Updated July 2026
Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a small but scenic waterfall in Patapsco Valley State Park near Elkridge, reached by a family-friendly loop that crosses the creek several times. The trail passes several smaller cascades before the main falls.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Patapsco Valley State Park) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
No measured height is on record for Cascade Falls in the land-manager and survey sources this inventory draws on. We list it without a height rather than estimating one.
The Cascade Falls Loop Trail reaches it about 2.1 miles (loop) with roughly 272 feet of elevation gain, rated easy. The nearest town is Elkridge. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Patapsco Valley State Park) for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Maryland waterfalls
- Cunningham Falls · 78 ft
- Great Falls of the Potomac · 76 ft
- Kilgore Falls · 17 ft
- Muddy Creek Falls · 53 ft
- Raven Rock Falls · 25 ft
- Swallow Falls · 16 ft
- Tolliver Falls
Sources
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