so you can bet I’ll be looking for this next time. Thank you for letting me know. What other waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway do you recommend?
Hello Elana! If you look under the name of the waterfall, you’ll see a section titled Nearby Areas. Click on Blue Ridge Parkway to see all the waterfalls we’ve listed in the Blue Ridge Parkway. My personal favorites are Crabtree Falls, Skinny Dip Falls, Linville Falls and Graveyard Fields. Most of these are really busy waterfalls, so if you’re going in the summer consider visiting them on weekdays if you can so they won’t be as crowded. Have a great time!
I must say you have very interesting articles here.
This waterfall is so pretty year round. My family loves driving up and down the Blue Ridge so we have seen this waterfall many times. It is so different than a lot of the others.