Key Takeaways

The Cascade du Dard is an exceptionally easy, short hike (0.5km / 0.3 miles) near downtown Chamonix, making it perfect for a quick waterfall visit or family outing.

This 21m (68ft) cascade offers stunning close-up perspectives of the glacial melt and the surrounding Mont Blanc massif without a long climb.

The trail conveniently passes Restaurant La Cascade du Dard, offering a perfect mid-walk stop for a bite to eat or a coffee with a view.

Cascade du Dard

The Cascade du Dard (Dart Waterfall) in Chamonix Mont Blanc is one of the best family-friendly and easy-to-access waterfalls in the valley. Located just minutes from downtown Chamonix on the spectacular Mont Blanc massif, this short, fun walk leads directly to the stunning 21m (68-foot) glacial cascade. This easy hike is perfect for visitors who want a beautiful and rewarding outdoor experience without the commitment of a full-day trek.

Exploring Cascade du Dard

Visitors to Cascade du Dard will find a trailhead just off of N205 near Restaurant La Cascade du Dard where the trail leads hikers through the woods and out to the waterfall. While the trail out to Cascade du Dard is short, there are some sights along the way that hikers may not expect. First, you'll cross a footbridge over Torrents des Favrands dit des Tissourds (Torrents of the Favrands, also known as des Tissourds) where short, tumbling waterfalls spill down the mountainside.

Next, you'll pass through the outdoor seating area of Restaurant La Cascade du Dard where, if you're hungry, you can grab a bite to eat or an espresso to refuel. Just beyond the restaurant is a view of La Brévent, the highest peak on the Aiguilles Rouges (Red Needles) massif.

Finally, as you follow a bend in the trail, it leads to a beautiful viewpoint of Cascade du Dard from a wooden footbridge. Here, you'll find some of the best views of the 21m (68 feet) tall waterfall. Following the trail upstream, hikers can reach a viewpoint near the base of the waterfall where you can take in the scenery of this glacial melt cascade as it spills over a cliff along the Mont Blanc massif. If you wish, you can even hike up a short hillside nearby to find a different perspective of Cascade du Dard.

When you're done exploring the waterfall, you can choose to jaunt around the trail systems nearby or head back to the parking lot. This route leads hikers straight back to parking for a short and easy 0.5km (0.3 mile) walk.

How to Get to Cascade du Dard

Reaching Cascade du Dard is easy if you have a vehicle. Simply follow driving directions up N205 in Chamonix until you reach a turn in the road near 45.90248, 6.85794. Follow the road as it ascends up to a medium-sized parking lot, located at 45.90316, 6.86053. The parking lot is large enough to fit about 15 vehicles as of September 2025. During mid-afternoon on a Friday, when we visited, the parking lot was half full.

Seeking the Best Mont Blanc Panorama Hikes in Chamonix?

Ready to experience the world-class views Chamonix is famous for? If you are looking for a true Mont Blanc panorama day hike, you must explore the stunning Grand Balcon Nord or its equally spectacular counterpart, the Grand Balcon Sud. These iconic “balcony” trails follow the mid-mountain slopes, offering breathtaking, uninterrupted vistas across the entire Chamonix Valley to the colossal Mont Blanc massif. The Grand Balcon Nord hike sits on the Mont Blanc massif, while the Grand Balcon Sud offers a more challenging path for avid hikers with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc. Both are great options for a fun day on the trail!

Warning

Flash flooding: Due to changes in snow and glacier melt in higher elevations, the stream is subject to flash flooding especially during warmer months. Be aware of the dangers and pay attention to water levels.