Kent Square Parking Garage
Parking garage
3.7 (43)
207 Draper Rd SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060
WaterfallVA
Cascade Falls
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan the four-mile Cascades hike near Pembroke with current parking fees, daylight access, facilities, trail restrictions and reviewed waterfall photos.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Do not assume older tourism swimming recommendations override current orders. The designated-site order prohibits swimming outside designated swimming areas in developed recreation areas; no designated waterfall swim zone was verified here. Confirm permitted water access with the ranger district. Climbing around or under the waterfall is restricted to the designated trail.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Waterfall
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Forest Service day-use fee: $3 per vehicle per day. America the Beautiful Interagency Pass series and the forest Seasonal Day Use Pass are accepted; Virginia State Parks passes are not.
Best season
Leave enough daylight for the entire hike and exit before sunset. Earlier peak-swimming-month and manageable-water-level promises are withdrawn
Nearby towns
Roanoke, Blacksburg, Pembroke
Water body
Little Stony Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Roanoke, Blacksburg, Pembroke
Access location not verified
37.319620, -80.639089
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Cascade Falls
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Cascade Falls near Pembroke: plan the hike first
The Cascades trail follows Little Stony Creek through a wooded gorge to the main waterfall. The Forest Service profile places the falls two miles from parking, making this a four-mile round-trip outing. The gallery shows the waterfall and creek setting, not a current conditions report.
Parking, facilities and passes
Day use costs $3 per vehicle per day. Accepted passes include the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass series and the forest Seasonal Day Use Pass, not Virginia State Parks passes. Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are listed at the day-use site. Accessible restrooms do not imply an accessible hike to the falls.
Return before sunset
Follow US460 to Pembroke and SR623/Cascades Drive about four miles to parking. Plan enough daylight for both directions. The Cascades-specific order restricts night access, climbing around the falls, camping, wheeled trail use and alcohol. Use designated paths rather than climbing cliff faces for a photo.
Swimming is not established by a scenic pool
Older tourism descriptions mention swimming, but the operator profile does not identify a designated waterfall swimming zone. The designated recreation-site order restricts swimming outside designated areas. Confirm permitted water access with the ranger district; do not treat a photo, old recommendation or paid parking receipt as permission or water-quality clearance.
Trailhead and listing pin are different evidence
The Virginia Tourism trail listing supplies the Pembroke street address and trailhead information. Our older coordinates are retained but unverified. Use official directions, not the historical pin, to plan parking.
Getting There
From Blacksburg follow US460 west to Pembroke, then SR623/Cascades Drive about four miles to the Cascades parking lot. Forest Service directions give 13 miles on US460, replacing the older18-mile estimate. Virginia Tourism lists2068CascadesDrive, PembrokeVA24136. Pay the posted vehicle fee or display an accepted pass. The retained historical pin differs from published day-use coordinates and is not a verified trailhead or swim entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The Forest Service profile lists the site open year-round, sunrise to sunset. The site-specific order applies to the trail and parking area too; do not plan a night hike or overnight parking. Check alerts before departure.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Do not assume older tourism swimming recommendations override current orders. The designated-site order prohibits swimming outside designated swimming areas in developed recreation areas; no designated waterfall swim zone was verified here. Confirm permitted water access with the ranger district. Climbing around or under the waterfall is restricted to the designated trail. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
North End Parking Garage
Parking garage
4 (11)
206 Barger St, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Virginia Tech Commuter Parking-Duck Pond Lot
Parking lot
1.5 (79)
Oak Ln, Blacksburg, VA 24061
Cascade Falls Trailhead
Park
4.9 (1548)
2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136
This 4-mile hiking trail traverses rocky streams to a striking 69-ft. waterfall.
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Huckleberry Trail (Merrimac)
Hiking area
4.8 (16)
805 Merrimac Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Stiles Falls
Hiking area
4.8 (204)
2842 Crockett Springs Road a, Shawsville, VA 24162
Visitors can access this dramatic, 40-foot waterfall via a marked trail from a parking area.
Boley Field Group Campground
Campground
4.3 (16)
4554 Straley Valley, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Caldwell Fields Campground
Campground
4.3 (28)
Craig Creek Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Public restroomRestroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Cascade Falls
How long is the hike to Cascade Falls?
The Forest Service lists the waterfall about two miles from parking and the scenic outing as four miles round trip. Allow time for uneven terrain and return before sunset.
Is parking free?
No. The posted day-use fee is $3 per vehicle per day. Listed accepted federal and forest passes differ from Virginia State Parks passes.
Can I visit after sunset?
No. The site-specific order restricts access to the day-use area, parking lot and Cascades Trail between sunset and sunrise.
Is waterfall swimming currently verified?
No designated waterfall swimming zone was established from the reviewed operator information. Confirm permitted water access with the ranger district rather than relying on older tourism recommendations.
Can I climb around the waterfall?
Stay on the designated trail. The site-specific order restricts climbing slopes and rock cliffs around, beneath or within the waterfall area outside that trail.
Are there toilets and drinking water?
The Forest Service lists flush toilets, potable water and picnic tables at the day-use site. Check availability before travel and carry water for the hike.
Highlights
Four-mile waterfall hike
Current $3 vehicle fee
Daylight-only trail access
Four reviewed photo views
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Stay on the designated trail near the falls
- Do not climb cliff faces, jump or dive
- Wet rocks and swift creek water can be hazardous; no safe pool depth, current water-quality clearance or lifeguard coverage verified
- Carry water and wear footwear suited to uneven terrain
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The named Cascades interpretive kiosk documents the recreation area's trail and forest history.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four reviewed historical views show the main waterfall, rocky creek foreground, mossy stream cascade and named Cascades interpretive kiosk. They do not establish present trail or water conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on designated paths, carry out litter and keep dogs leashed no longer than six feet. Alcohol is prohibited in the day-use area, parking lot, trail and waterfall surroundings under the site-specific order.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Leave enough daylight for the entire hike and exit before sunset. Earlier peak-swimming-month and manageable-water-level promises are withdrawn.
Difficulty Level
Four-mile round trip, with the falls about two miles from parking. Upper and lower hiking routes include uneven rocky surfaces; no wheelchair-accessible waterfall approach established.
Fee
Forest Service day-use fee: $3 per vehicle per day. America the Beautiful Interagency Pass series and the forest Seasonal Day Use Pass are accepted; Virginia State Parks passes are not.
Facilities
Virginia Tourism describes accessible restrooms at the trailhead. This does not establish an accessible trail or water entry. Carry water for the hike and check current facility availability.
Activities
Hiking, picnicking and regulated creek fishing. Current waterfall swimming authorization remains unverified.
Phone
Eastern Divide Ranger District: 540-552-4641, as listed by Virginia Tourism
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
This is a day-use destination. The Cascades-specific order restricts camping within 300 feet of the day-use area, parking lot, trail and waterfall. No overnight parking; arrange an authorized campground separately.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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