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 Reporter |
Summary: From the west side of the parking lot, turn right near the sign. The trail begins to descend immediately through rhododendrons, hemlock, and striped maple, opening to views of the cascades (Fallingwater Creek) and surrounding terrain. The path is quite steep in areas but stone steps are provided to lessen the impact. Several benches are also provided along the way. A number of fairly easy creek crossings are required, so use care on potentially slippery rocks. Upon reaching the bottom of the trail, take a sturdy bridge over the creek and ascend back to the lot on the remainder of the trail. The "falls" are very nice but I wouldn't consider them spectacular. Given the length of the cascades, photographic options are also somewhat difficult. But this trail is worth the effort for more than a look at the cascades. The sweeping scenic views of the surrounding area are beautiful and definitely add to the total experience. Trailhead: The trailhead is located near the Peaks of Otter at the Fallingwater Cascades Overlook parking area, Milepost 83.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the Parkway north from either it's junction with US220 or US460, both near Roanoke, VA; or south from the junction of US501 near Glasgow, VA. Another option is to take VA43 from Interstate 81 (southbound exit 167 or northbound exit 162 via US11). Head west on VA43 to the Parkway, then north on the Parkway to the parking area. The trail begins and ends at the parking area, follow the signs. (Lat:37.47289 Lon:-79.5815) Trail Guides for Fallingwater Cascades Loop: The Trails of Virginia by Allen De Hart (UNC Press) Walking The Blue Ridge by Leonard M. Adkins (UNC Press) Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia by Kevin Adams (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Jefferson National Forest, Glenwood Ranger District, 540-291-2188 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Craig Wicks. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by garry on 4/13/2007 It was a very enjoyable hike, my buddy and I thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. The falls were more long than steep, but it not a very demanding hike, and was an enjoyable place for lunch.
Reviewed by Abe on 7/7/2006 A rather short wooded hike, but filled with mini-waterfalls of 2-5 feet and a couple of ones that are in the 20-45 ft range. Went the day after it rained so the path was a little damp, but the waterfalls were excellent.
Reviewed by Chandler on 4/28/2006 I enjoyed Fallingwater Cascades. The trail is easy to find, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Flat Top parking area. The trail itself is very well maintained, with gravel like rocks on most of the trail and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the views. The trail has several areas where an adventurous (or foolish) person can go and see the falls from close up and maybe snap a few pictures. The only drawback is that if you decide to take the loop trail, the ascent back to the parking area is moderately strenuous because there are no switchbacks to speak of. Overall, I enjoyed this hike and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a pretty waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Reviewed by Nancy A. on 11/20/2005 Definitely another day when it has rained. Its November and we havent had much rain so the water was pretty but low. Easy trail going down but kind of tough going back up. 
Reviewed by Pam on 4/23/2005 I enjoyed this hike simply for the fact that I could climb out on a flat rock at the bottom when the rainfall was low and just sit and enjoy the beauty around in me in God's world. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Bedford County Hiking, Bedford County Trails, Bedford County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||