Terraced Falls

Terraced Falls – 3.9mi / 6.2km

This short hike takes you along a cascading creek and river to a wonderful, and complex waterfall. Right from the trailhead, the trail encounters beautiful small cascades from the aptly named Cascade Creek. The trail breaks away from the creek for a short period.

Once the hike comes alongside the creek again, you are treated to interesting cascades, pools, and falls. While most of the hike is in the trees with no views to the surrounding area, the water all along the hike more than makes up for it. A section of the creek slows down through willows, then picks back up again as it busily makes its way to Falls River.

At the confluence, the Falls River picks up where Cascade Creek left off, but with far more water volume. In an area called Cascade Acres, numerous whitewater cascades keep you entertained as the trail works its way along the river. Terraced Falls is unmistakable when you arrive. It has a great top falls that builds to the complex and beautiful main waterfall. The canyon surrounding the waterfall has incredible rock pillars. From this vantage at the end of the trail, the river continues on, splashing over rocks and out of view.

Trailhead: South of the South Entrance, on the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, turn at Flagg Ranch and head west on Grassy Lake Road. Just past the reservoir, look for the signed Cascade Creek trailhead.

Elevation Gain: 450ft / 135m – Elevation Loss: 450ft / 135m

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