Blue Ridge Parkway
Falling Water Cascades Loop

Fallingwater Cascades is a short hike with beautiful views of a long series of short waterfalls, and long views of the surrounding area.

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The first half of the trail descends to and then follows Fallingwater Creek as it tumbles down a rugged gorge, then the trail ascends into a cathedral like grove of trees.

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This hike is quietly beautiful from end to end.

Approach

From the Peaks of Otter Lodge, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway north 2.4 miles to the Falling Water Cascades Parking lot on your left.

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Coordinates for the hike: 37.4731200,-79.5806050

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Parking / Trailhead amenities

The parking lot is paved and has spaces for a small number of cars. There are no facilities near the parking lot.

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Trail observations

The trailhead exits from the west side of the parking lot, where you will find a trailhead sign for 'Fallingwater - Flat Top National Recreation Trail'. Turn right at the sign and immediately start descending.

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The trail will turn to follow the creek as it descends the gorge, crossing bridges twice. After the second bridge the trail will begin to ascend on a long grade with great views of the mountains, then the trail will begin to turn back towards the parkway and enter a more open woods.

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There is a well signed junction near the end that will point you back to the Fallingwater Parking Area.

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Trail statistics

The trail is 1.73 miles long. The sum of all the uphill climbs is 178 feet.

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Trail waypoints

0.09 mi	Parking	Parking
0.10 mi	Trailhead	Trailhead - go right and down
0.20 mi	Bench	Bench
0.45 mi	Upper bridge	Bridge over cascade
0.72 mi	Lower bridge	Stream from bridge
0.78 mi	Bench	Bench
0.99 mi	Ascending	Heading back up the trail
1.19 mi	Bench	Bench
1.37 mi	Go left	Branch - take a left to the parking lot
1.50 mi	Bench	Bench
1.73 mi	End of trail	End of trail