Cascade Falls

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Cascade Falls is by far the most popular trail in Patapsco. Expect heavy hiking, biking, and walking traffic. This trail offers very pretty views as you get closer to the park, hence why it so popular. I usually try to be off this trail by 10:30 on the weekends due to the foot traffic. After that, you'll mostly be walking portions of the trail as it is unsafe to ride.

From the trailhead at the park's stone road entrance, you'll start your climb out of the park. There is an initial climb followed by a level section and a short downhill. Then you'll hit a tough climb through a bunch of roots. Choose your line wisely. Once you top out and have taken a breather, take in the view of the park. You're at a pretty high elevation for this area.

After the view, you'll get a fun, slightly technical downhill, right into a huge rock outcropping. I swear it's rideable if you choose your line properly. Coming out of this rock outcropping, you'll begin the long descent to Landing road. Before hitting the road, you'll come across a rock garden consisting of small but sharp edged rocks which will want to stop you. Just pedal through! It is makeable. Just remember to look up when going through this section, as this is where there is a 9' tall waterfall (Cascade Falls, where the stream eventually goes to the Patapsco River).

Once past the main waterfall you'll have the choice to go left up some steps and back down, or you can go right down the big rock. The big rock looks scary but really isn't once you go down it. This split comes back together 50' later, where you'll then go across a stream. Once on the other side of the stream stay to the left (there is a trailhead to the right which lead to trails back to the park). You'll cross a few bridges and another stream. Keep heading straight. As you get closer to landing road there is a trail that splits to the left (Chuck Norris), stay right to stay on Cascade. Cascade ends at Landing Road.