Hike at a Glance
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Hike overview
Revive your senses along Cascades trail, a beautiful medium-difficulty fire trail shared by walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers in picturesque Garigal National Park.
Whether you start your walk or ride at St Ives or Davidson, you'll see native Australian trees such as Sydney red gums, Red Bloodwoods and Scribbly Gums. As you wind your way down to the creek, larger trees soon make way for species of banksia, dwarf apple and the narrow-leafed apple, while wattles, pea, boronia and wax flowers pepper the undergrowth.
The trail gets its name from a series of beautiful little waterfalls, rock platforms and rockpools at the junction of Middle Harbour creek and French's creek, a lovely spot to pause and enjoy a picnic before your return walk or ride. Staying on Cascades trail, you'll leave the valley travelling up the sometimes steep trail to exit onto Stone Parade.
If you want to extend your walk or ride to a day loop, Cascades trail also links to the Lower Cambourne and Heath and Bare Creek trails.
Gallery
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Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Garigal National Park.
To Douglas Street, St Ives. Cascades trail is accessed via Douglas Street, St Ives near Acron Oval. To get there:Exit Mona Vale Road onto Douglas Street, St IvesFollow Douglas Street until you reach Gwyn Close. The walk starts at the ovalCascades trail can also be accessed via Stone Parade, Davidson. To get there:Take Forest Way north from Frenchs Forest and turn left onto Adams StreetContinue onto Blackbutts Road, then turn right into Kambora AvenueTurn right into Borgnis Street and take the immediate left into Stone ParadeThe track starts about 100m before Barney Place Park entry points Douglas Street, St Ives See on map Stone Parade, Davidson See on map Parking Parking is available on Douglas Street and Stone Parade, a short walk from the Cascades trail.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Closest towns to this walk: Allambie Heights, Belrose, Davidson, Forestville, Frenchs Forest, Lindfield, Manly, Manly Vale, Narraweena, North Manly, North Turramurra, Northbridge, Round Corner, St Ives, Terrey Hills, The Entrance, Wahroonga, West Pymble
About the region
The Garigal National Park is a protected national park that is located within the North Shore and Forest District regions of Sydney, New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 2,202-hectare national park is situated approximately 20 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Garigal National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.