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Cascades Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 248 Google reviews · Running trail in Kernersville, North Carolina · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Cascades Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceLoopShadedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAHillyRestroomsTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

Hiking trail with cascades, waterfalls and bridges, plus a few picnic tables to stop and rest.

What runners say about Cascades Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (248 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“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.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“The trail is beautiful but not spectacular compared to other local trails.”

🌳 shaded & cool 3 mentions

“It’s easy to follow, well maintained, and has plenty of shade, which makes it super comfortable even on warmer days.”

🪧 well-marked 7 mentions

“There is a mild to moderate elevation change throughout the hike, nothing too strenuous, and the trail is fairly well marked if one knows how to look for blazes.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“It feels like you’re hiking in the foothills and was very peaceful and secluded.”

I loved the trails! We did the diamond trail, with our 3 little kids (6,8, & 9). It wasn't the easiest trail but easy enough for our kindergartener. The scenery was beautiful & we loved the water we saw. Will definition go back.

★★★★★ — Peter , Jun 2023

Beautiful day for a hike. Family, dog friendly & great for couples. Well marked map at the parking lot. Basically 2 mile loop with extra loop if you want to take it could add another mile. There are additional bridges & overlook area since February when we were here last.

★★★★★ — David , Nov 2020

Very pleasant. I was a bit surprised there was so much elevation change on the trail, but it was very welcome for me. Some parts of the trail can be a bit narrow, but they're in a nice part of the woods, and the cascades themselves are very nice as well.

★★★★★ — James , Nov 2020

Good hike. Various trail routes available 1-5 miles. The cascades are stretches of rock over which a creek pours, not a waterfall. The water falls only a few inches, but the cascades are pretty to look at, and they form some pools perfect for cooling your feet on a hot day.

★★★★★ — Dan , Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 248 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 17 mentions

“The cascades are stretches of rock over which a creek pours, not a waterfall.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 12 mentions

“The trail is on the wrong side of the parking lot— take extra care as cars travel 60+mph.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 7 mentions

“Whether you’re going just to take your dogs to sit and have some time alone to meditate.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 6 mentions

“There are a number of exposed roots on the trail, so one would be well advised to keep an eye out for them.”

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🔁 Loop trail 6 mentions

“This is a lovely little loop trail through both mixed deciduous and piney woods with a section along a creek bed offering small cascades, pools, and water flows.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“There is a mild to moderate elevation change throughout the hike, nothing too strenuous, and the trail is fairly well marked if one knows how to look for blazes.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It feels like you’re hiking in the foothills and was very peaceful and secluded.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“It’s easy to follow, well maintained, and has plenty of shade, which makes it super comfortable even on warmer days.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“No restrooms, Map was confusing, crossing the busy road with kids was not ideal.”

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📏 Mile markers 3 mentions

“There is a mild to moderate elevation change throughout the hike, nothing too strenuous, and the trail is fairly well marked if one knows how to look for blazes.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

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Plan your run at Cascades Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Phone(336) 641-3544

Hours

Monday 7 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–8 PM
Thursday 7 AM–8 PM
Friday 7 AM–8 PM
Saturday 7 AM–8 PM
Sunday 7 AM–8 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Cascades Preserve

7359 Goodwill Church Rd, Kernersville, NC 27284

Get directions

Running trails near Kernersville

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.