The walk begins with water close at hand: a river and creek moving through shaded woods, smaller cascades appearing between the trees, and a choice waiting right at the parking area. One direction starts the waterfall-side route; the other heads up onto the ridge.
This is a hike built around that decision. The full circuit combines a ridge trail, the waterfall trail and a river-side return, with enough elevation gain to make it a genuine outing rather than a quick stroll. Yet the lower falls offer a satisfying stopping point for people who would rather save the long stair climb for another day.
The woods stay cool and shaded for much of the route, with abundant plant life, rocks along the water and changing views as the trail gains height. Water flow can alter the look of the falls from one visit to the next, so the scenery has a little seasonal unpredictability built into it.
Choose Your Way Up
From the lot, the waterfall-side path begins to the right. It is the more direct route toward the lower falls and the staircase, and the first stretch is a moderately climbing, wide path with fresh gravel underfoot in places. The lower falls arrive after a little more than a mile.
Taking the left-hand ridge route changes the rhythm of the day. This wide mountain trail rises steadily over roughly two miles and tends to be quieter than the main waterfall route. It is a good choice for hikers who prefer to get the longer uphill work done first, then descend toward the water later.
Neither direction turns the loop into an easy walk. The ridge asks for steady climbing, while the waterfall route eventually asks for a concentrated burst of leg work on the stairs. The appeal is that hikers can choose the sort of effort they prefer.
The Old Dam Along the Way
About a mile into the trail, an old dam provides an early landmark. Smaller cascades gather around it, making this a pleasant place to slow down before the larger falls take over the day.
Creek crossings add another small bit of trail texture. One uses large, mostly flat rocks, a practical crossing that still calls for attention, especially when conditions are wet. Maps appear at the trailhead and farther along the route, and numbered markers provide useful reference points on the trail.
A Lower Falls Stop That Can Be the Whole Outing
The lower-falls area has the relaxed, linger-a-while quality that many waterfall hikes never quite manage. Clear water gathers in a pool, and rocks around the falls provide natural places to sit and watch the water come through.
Swimming is possible here when conditions allow, though the look and accessibility of the water can vary. For many families, this is the sensible turnaround point: enough forest, river scenery and waterfall payoff to make a shorter trip feel complete.
It is also the point where the hike makes its next offer. Beside the falls is the staircase leading toward the upper section. Looking up from below gives a fair indication that the rest of the route is not a casual add-on.
The Long Staircase to the Upper Falls
The staircase rises by well over 500 steps from the lower falls toward the upper falls. It is the hike's defining physical challenge, a steep stretch that rewards a patient pace more than a heroic one.
Fortunately, the climb is broken up by viewing platforms and benches. The platforms offer changing angles on the waterfall and woods, while the benches give hikers a perfectly respectable reason to stop, have a drink of water and let their legs settle.
At the top, the upper falls bring elevated views and another clear-water setting where swimming may be possible. Reaching them adds a second, distinctly different waterfall moment to the day: less about arriving at a pool beside the trail and more about earning a high perch over the wooded creek.
A Loop With Options
Completing the circuit brings hikers back by a different route, so the day does not simply retrace every step. The mix of ridge terrain, creekside walking, falls and stair climbing keeps the route from feeling repetitive.
A full loop commonly takes around two to three hours, although a visit can run shorter or longer depending on pace, rest stops and how long people stay around the water. Turning the hike into an out-and-back is also an easy way to shape the day around available time and stamina.
The route is generally moderate to challenging. Sturdy footwear and water are useful, particularly in warm weather and for anyone planning to take on both the ridge and the staircase.
A Few Conditions to Keep in Mind
The free trailhead lot can fill during busier periods, so parking is not always a given. The posted maps are worth a look before setting out, especially for hikers deciding which direction to take around the loop.
Some sections have been under restoration following hurricane and flood damage. The upper-falls approach has included a marked water crossing where a bridge was removed, and trail conditions can change.
Wet weather can leave the ridge muddy, while the stair section and overall elevation gain can be demanding for small children, dogs and anyone not accustomed to steep hiking. The lower falls provide a worthwhile finish line when the upper climb does not fit the day.