Baltimore: Cascade Falls
Hike, bike, or snowshoe this 3.1-mile loop to pioneer ruins and a relaxing waterfall in Patapsco State Park, a short drive from downtown.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.9
Waypoints
SFL001
Location: -83.7700958251953, 35.6050109863281
Head SE on Anthony Creek Trail
SFL002
Location: -83.7669219970703, 35.603199005127
Stay straight @ 3-way with Crib Gap Trail
SFL003
Location: -83.7564468383789, 35.5880355834961
Bear L @ Y, staying near Anthony Creek
SFL004
Location: -83.7412414550781, 35.5786933898926
Anthony Creek campsite
SFL005
Location: -83.7347412109375, 35.5816078186035
Turn R @ Tonto Bote Mountain Trail
SFL006
Location: -83.7306365966797, 35.5642700195312
Turn right onto AT after quick sidetrip to L for great views on Spence Field Bald
SFL007
Location: -83.7315826416016, 35.5638694763184
Stay on AT; head to branch of Gunna Greek. Option: Turn L, overnight at shelter
SFL008
Location: -83.7327041625976, 35.5619087219238
Spence Field Shelter (backcountry permit required); return to Waypoint 7 then head W
SFL010
Location: -83.7664413452148, 35.561767578125
Take R onto Russell Field Trail
SFL011
Location: -83.7603759765625, 35.5776977539062
Ledbetter Ridge backcountry campsite; reliable water
SFL009
Location: -83.7551651000976, 35.5642356872559
Trail descends into Maple Sugar Gap, then loops N to McCambell Gap
SFL012
Location: -83.7564697265625, 35.587963104248
Close loop; turn L and return 1.7 miles back to trailhead
SYC001
Location: -86.3212203979492, 39.0347709655762
Head N past metal gate on Terril Ridge Trail
SYC003
Location: -86.3209838867188, 39.0411186218262
Stay on main trail, bearing NE between hills
SYC004
Location: -86.3139495849609, 39.0502281188965
Turn R onto Sycamore Trail
SYC005
Location: -86.3043365478516, 39.0533790588379
Pass Wildlife Pond Campsite
SYC006
Location: -86.2959671020508, 39.0425491333008
Enter white pine forest; view to L of Browning Mtn.
SYC007
Location: -86.2910842895508, 39.0404815673828
Primitive campsites scattered along Sycamore Branch Creek
SYC009
Location: -86.3017807006836, 39.0391426086426
More campsites; streamlet enters on R
SYC002
Location: -86.3210525512695, 39.038215637207
Go straight @ Sycamore Trail (no.216)
SYC008
Location: -86.2989349365234, 39.0387687683106
Stream crossing, first of many if stream is flowing
SYC010
Location: -86.3152694702148, 39.0386657714844
Switchback to higher elevation
SYC011
Location: -86.3210525512695, 39.038215637207
Turn L onto Terril Ridge Trail; head S .2 mile to parking area
CSC001
Location: -82.7486343383789, 30.3260173797607
Curve to the R behind Riverside Cemetery to trailhead kiosk, then head SW
CSC002
Location: -82.750846862793, 30.3236999511719
Trail winds through loblolly pines and lush fern understory; turn R @ the Y to begin loop
CSC003
Location: -82.7486801147461, 30.3219833374023
Oak hammock thickens around the trail; huge blueberry bushes
CSC004
Location: -82.7483825683594, 30.3217334747314
Fence marks shortcut to the river; stay L
CSC005
Location: -82.7419204711914, 30.3204174041748
Loop leads to Suwanne River; cypress trees dot river’s edge
CSC006
Location: -82.7441177368164, 30.3205337524414
Rolling trail with bluffs and ravines; look across river for observation tower and campground
