Cascades Preserve — Attraction in Kernersville

8-8-21

Per its name, there isn't a lot of cascading here so temper expectations.

Lot holds 10 cars or so and it fills quickly on weekends. No bathrooms and no trash bins. This preserve is heavier trafficked than those in Guilford County so expect to see folks here. Lots of families with children, dog walkers, and even the elderly.

Two trails make a loop. The Falling Waters Trail is the main trail. White blazes and 1.53 miles as a loop. It connects to the Keyauwee Loop (red blazes-- .5 miles) which is nothing more than a half circle trail intersecting the Falling Waters Trail at two places. Both intersections require a stream crossing. One crossing is a bridge and the other is a crossing with only rope to assist. That is the extent of the cascading and without heavy rain, it's rather ordinary and not much to look at. The entire combined loop is 2.3 miles (3.7 km). Needs better signage near intersections.

Both trails are sand/clay throughout with LOTS of roots and the occasional rock. Varied canopy heights but I like how no webs are here. Yay for this. Well maintained. Quite a bit of elevation change and uneven at spots. Moderate trail because of it. As mentioned before, the scenery here is lacking and I wouldn't come here for that. It is however an EXCELLENT trail to work on hiking fitness as it seems to move fast, even with the elevation change, and things are passable. Great place to get your wind up. Trail etiquette is excellent as folks will move over to let quicker folks pass.

Not a destination trail for me for scenery but great for a workout, families, and perhaps a date on...

This is a beautiful trail and great for a family hike. The people that created these paths and bridges have done an excellent job keeping it clean and naturally beautiful. The kids enjoyed crossing over streams, checking out the minnows and crayfish, we even found a turtle! There were also a couple benches to stop and have a snack at. Overall, I was happy to find this little piece of heaven so close to home.

The only thing I ask is that people with dogs please use common sense. ALL dogs should be leashed and if your dog does not like other animals or people DO NOT bring them to a public trail. We passed one person with an aggressive dog that was freaking out trying to get to us (with 3 kids and backpacking baby). Luckily that dog was at least on a leash, but then another was running lose. The second dog may not have been aggressive but was still intensely curious about my dog and did turn into a brief fight (with my dog getting injured). Please help to make this trail enjoyable and safe...

Hidden gem is the perfect description. I enjoyed a perfect afternoon hike after some big rains with my furry friend and this spot exceeded expectations! The parking lot isn’t huge but it’s spacious enough for a few cars - you cross the road to enter the preserve and the trail starts in a younger mixed forest but quickly enters a mature and beautiful diverse woodland landscape. The trails are clearly marked and well maintained too, even after heavy rains we only had to veer slightly off trail for a couple small puddles. There were a couple of benches and even picnic spots along the trail which was a nice touch and the cascades are just beautiful. It feels like you’re hiking in the foothills and was very peaceful and secluded. Can’t...