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The Cascade
4.6 ★★★★★ 57 Google reviews · Running trail in Melrose, Massachusetts · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from The Cascade'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.
Hiking area with small waterfalls and bridges, suitable for short family walks.
What runners say about The Cascade
The address is on Washington. But there was no parking there. You need to follow the road to the parking lot on Fellsway East. Then cross the street to the hiking trail. Follow the blue marks on the trees. Then at the end, follow the yellow marks to get to the water falls.
Will it blow your mind? No. Is it amazing that there is a waterfall within a 30 min train +walking trip from Downtown Boston? Yes, absolutely.
A hidden gem by the Cascade Trail. Climb to the top for a different view.
Amazing! GPS will take ya to trail, no parking for the trail but the side streets close to the trail have 2 hour parking at beginning of road. The Cascade is not a far hike up. It is maybe a 5 minute hike to the waterfall. The reward is almost instantaneous!! Happy trails!!!!
Trail conditions & character
“We were there in august so not much water and quite a lot of plant growth obscuring views so likely better in the winter/spring.”
“GPS will take ya to trail, no parking for the trail but the side streets close to the trail have 2 hour parking at beginning of road.”
Plan your run at The Cascade
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitemass.gov
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Melrose
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cross Fells Trail (end)
4 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews
Fellsway East
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Pine Banks Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 882 reviews
Public park offering wooded walking trails, sporting fields, a pond, picnic areas & a playground.