CSC007
Location: -82.7447662353516, 30.318000793457
Trail merges with forest road
CSC008
Location: -82.7487030029297, 30.3192825317383
Confusing intersection: Keep L, bearing NW on loop trail
CSC010
Location: -82.7604064941406, 30.3258953094482
Turn R, return E to trailhead
CSC009
Location: -82.7579879760742, 30.3234729766846
Keep straight
MBT001
Location: -117.931747436523, 34.1532440185547
Swing NW up the entrance road past horse stables
MBT002
Location: -117.935577392578, 34.156135559082
Trail begins; turn L @ 3-way across Van Tassel Canyon Creek
MBT009
Location: -117.952430725098, 34.183177947998
Turn R @ 3-way, bearing SW
MBT010
Location: -117.953552246094, 34.1828308105469
Veer L @ 3-way onto faint access trail; follow NE under electrical towers
MBT011
Location: -117.951019287109, 34.1845092773438
Metal stake marks Mt. Bliss summit (3,720 ft.); fantastic views of San Gabriel, Santa Ana, and Santa Monica Mnts.; look for Catalina Island on clear days; return to car via same route
MBT003
Location: -117.941337585449, 34.1563339233398
Old roadbed steeply switchbacks through thickets of waxy chaparral
MBT004
Location: -117.945022583008, 34.1596221923828
Rest spot; enjoy the views starting to open up to the S
MBT005
Location: -117.947120666504, 34.1649436950684
After a short stint under power lines, head NW; several steep and narrow canyons sit S of the trail
MBT006
Location: -117.956451416016, 34.1688766479492
Next half-mile gains more than 500 feet on rock-riddled trail
MBT007
Location: -117.957000732422, 34.1754035949707
Trail flattens slightly on tiny plateau before your last push to Mt. Bliss
MBT008
Location: -117.954872131348, 34.1789894104004
Continue straight up merciless steeps
TRT002
Location: -85.1915664672852, 34.6867866516113
Turn R onto Taylor Ridge Trail, climbing a green-capped ridgeline rising amid fertile farmland
TRT004
Location: -85.1973266601562, 34.6837539672852
House sits above trail on R
TRT005
Location: -85.1980819702148, 34.6830253601074
Crops stretch across broad valley below; keep straight
TRT006
Location: -85.2019500732422, 34.6795387268066
Trail climbs to high spot with big valley views to SE and NW
TRT007
Location: -85.2082824707031, 34.6718139648438
More fine views @ small outcrop
TRT008
Location: -85.2113189697266, 34.6643486022949
Gravel road parallels trail; stay on dirt footpath
TRT010
Location: -85.2125244140625, 34.6605606079102
Trail ends @ gravel FR 635-A; retrace steps back to car
TRT009
Location: -85.2123184204102, 34.6618041992188
Challenge: Try to pinpoint the Tennessee state line from N overlook
TRT003
Location: -85.1954956054688, 34.6836547851562
Sharp R up a small plateau
LMK001
Location: -77.9666366577148, 38.9921836853027
Head W from trailhead; turn L @ gate
LMK002
Location: -77.9683303833008, 38.9920501708984
Turn R up stairs; follow red blazes of Piedmont Overlook Trail
LMK003
Location: -77.9698638916016, 38.994800567627
Overlook: Enjoy the fresh air and super views
LMK004
Location: -77.9746856689453, 38.9956512451172
R @ T onto North Ridge Trail
LMK005
Location: -77.9777984619141, 38.9957504272461
Veer R; continue over small brook
LMK006
Location: -77.9850311279297, 38.9956169128418
Near bench, turn L onto South Ridge Trail.
