Best one so far for my vacation. Take the lower trails if you want scenic and right near the water but be warned, it's not an easy hike. You're going to be hiking through the books and cranny of the rocks and streams. And it'll take a while. We took the upper trails to get back and it was very straight forward and took less time. Give yourself some time though if you take the lower trails. Make sure you have plenty of time for sunlight. The lower trails will take a lot of your time. But it's worth it. I promise.

What an experience like no other! Nestled in the lower end of Central Virginia just outside the town limits of Pembroke you can hike this 2 mile gem. There's plenty of parking, but you have pay $3 and it's cash only. There's public restrooms as well. When hiking the trail you have two options. You can go straight or right at the first bridge. Going right means you're taking the scenic route and going straight means you're taking the access road that goes all the way to the Falls. If you're of able body go right, if not, stroll up the road bed. Either way, when you get to the Falls it will be completely worth it. I will say Cascade Falls is a true treasure that Virginia has to offer and you should definitely get visit. Swimming is allowed, but heads up, the water is super chilly. :-) Be safe, use commonsense, and happy adventures!! P.S. Please don't forget to take your trash out with you. :-)

The hike to Cascades Falls is interesting and beautiful. There are two paths you can take, and the easy route is much less rocky than the path along the river. It seems there might be a $3 parking fee, but they do take the national park pass.

Beautiful hike. I always stop here on my way through! Great trails. The lower trail is stunning. My boys always loved playing through this area just as much. I went mid-week, mid-day and it was not busy at all! Just a little over 4 miles for me.

Absolutely brilliant gorgeous views of the cascades rolling down the valley, where at the end, you finally reach an enormous stunning waterfall. The Cascade Falls Trail is a must see if you are in the area, and especially if you go to Virginia Tech. It's only half an hour drive from campus and it's a very long hike. The parking says to pay but they're tricking you and it's more like a donation and not actually required. Although I would recommend paying the couple bucks if you have the spare change. You can take the journey straight along the river, which is faster and more straightforward as you climb the hillside looking down into the cascades, or you can take the route that first goes across the river, this way is much more treacherous as it is right along the waterfront and while, at some points it can be a bit sketchy, overall the value you get from the beauty and adventure is well worth it. Either way, at the end you will reach the magnificent falls, which, if you are willing to jump a couple flat rocks, you can walk right in front of, basically on top of it. You can swim in the pool at the end at your own risk. Be careful the current at the edge is very strong. However it is very dangerous and illegal to climb the rocks surrounding the falls, especially up the falls. People have died doing this before. Enjoy and stay safe!!

The trail is nice. We are not hikers but are not in that bad of shape either and the lower tail was not an easy trail. It has lots of steps, rocks and roots. It took us 90 min to get to the falls and then 45 back to the parking lot using the upper trail. The upper trail had very little roots and rocks and no steps. The falls area beautiful! One last thing.... The bathrooms are terrible. Rusted, moldy and stink very bad

4 miles in and out to this majestic waterfall. Entry is $3 per vehicle, you will need exact change, unless you have one of those passes. 2 trails - upper and lower. Lower is besides the creek and scenic with 2 bridge crossings, but can be a bit challenging because of slippery rocks, the upper trail gains elevation initially, making it easier on return. Whatever you take, it's a must visit waterfall.

Beautiful hike. It was listed as easy but I would say it was difficult. Lots of stairs, roots and rocks. Very well and beautifully marked trail. Amazing huge waterfall. The entire trail is riverside with stunning views and sounds of water. Loved it!

It is the best waterfalls in Virginia and I think it is. A easy two miles to hike from the parking lot. You want to get there early since we got the last few spots at 10:30. People still coming in. You want to have 3 dollars cash since there is no people to give change. The hike at the lower path is in the woods near the water so you can enjoy the views often. The falls are tall and magnificent. Lots of people at the foot of the falls so it is impossible to have a picture of the falls without a person in the picture. Very nice hiking experience.

What a great trail and relaxing waterfall. It's $3 (cash only) to park in the parking lot or you can park for free on the side of the road a little further away. There are two trails, high and low. The low trail is more difficult but it has way better views and cooler especially when it's hot out. Take the high trail on the way back if you want to take it easy and want to get back quick. The waterfall is beautiful and has a nice size swimming hole.

What an amazing place!!!! Hiked around noon on a Friday in the rain so did not see anyone else on the trail. Definitely take the lower trail (across the first bridge) on the way to the waterfall. Lots of recent rain so the falls were gushing! Watch your step though, some really slick spots.

My family owns a campground 10 mins away from here and we always like to try and make the trip to cascade falls. It’s one of my favorite places to hike too. I love the man made steps from the rocks and stumps! We love taking our dog as well as there’s plenty of stops for him to get a drink from. You can walk right up to the falls sometimes but be careful as the rocks are super slippery and the water is always pretty ice cold! These photos are from when we went at the end of September

If this hike was on the Blue Ridge Parkway it would probably be one of the most popular hikes. It's a scenic 2-mile hike along a mountain stream ending in the namesake attraction with good viewpoints from below and above.

There is now a US Forest Service kisok at the entrance that takes cards for the $3 parking pass! Absolutely fantastic hike! I love to go up using the lower trail which stays along the creek. There are lots of rocks that you go over and around and several areas have stone stairs. Swimming is a chilly endeavor because the water stays cold even in the summer. I would recommend a change of clothes for the trip bacl down, and do not attempt this whole hike in water shoes (or sandals, flip-flops, etc). I typically come back down along the upper trail and make it much quicker.

Absolutely Beautiful trail! We spent a little under 3 hours here. Took the harder trail up (take a right over first bridge) and the views were stunning. It was well worth navigating the rocks and roots to take this path. Or 8 year old daughter had no trouble and she really enjoyed the obstacles. I carried our elderly dog 90% of the way up due to all of the rocks and steps. We hung out for awhile at the top and some people were swimming (water was really cold though!). We opted for the wider and easier path down. It was well maintained and our dog was able to handle this path all the way back. I think he could have managed it most of the way up too. Recommend bug spray and you should only need sunscreen if you hang out at the top for a long time. The paths were mostly dry when we went and any wet areas could be circumnavigated with stepping stones. Parking was $3 per vehicle with a honor system payment that gives you a mirror hanging tag.

Beautiful even with the drought. River trail is a bit technical but a good challenge. We took it to the waterfall and took the easier trail back. Watch for rocks and roots under all the fallen leaves on both trails. Dog friendly too! We used our senior national Park pass.