Pearisburg & The Cascades
120-foot waterfall hike in Jefferson National Forest
🚗 ~2 hours from Johnson City · ~90 miles from Bristol · Bristol via I-81 S to Pearisburg / US-460
Best season: Spring flow best; ice in winter can close trail
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Pearisburg, VA. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
The Cascades National Recreation Trail drops along Little Stony Creek to a 120-foot tiered falls — rocky, scenic, and leg-burning enough to feel like a real hike.
Pearisburg is a small gateway town; most of the day is trail time, so pack lunch and start early.
Highlights
- Cascades Falls — 120-ft waterfall
- Jefferson National Forest stream hike
- Little Stony Creek cascades en route
- Optional Huckleberry Trail extensions
Sample one-day itinerary
Park at Cascades lot; 4 mi round trip, moderate difficulty.
Eat at falls viewpoint; leave no trace — pack out trash.
Late lunch in town or drive straight home.
Know before you go
- USFS day-use fee at trailhead.
- Rocks slippery near falls — sturdy shoes required.
- No swimming at base in high flow — dangerous currents.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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