Option: Turn R, go .4 mile to Appalachian Trail and weekend camping possibilities
LMK007
Location: -77.9768142700195, 38.9844818115234
Pass through gate
LMK008
Location: -77.9758834838867, 38.9847679138184
Forest thins to scenic vista
LMK009
Location: -77.9734649658203, 38.9863166809082
Remains of Snowden Manor, an old colonist home
LMK010
Location: -77.9706497192383, 38.9883003234863
Turn R @ T
LMK011
Location: -77.9701690673828, 38.9881172180176
R @ T over steps onto Snowden Interpretive Trail
LMK012
Location: -77.9702529907226, 38.9878005981445
Turn R back onto main trail; turn R in .3 mile to return to trailhead
HHF003
Location: -93.3174743652344, 36.0428619384766
Hemmed-in-Hollow landing; wadeable lagoon with nice beach
Note: Scant chance to land boat if overshot
HHF006
Location: -93.3087387084961, 36.0699615478516
Two small waterfalls rush down the hollow
HHF007
Location: -93.3072052001953, 36.0731353759766
Rock walls cup the creek; continue upstream to the 177-foot Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls, the largest waterfall between the Appalachian Mountains and the Rockies; return to boat
HHF001
Location: -93.3359451293945, 36.0390090942383
Steel Creek put-in; launch on R side, paddle hard to midstream to avoid water ledge
HHF002
Location: -93.3222351074219, 36.0506477355957
River bends S near Big Bluff; a mix of Class II&III rapids ahead
HHF005
Location: -93.3071899414062, 36.0638885498047
Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls trailhead: Beach boat, cross small creek and hike N into steep gorge
HHF009
Location: -93.2879180908203, 36.0464820861816
Buffalo River sweeps N, passing an island; prepare for the rapids near Gray Rock, a diagonal rock that slants into the river
HHF011
Location: -93.2797164916992, 36.0569496154785
End paddle @ Kyles Landing, where you parked 2nd car
HHF004
Location: -93.3144378662109, 36.0544815063477
River jets R of small point; limestone bluffs above
HHF010
Location: -93.2833023071289, 36.0552444458008
Eddies swirl; paddle strong watching for landing on R
HHF008
Location: -93.2993011474609, 36.0565414428711
Drift past Lick Ford and Bear Cave Hollow
ATT001
Location: -105.912010192871, 35.6684684753418
At the trailhead, follow signs towards the Atalaya Trail
ATT002
Location: -105.911270141602, 35.6683769226074
R @ 3-way
ATT003
Location: -105.909156799316, 35.6671943664551
Cross the arroyo and bear R past sign (Trail 174)
ATT004
Location: -105.902053833008, 35.6671485900879
R @ 3-way, up steep pitch
ATT005
Location: -105.90079498291, 35.6675796508789
Cross private road; look back for a view of St. John’s and photo-perfect saddle
ATT006
Location: -105.895248413086, 35.6677017211914
Straight through gate on R
ATT008
Location: -105.888122558594, 35.6687927246094
Hammer time: Keep R and climb very steep trail
ATT010
Location: -105.879447937012, 35.6657562255859
Last bit of steeps; summit is near
ATT012
Location: -105.876472473145, 35.6678428649902
Atalaya Mnt. (9,096ft); much-deserved rest and picnic spot with extraordinary views; return to trailhead
ATT011
Location: -105.879119873047, 35.6654319763184
Continue straight, following blue arrows on trees
ATT009
Location: -105.885246276855, 35.6675262451172
Trail dips S then continues E; slippery in winter
ATT007
Location: -105.89217376709, 35.6703758239746
Veer R @ 3-way
CMT001
Location: -82.896824, 35.391464
From the trailhead, start climbing east, then northeast.
CMT002
Location: -82.891524, 35.392548
This campsite sits just inside boundary of Shining Rock Wilderness.
CMT003
Location: -82.88076, 35.388794
Small campsite near gushing creek; loaded with Crayola-colored wildflowers in season.
CMT004
Location: -82.870888, 35.391823
Trail snakes along hillside, staying north of the rugged Narrows.
CMT005
Location: -82.868362, 35.396625
Hard climb the rock-strewn notch of Deep Gap.
CMT006
Location: -82.863998, 35.400311
Turn left, climbing the richly wooded spine of Cold Mountain.
CMT007
Location: -82.861333, 35.406349
Wrap into valley, crossing Sorrel Creek toward the mountain’s distinctively pointy summit.
CMT008
Location: -82.862771, 35.409864
Head east for the final slog up the peak.
CMT009
Location: -82.856762, 35.409969
Reach summit of Cold Mountain (6,030 ft.). Fine rest and lunch spots on flat rocks. Bask in the sun and terrific 180-degree views of surrounding forest and countryside.
CBT001
Location: -83.9260406494141, 34.7640762329102
Go W on trail marked Bear Hair Gap and Coosa Backcountry Trail
CBT002
Location: -83.9331665039062, 34.763256072998
Turn R, then L, following trail S to Blood Mountain
CBT003
Location: -83.9374084472656, 34.7514381408691
Turn L onto trail to Coosa Backcountry Trail; top off your water bottles in Wolf Creek
CBT004
Location: -83.9440765380859, 34.7473373413086
Pass over Slaughter Gap; path then swings N over tricky rock ledges and boulder fields to Slaughter Mountain (4338 ft.)
