We planned to visit several waterfall sites, but we were happy with the two we saw. Since the second falls had only a few feet of hiking paths, I focused this trip report on the first. This was a one-mile out-and-back trail with only 39 feet of elevation gain. This is an excellent hike for beginners or anyone recovering from injuries or surgeries.

The Hike

The Walk Out

The trailhead was easy to find, thanks to well-placed markers and an easily identifiable parking lot. There were several trails in the area, but all directions and signs were clearly marked. The trail follows the nearby stream, which leads to the waterfall at the end of this hike. There are several overlooks and bridges with pleasant views and sights. Depending on the time of year, they may be crowded out with vegetation, but in late March, it was relatively unobstructed.

The Falls

The only obstacle we encountered was the stairs that led down into the waterfall area. Despite handrails and my trekking poles to hold on to, the stairs were very slippery. I lost my footing a few times, but did not fall. Several people we saw along the trail warned us about them, and many did not go down to see the falls from the lower viewing area.

However, I was rewarded with a beautiful view and the opportunity to take a few photos as I moved along the rocks and shallow areas below the falls. I stayed down there for quite a while, partly because of how picturesque it was, and dreading walking back up those slick steps.

The Hike Back

The walk back was just as easy, but it was nice to see the trail from this different perspective. It is always a good idea to take time to turn around on trails to look back. Not only will you gain a different perspective, but it will also be more familiar if you have an emergency and need to backtrack.

This is an easy trail with beautiful waterfalls, so it was no surprise to hikers, even in late March. We passed several hikers, including ones with dogs. It was a very pet-friendly space with most trail sections wide enough to bypass excited puppies. I love dogs, but I don’t like muddy dog paw prints on my clothes.

Summary

In summary, this was a great short hike. The weather was overcast but pleasant, and with just a fleece, I was comfortable. There were a few people out on the trail, but not an overwhelming number. While most of the trail is well-maintained, be careful if you decide to walk down the slick wooden stairs to view the waterfalls from below. But otherwise, enjoy some beautiful sights on this easy out-and-back trail.

General Takeaways

• Short, easy hikes with lovely views will likely be crowded, but visiting during the off-season means fewer people and sometimes better visibility, with less vegetation obstructing views.
• Even if you are on an out-and-back hike, look behind you every so often. There may be fewer people, no pets, or just better lighting. Take every chance to take in those views.
• Even on a shorter hiking trip with a lightweight backpack, trekking poles are a necessity.