Kates Falls Trail

Kates Falls Trail is a 0.2-mile one-way spur off Glade Creek Trail to Kates Falls. Turn around at the falls for 0.4 miles on the spur. The National Park Service rates it strenuous; allow about 30 minutes for the steep climb, the return, and a look at the water. The rocky tread climbs on stone steps through rhododendron, ferns, moss and trees.

There is no car access at the spur junction. From Upper Glade Creek Trailhead, the junction is 1.1 miles along Glade Creek Trail, so the outing is about 2.6 miles round trip with the falls spur. That access road is steep, narrow, winding and unpaved; the Park Service recommends high-clearance four-wheel drive and says most vehicles should use Glade Creek Campground instead. From the campground, the junction is 4.6 miles upstream, making the full falls outing about 9.6 miles round trip. Glade Creek Trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge railroad along the creek.

Kates Falls is on a tributary to Glade Creek, spilling over steep sandstone cliffs onto rocks below. A smaller cascade appears before a clearer view higher up the spur. The main curtain, side streams and dark rock shelves make the falls the photo stop; stay on the path and do not scramble around or above the water.

Pets are allowed on park trails but must stay on a physical leash no longer than six feet. There is no drinking water at trailheads, and stream water may carry Giardia or other parasites, so bring enough for you and your dog.