CBT005
Location: -83.9524002075195, 34.7641716003418
Cross paved road @ Wolfpen Gap; keep N
CBT006
Location: -83.9585189819336, 34.7720527648926
Trail climbs over Wildcat Knob; strenuous uphill ahead
CBT007
Location: -83.9598007202148, 34.777645111084
Leave trail to reach Coosa Bald on L; best views are in winter and spring
CBT011
Location: -83.9398345947266, 34.7681541442871
Cross dirt road; hike.6 miles to close loop; turn L to return to trailhead
CBT010
Location: -83.9248504638672, 34.7860984802246
Footbridge crosses over mountain creek
CBT009
Location: -83.9448165893555, 34.7901802062988
Cross Locust Stake Gap; continue straight
CBT008
Location: -83.9534301757812, 34.7858238220215
Cross dirt road; it’s rollercoaster of ups and downs ahead
DCT009
Location: -79.9908828735352, 35.3808326721191
Cross Watery Branch; follow trail downstream
DCT010
Location: -79.9893035888672, 35.3861351013184
Old volcanic foothill on L; geologists claim these peaks once towered more than 20,000 ft. above sea level
DCT008
Location: -79.9937362670898, 35.3680992126465
Cross Dusty Level Rd.
DCT011
Location: -79.9814682006836, 35.398868560791
Hike ends @ NC 109; arrange car shuttle or retrace steps to trailhead
DCT001
Location: -80.0434188842774, 35.310733795166
Wood Run Trailhead; hike N
DCT002
Location: -80.0204696655274, 35.3125495910644
Trail levels out on weathered, unnamed mountain
DCT004
Location: -80.0246963500976, 35.3434181213379
Cross Big Island Creek. Side trail leads to secluded, primitive campsite near creek
DCT006
Location: -80.011962890625, 35.369083404541
Path follows Dutchmans Creek SE; watch for ruins of old gold mine
DCT007
Location: -80.0005798339844, 35.3636016845703
Turn L onto Uwharrie Trail
DCT003
Location: -80.0247421264648, 35.3350257873535
Trail passes under power lines and climbs small wooded knoll
DCT005
Location: -80.0197830200195, 35.3701515197754
Reach summt of Lick Mountain; descend steeply
UST003
Location: -80.0299530029297, 35.3525657653809
Big Island Creek campsite; trail leaves creekside, crosses FR 517, then ascends ridgeline between watersheds
UST010
Location: -79.9586868286133, 35.4614334106445
Optional second-night campsite
UST001
Location: -80.0434188842774, 35.310733795166
Head N; you’ll soon hear the whispering cascades of Wood Run
UST004
Location: -80.0036163330078, 35.3467483520508
Wade Dutchmans Creek; veer N into mixed deciduous forest
UST005
Location: -79.9937362670898, 35.3680992126465
Cross Dusty Level Rd. (dirt FR 1146); continue N
UST007
Location: -79.9814682006836, 35.398868560791
Cross NC 109; gentle climb N to Cattail Creek
UST008
Location: -79.9845809936524, 35.4244651794434
Switchback up worn volcanic rock to oddly shaped Morris Mnt.
UST012
Location: -79.9514007568359, 35.4798316955566
Trails ends @ Jumping Off Rock trailhead; car shuttle back
UST002
Location: -80.0373916625976, 35.3473472595215
Hug deep ravine in Upper Wood Run, then clamber up Dennis Mnt.
UST006
Location: -79.9908905029297, 35.3808326721191
Serene campsites dot creekside
UST011
Location: -79.9602127075195, 35.4684638977051
Ridgeline on Dark Mtn..; trail passes col between two peaks
UST009
Location: -79.9736175537109, 35.4511260986328
Cross Panther Branch; hike up saddle between double peaks of Horse Mnt.
