Cascade Falls

Enter the Avalon area at 5120 South Street, use the official Avalon/Orange Grove map, and follow current Cascade Falls Trail signs. The waterfall is a trail destination with no vehicle access or parking at the falls.

Park only in an open designated Avalon or Orange Grove space. These areas often close at capacity on warm weekends, so arrive early and do not use neighborhood shoulders or blocked gates as overflow parking.

The falls and trail follow the park's 9 a.m.-to-sunset day-use schedule. Rocks, roots, mud, ice, creek crossings, and high water change the route; never climb wet rock or treat the pool as a guarded swimming area.

Use the developed Avalon restroom before hiking. Maryland DNR lists the restroom by Shelter 104 as the only winter restroom in the Avalon area, and there are no facilities at the waterfall.

Current Avalon day-use charges apply: April-October weekdays are $2 per Maryland vehicle or $4 per nonresident vehicle; weekends and holidays are $3 per Maryland resident or $5 per nonresident. Winter uses a vehicle honor charge.

Cascade Falls is reached by a natural-surface trail with uneven grades, roots, rocks, mud, and water-sensitive sections. It is not documented as an accessible waterfall route; contact the park for a current alternative nature experience.

Leashed pets are allowed in Avalon and Orange Grove. Keep dogs out of the falls and swift water, yield on narrow trail, and remove waste.

The waterfall can be a rewarding shorter family objective, but adults should match the full out-and-back distance to children, keep them off wet rock, and turn back when water, ice, heat, or crowding makes the route unsafe.

The falls and trail follow the park's 9 a.m.-to-sunset day-use schedule. Rocks, roots, mud, ice, creek crossings, and high water change the route; never climb wet rock or treat the pool as a guarded swimming area.

The park is primarily vehicle-oriented and extends across multiple counties. Regional transit may approach some surrounding communities, but it does not provide a dependable internal connection among recreation areas; rideshare visitors should choose an exact entrance and arrange a return before starting a trail.