The Cascades National Recreation Trail in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests is a spectacular fall hike near Pembroke, Virginia.
Getting There
Upon exiting Highway 460 and cruising the backroads in Virginia, for a moment I wondered if Google Maps was guiding me correctly to the marked trailhead in All Trails. Every now and then, you end up with a surprise, but after four miles of passing through neighborhoods, I finally reached the large parking lot for Cascades National Recreation Trail.
Pay Site
The US Forest Service charges a small parking fee which is on the honor system. The traditional paper envelopes and metal post with a slit is available for those who carry cash. Otherwise, there is a credit card kiosk that wasn’t functioning when I visited at the end of September.
History of the Area
Amenities in the shaded parking area include restrooms, a picnic area, and information signs highlighting the area history. In the 1920’s and 1930’s. a small crew logged the area with a portable sawmill along Little Stony Creek. An old boiler that provided power to the sawmill was left behind.
Perhaps the historic logging is what made this National Forest Area a little more manicured than normal with a well-maintained trail including bridges, stairs, and rocky paths.
Cascades National Recreation Trail
The Cascades National Recreation Trail is a 4-mile loop trail that may be hiked in either direction. I recommend hiking it in a counterclockwise direction by crossing the first bridge to the right and following the lower trail to the 66-foot falls.
The lower trail follows Little Stony Creek closely and is absolutely gorgeous, especially as the canopy of falls colors take over the forest. The narrow, rocky trail path skirts the creek’s edge as damp rot emits a strong odor of decay.
After a mile, the hike crosses the second bridge which connects to the wide upper trail blanketed in fallen leaves. The path climbs through hemlocks, oaks, maples, and pines sporting a kaleidoscope of green, amber, and gold.
Intermittent manmade stairs and stone paths pass by mini waterfalls, rock walls, and boulders when suddenly the magnificent falls come into view. For as many cars that were in the parking lot, I was surprised to have the cascades to myself this late Friday afternoon.
The peaceful stream spilling over the gray cliff framed by vibrant orange, bright yellow, and dark and light green is a photographer’s delight. Though the end of September is just the start of the autumn colors on Cascades National Recreation Trail, the moderate four-mile round trip makes for a great fall hike.
For an easier return, descend along the wider, upper trail. To enjoy the more scenic views, retrace your steps along the slick, creek side path. Either way, the Cascades National Recreation Trail certainly earns its 4.8 stars on All Trails. ETB
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