CASCADE FALLS
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 4.0 miles round trip
Features: Dogs allowed, cliffs, rocky path, wading in pool below falls
Total hike is 4.0 miles round trip over sometimes steep terrain on a sometimes rough and often muddy path.
Directions:
Take exit 118 I-81 north on US-460, making sure to use the bypasses around Christiansburg and Blacksburg. After 26.6 miles turn right on Cascade Dr (SR-T623) in Pembroke. The entrance is in 3.3 miles.
Fees for Access: $3 fee per vehicle
WIND ROCK
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Features: Vista/View, Dogs allowed, Cliffs or rocky outcrop
This is a short out and back hike in the Mountain Lake Wilderness to Wind Rock Overlook. The overlook offers sweeping views of Rocky Mountain, Fork Mountain and Peter’s Mountain. Starting at the trail head bulletin board, follow the A.T. eastward for about 1/3 mile. A short spur trail on the left takes you to Wind Rock.
Directions:
Follow US 460 6.5 miles west of Blacksburg. Turn right on Mountain Lake Rd (SR 700). Go 5.5 miles past Mountain Lake Hotel. Parking is on the left.
MILL CREEK FALLS
Mill Creek Falls – Another lesser known trail that boast a 1/2 mile long series of spectacular falls known as Falls of Mill Creek is a true hidden treasure. For those who are “Friends of Mill Creek” it’s a favorite year round adventure trail.
Directions:
Easiest access to the falls is through the Town of Narrows taking Rt. 100 to VA-652 to the intersection of VA-710. On foot follow VA-652 (gravel) on the left side of the creek through a gate marking the Town Farm Park. Stay close to the creek the whole way.
DISMAL CREEK FALLS
Dismal Falls
Best time to view falls is winter to early summer. Peaceful, pretty, and easily accessed is the 15 ft. Dismal Falls.
Dismal Creek is about 50 feet wide (depending on water volume) at this point as it flows down over several ledges. The ledges on the left side of the falls are step-like while the middle and right ledges are more of a straight drop. In lower water, the middle and right are not covered and the stream is much narrower. Despite the width of the stream, the waterfall is not particularly open with trees lining each bank and throwing much of the falls into shade most of the day.
Driving Directions:
Take exit 98 from I-81 going north on VA-100. Go 11.6 miles and turn left on VA-42. After 10.1 miles turn right on SR-606. After 1 mile, turn right on SR-671 which becomes unpaved after .4 miles. .5 miles after the pavement ends, there is a sign for the falls and a small pull-off on the right of the road.