Upper Cascade Falls

Daniel Rossley

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Upper Cascades Falls was one of the highlights of my visit to Hanging Rock State Park. The hike to the falls is short enough for most people to enjoy, yet it still feels like you’re escaping into the wilderness. Surrounded by towering hardwoods, rhododendrons, and the sounds of rushing water, the trail itself is almost as enjoyable as the destination. The waterfall is absolutely beautiful. Water cascades over dark, layered rock into a clear pool below, creating a peaceful setting that’s perfect for relaxing, taking photos, or simply sitting for a while and enjoying nature. Visiting after a recent rain made the falls especially impressive, with a strong flow that really showcased their beauty. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, though some sections near the falls can be a little slick, so wearing shoes with good traction is a smart idea. There are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and appreciate the scenery, making it a great hike for families, casual hikers, and photographers alike. If you’re visiting Hanging Rock State Park, don’t skip Upper Cascades Falls. It’s an easy hike with an incredible payoff, offering one of the most picturesque and peaceful spots in the park. I would happily make the trip again just to spend more time here.

Tobie Sparks- Mayfield

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Upper Cascades was a pretty and an enjoyable hike that felt fairly easy for most of the way. It gets steeper near the waterfall, and, as usual, the stairs and the return trip are the parts that really get you. The waterfall has a beautiful pool at the bottom, and my dog loved getting into the water to cool off. The rocks and surrounding forest make the whole area feel tucked away and peaceful. It was a great shorter hike that still gave me a rewarding waterfall at the end. I’d bring a grocery bag in my pack next time so I could grab any trash left along the trail. It’s frustrating that some people enjoy these places without respecting the pack-in, pack-out rule.

Yellowlab247

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Beautiful waterfall, worth the hike. Very easy short trail. Me and my two boys ( 8 and 5) did it in their crocs with no problem. We actually went off on our own trail down to the base of the waterfall just before you get to the wooden bridge. Very cool. We went on a Sunday in November, It was not busy, only a couple other people on the trail.

yoraima Mera Rodriguez

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Amazing place!

Wade McFarland

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

A charming waterfall tucked away in a rock cove, a short hike from the parking lot. Probably 50 steps to get down to the waterfall.

Wesley Van Horn

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

This one was really intricate to climb around. Lots of levels, water, and big rocks to climb around! (Hike was super easy too!)

Rick N

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Park in the main parking lot beside the visitor center. The trail for this starts here. The trail will cross over Hanging Rock Park Road. It is .3 miles from the parking lot. It is mostly sand and gravel, wide and flat laterally. The trail eventually comes to a wooden viewing thing with several levels to accommodate viewing by a lot of people. It is an easy trail. You can get relatively close to the falls below the wooden stairs. This is the second best falls in the park (Lower Cascade you can get closer). This one is great for children per the easy trail.