Waterfall Trail - Cloudland Canyon
Feb 11th, 2008 by Admin 1
From the main overlook parking lot The Waterfall Trail would be the most populated trail and consists mostly of stairs as it heads down the canyon wall to both the upper and lower falls. The upper (seen left) is one I like better because you can sit on the rocks to view the falls and surrounding area. Head back up to the split off and then down more stairs to the lower 2nd falls. I believe there are more than 400 metal stairs in all so pace yourself on the way up. I actually ran these on Saturday and it did get my heart pounding by running down and snapping some of these shots then back up the steps.
The lower falls (seen right) are every bit as nice as the first but you are limited to the overlook deck. Then its back up the stairs to the top. Once I headed up the trail towards the main overlook parking by the rental cabins, I made my way quickly by the lookout since I was on a mission to fit it all in. If it’s your first time up there I recommend taking the time to go down the short trail to see it for yourself. It’s a really a great view of the two large gorges that make up Cloudland Canyon.
On the way up the trail a nice older couple dressed very nice were headed down the trail that heads over the bridge to the West Rim Trail. I thought I should ask and sure enough they were heading to the falls so I mentioned it was actually to your right at the T in the trail when coming down from the main parking lot rather than left. I believe there is a sign there, but if not, remember that if the main falls are what you’re there to see. Fall is probably the best season to view the Canyon from the overlook and elsewhere.
