Day Hike 7: Osborne Mountain Overlook to Cascades Recreation Area
Back in the Mountains
Distance: 5.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate. Steady climb.
- Camping: No.
- Land manager: National Park Service.
- Volunteer Task Force Leader: Jeff Simpson, jsncmst22@gmail.com.
- Piggyback trail: No.
- Connecting trails: Short trail out of Cascades Recreation Area.
Circuit preachers once stopped at Cool Spring Baptist to inspire the locals.
Not that there’s anything wrong with civilization (Day Hike 6), it’s just not what you seek on the trail. Beyond the Osborne Overlook the trail changes complexion, leaving humankind in the dust as it rises high above the parkway on a shelf trail through hardwood forest. This last mile and a quarter marks a warmup for the climbing that begins after the trail crosses U.S. 421.
From U.S. 421 at Deep Gap, the trail begins a steady climb, gaining 670 feet in just over two miles. It’s even climbing through established forest. There’s a short breather before the trail climbs another 240 feet in three-quarters of a mile. From there it’s a mellow descent down to Tomkins Knob and the pasture that was once home to Cool Spring Baptist Church, an open-air place of worship that once hosted circuit-riding preachers.
Another three-quarter-mile of mellow descent, through a white pine forest, and you’re at the Cascades Overlook, home to picnic tables, great views, and a short hike to a scenic waterfall.
For detailed hiking directions and parking information, download the Segment 5 guide from our Trail Guides page, using the “Primary Trailheads” section to pinpoint the location. You can also visualize the route on our interactive map; click “Day Hikes” to view the endpoints.
