About Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a named waterfall in Wilkes County, North Carolina, located about 11 miles south of West Jefferson. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Maple Springs 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 36°14′57″ N, 81°27′15″ W (36.24920, -81.45407). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Big Ridge (ridge, 1.1 mi), Tomkins Knob (summit, 1.4 mi), and Phillips Gap (gap, 1.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Betseys Rock Falls, 3.5 miles to the northeast.
More Photos
229 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Cascade Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Cascade Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Cascade Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Cascade Falls holds a 4.7 average from 132 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cascade Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Big Ridge — ridge, 1.1 mi
- Tomkins Knob — summit, 1.4 mi
- Phillips Gap — gap, 1.5 mi
- Laurel Spur Ridge — ridge, 1.5 mi
- Husons Ridge — ridge, 1.9 mi
- Henson Mountain — summit, 1.9 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 36.24920, -81.45407. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cascade Falls
- Watauga Falls, NC22 mi west
- Little Falls, NC25 mi east
- Gentry Creek Falls, TN26 mi northwest
- Big Falls, NC29 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cascade Falls located?
Cascade Falls is in Wilkes County, North Carolina, about 11 miles south of West Jefferson. Its coordinates are 36.24920, -81.45407 (36°14′57″ N, 81°27′15″ W).
What town is closest to Cascade Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is West Jefferson, NC, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cascade Falls?
The closest is Betseys Rock Falls (3.5 mi northeast). Others within reach include Long Hope Falls (14 mi), Silvervale Falls (16 mi), and Moravian Falls (19 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cascade Falls?
Cascade Falls appears on the USGS Maple Springs 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.