Upper Cascade Falls is a 25-foot waterfall in Hanging Rock State Park. The waterfall flows on Cascade Creek. The creek continues to the Lower Cascade Falls waterfall.
Hanging Rock State Park TRACK Trail
TRACK trails are designed for kids and families as part of the Kids in Parks program.
Park at the visitor center parking lot. The 0.3-mile trail starts near the entrance of the parking lot. You’ll head down a set of wooden steps and cross the road. There is a universally accessible ramp for this part of the trail. Once you cross the street, you’ll see a sign indicating the way toward Upper Cascade Falls and the Rock Garden.
Rock Garden
This 0.1-mile path is fully paved and universally accessible. It leads to massive boulders.
In my opinion, unless you have little kids with you and need to keep them busy, this part of the trail is not worth your time.
Upper Cascade Falls Trail
Upper Cascade Falls Trail is a 0.2-mile gravel path. I would consider it a moderately easy hike. The trail slopes gently downhill. There is a bench to rest on about halfway down the path. A wooden bridge caps off the trail which leads to a multi-level observation deck.
Upper Cascade Falls Trail is also a storybook trail – each sign along the path offers two pages from Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? It is perfect for families.
Upper Cascade Falls
The top level of the observation deck gives you a nice view of the falls.
You can head down to a second platform by taking the stairs at the beginning of the main platform. This long landing gives you slightly better views but does not connect to the stairs leading down to the third platform. You can skip this platform unless it is crowded and you are trying to get a better view.
To get closer to the falls, take the stairs at the end of the main platform down to the third platform. This is a ridiculously small landing, holding only 2 or 3 people. One side is open so adventurous visitors can step out onto the rocks to get to the base of Upper Cascade Falls.
Looking for more TRACK or storybook trails? Consider visiting nearby Pilot Mountain State Park for the Sassafras or Fiddlehead Trails.
The trails look well maintained and love that they call it a Rock Garden!
Definitely a well-maintained trail. Good for all ages and levels 🙂
This is my kind of place to come for a hike! Love that waterfall!
Such a beautiful waterfall and the trail and platform are very well done 🙂