---
title: "The Cascade du Dard"
type: "1day-itinerary"
variante: false
lang: "en"
distance_km: 4
elevation_plus_m: 250
elevation_minus_m: 250
difficulty: "Easy"
duration_days: 1
url: "https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/cascade-du-dard/"
description: "Short waterfall hike near Les Houches on the TMB. The Cascade du Dard is 4 km round trip with 250 m elevation gain - ideal for rest days and families."
---

# The Cascade du Dard

The Cascade du Dard is a short forest hike near Les Houches leading to a {{30 m | 98 ft}} waterfall in a narrow gorge. An ideal rest-day excursion from the TMB, suitable for families.

## Overview

The Cascade du Dard is a short, accessible waterfall hike near Les Houches in the Chamonix valley, France. The trail follows the Torrent du Dard through mixed forest before arriving at a narrow rocky gorge where the waterfall drops approximately 30 m (98 ft). With only 4 km (2.5 mi) round trip and 250 m (820 ft) of elevation gain, it suits families, rest-day hikers, and anyone wanting a low-commitment excursion from the TMB.

## Stats

- Distance: 4 km
- Elevation gain: 250 m
- Elevation loss: 250 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1 day

## Need to know

## What You Need to Know
The Cascade du Dard sits on the southern edge of Les Houches, reached from the Viaduc Sainte-Marie area or directly from the village centre. The trail is well-signed and follows the Torrent du Dard uphill through forest - no exposed ridgeline, no snowfield, no route-finding challenge. This is one of the few hikes in the Chamonix valley where you do not need to check the weather radar before leaving.

The waterfall itself drops around 30 m (98 ft) through a slot in the rock. Flow is highest in spring and after heavy rainfall. In dry August conditions the volume drops noticeably, so if you are visiting in summer, pick a day after a storm. The spray zone at the base can be slippery - wear shoes with grip, not sandals.

### Getting There
From Chamonix, take the Mont Blanc Express train to Les Houches station, or use the navette. From Les Houches village, follow signs toward the Cascade du Dard - the approach is around 1.5 km (0.9 mi) on foot from the village square. Parking is available near the Viaduc Sainte-Marie if you are driving.

### Combining with the Parc Animalier de Merlet
The Parc de Merlet is 10 min (0.6 mi) by road above the waterfall trailhead. It houses ibex, chamois, deer, and llamas in an open enclosure at 1,563 m (5,128 ft), with a direct sightline to the Mont Blanc massif. If you are doing this as a rest-day activity with children, combine the waterfall with a Merlet visit - the park is open from late May to late September, entry around 10 euros per adult. Do not assume it will be open without checking - hours and season vary.

## Practical info

- Start: Les Houches village or Viaduc Sainte-Marie
- Finish: Cascade du Dard (out-and-back)
- Distance: {{4 km | 2.5 mi}} round trip
- Elevation gain: {{250 m | 820 ft}}
- Max altitude: approx. {{1,100 m | 3,609 ft}}

## Day-by-day itinerary

### Day 1: Les Houches - Cascade du Dard (round trip)

- Distance: 4 km
- Time: 2 h
- Ascent: 250 m
- Descent: 250 m
- Max altitude: 1100 m
- Min altitude: 1008 m

From the Viaduc Sainte-Marie or the Les Houches village centre, the signed trail heads south into forest, following the Torrent du Dard upstream. The gradient is steady but never steep - you gain 250 m (820 ft) over 2 km (1.2 mi) of ascent. The path stays in tree cover for most of the climb, which makes it a practical option on a hot afternoon.

At the top of the approach the gorge narrows and the waterfall appears: a single drop of around 30 m (98 ft) into a shallow plunge pool. The rock walls channel the water and amplify the sound. The spray zone at the base is wet and the stone is polished - stay back from the edge and keep children close. There is no safety railing.

Return by the same trail. Total time including a stop at the waterfall is around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to continue to the Parc de Merlet, allow an additional hour and check opening times before setting out.