FLT001
Location: -105.630501, 40.354515
Fern Lake trailhead; head W along Big Thompson River
FLT002
Location: -105.641174, 40.352798
Raptors perch on the dead trees and cliffs above
FLT003
Location: -105.65197, 40.350552
Trail squeezes between Arch Rocks; white chalk marks highlight technical bouldering routes
FLT004
Location: -105.653084, 40.350132
Primitive campsites on R (backcountry permit required)
FLT005
Location: -105.659615, 40.349316
Cross bridge over small pool; veer R, climbing away from the riverbed
FLT006
Location: -105.663536, 40.349251
Log bridge crosses river braid
FLT007
Location: -105.66967, 40.347698
Fern Falls below; trail continues up shaded switchbacks
FLT008
Location: -105.674065, 40.342934
Path passes by huge rock; Marguerite Falls softly grumbles in the woods ahead
FLT009
Location: -105.676147, 40.337883
Gorgeous views of the Little Matterhorn on the banks of Fern Lake; bear NW on trail
FLT010
Location: -105.686295, 40.34251
Spruce Lake; retrace route back to trailhead
DLT001
Location: -83.9767379760742, 34.6730728149414
From NE end of parking lot, hop on Dockery Lake Trail
DLT002
Location: -83.9764099121094, 34.6739196777344
Cross wood bridge, traveling N along lakeside
DLT003
Location: -83.9745788574219, 34.6775321960449
Views of distant ridges to the E
DLT004
Location: -83.9806137084961, 34.6792068481445
Cross stream
DLT005
Location: -83.977424621582, 34.6815299987793
Fill water bottle near cascading stream
DLT006
Location: -83.9774856567383, 34.6842231750488
Creek runs wide and swift; good primitive campsites in flats
DLT007
Location: -83.9784545898438, 34.6856155395508
Climb along Pigeon Roost Creek as the Tennessee Valley Divide springs up on the L
DLT008
Location: -83.9796981811524, 34.6983451843262
Wooded col; views only in autumn and winter when the leaves have fallen from the mature oaks and maples
DLT009
Location: -83.9847717285156, 34.7040824890137
Dockery Lake Trail comes to a T with Appalachian Trail. Eat a quiet lunch with distant mountains views, then return to your car the way you came.
Optional add-on: To make this hike a loop, turn S onto the AT and follow to Windy Gap, then turn E on GA 60 back to Dockery Lake Campground. Adds 2.2 miles to total mileage.
JPT001
Location: -93.7878799438476, 41.7849235534668
Trail threads NW toward lake from small parking area
JPT002
Location: -93.7903213500976, 41.7873573303223
Rest on bench after a quick climb
JPT003
Location: -93.7900466918945, 41.7895584106445
Cross small bridge
JPT004
Location: -93.790283203125, 41.7921028137207
Tintersection; bear left
JPT005
Location: -93.7928237915039, 41.7942123413086
Bear L, following roadway for about .25 mile
JPT006
Location: -93.7940139770508, 41.7943649291992
Turn R when gravel road meets 270th St.; trail is easy to spot
JPT007
Location: -93.7943801879883, 41.7959327697754
Turn L through the woods and amid native grass
JPT008
Location: -93.7986907958984, 41.7970352172852
Bridge over brook
JPT009
Location: -93.8021850585938, 41.7989196777344
Dip into small valley with peaceful stream
JPT010
Location: -93.8122100830078, 41.8018493652344
Ascend to overlook above lake; head N to water
JPT011
Location: -93.8115844726562, 41.8024940490723
Swing R and follow shoreline
JPT012
Location: -93.8022537231445, 41.7989387512207
Close loop; backtrack 1.7 miles along Saylorville Lake
CFL001
Location: -76.7498626708984, 39.2408714294434
Trailhead: Climb switchbacks to SW
CFL002
Location: -76.7505645751953, 39.2405090332031
Dilapidated cinderblock building
CFL004
Location: -76.7554550170898, 39.2400054931641
Veer R
CFL005
Location: -76.7569427490234, 39.2377738952637
Pioneer ruins; old chimney
CFL006
Location: -76.7581787109375, 39.2358169555664
Trail skirts along narrow stream into valley
CFL007
Location: -76.7549591064453, 39.2343101501465
Turn R; cross bridge, following red blazes
CFL008
Location: -76.7600402832031, 39.2305297851562
Turn SSE away from road and houses
CFL009
Location: -76.757568359375, 39.2317733764648
Veer NE, closing small loop
CFL010
Location: -76.7531280517578, 39.2375869750977
Rockhop across swift stream
CFL011
Location: -76.7532501220703, 39.2378311157227
Veer R to Cascade Falls
CFL012
Location: -76.7516555786133, 39.2394485473633
Ridge Trail: Old outhouse sits across valley on L; trek down road back to trailhead
CFL003
Location: -76.7522583007812, 39.2404136657715
Bear L