Hike Barney's Wall
Details
Distance
8.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1600 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Elyse Clark
Easily combined with the hike to Cascade Falls, this 8.4 mile out and back hike climbs to a 700' tall cliff with a unique view of the New River Valley.
This hike begins in the parking lot for Cascade Falls. Keep left at the first and second intersections to stay on the Upper Trail. At the third intersection, stay straight (don't turn right) to stay on the Conservancy Trail.
Follow the Conservancy Trail for 0.4 miles, and continue on it when it branches off to the left at a well-marked intersection. The yellow-blazed hike is fairly steep, but gradual, and you will reach the Barney's Wall spur trail after 1.1 miles. The spur trail is 0.4 miles to the cliffs.
There is room to spread out on the cliffs, and it's a great place for lunch. Once finished, simply retrace your steps back down to your car, and don't forget to stop and look at the Cascades on your way in or out.
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Reviews
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Fun hike with many beautiful views
It’s really nice to leave the crowds at The Cascades behind and continue on the Barney’s Wall. While the trail does have steep sections and one or two small creek crossings, it is not particularly hard. Be sure to take the extra spur trail to Upper Cascades before you head up the conservancy trail.
5.0
Overgrown Trail
I loved this hike and the pay off was wonderful. However, there were multiple large trees down over the entire trail. Also, there was one point where the brush go so thick, I began to wonder if we where still on the trail. Despite this, I would highly recommend but warn for hazards.
4.0
The wall will Amaze!
Once you get past the main Cascade waterfall, you probably will only run into one or two more groups of people. There are another set of smaller falls you can visit a half mile pats the main ones. There is also a nice area you can picnic and chill another half mile further up. But the end of the trail is worth the effort! This is definitely one of my favorite hikes because of the challenge and the amazing view at the end!
5.0
Amp up your visit to the cascades
The cascades is a great hike, but for those looking for something a bit longer and a bit more challenging, Barney's wall is a great choice. The additional trail once you pass the cascades is more challenging than the first part, but is well worth the view and some extra mileage to turn your hike into a fuller day on the trail.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
