Upper Casscades

Stokes County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Stokes County, North Carolina
Access status: State park trail with a viewing platform
The walk: About 0.6 miles return
Ground & access: Easy. Paved then gravel trail with a gradual descent and wooden steps. Rocks near the falls are slippery.

Waterfall Hero: Upper Cascade Falls (Hanging Rock)

Upper Cascade Falls is a 25-foot waterfall on Cascade Creek in Hanging Rock State Park. From the south side of the visitor center parking area, take the Upper Cascades Trail. It is paved until it crosses the park road, then gravel. It curves and gradually descends to a viewing platform. Wooden steps lead down to the base. A lower section downstream needs a scramble and is not part of this route.

Plan your visit

Hanging Rock State Park visitor center parking, Upper Cascades Trail to the viewing platform and steps to the base of Upper Cascade Falls

Waterfall Hero gives a hike length of 0.6 miles for this out-and-back route.

Easy. Paved then gravel trail with a gradual descent and wooden steps. Rocks near the falls are slippery.

Where to start

Visitor center parking area off Hanging Rock Park Road, inside the park. Published trailhead coordinates: 36.39393, -80.26679.

Timing & water

The park gate opens and closes at set hours that vary by month; check current hours before you go. The park is closed on Christmas Day.

Before you go

Hanging Rock State Park charges no day-use fee except for boat rentals and swim passes.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Stokes County, North Carolina.

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