This North Fork Park hike is a short, decently easy trail, that leads to a stunning waterfall. In just over a mile, you can complete this out & back hike. This is the perfect choice if you only have a few hours of free time or are looking for some exercise before or after a busy day.
Details
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to lightly moderate
Trail Type: Out & Back
Location: Eden
Parking: Dirt (small lot)
Bathrooms: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: Waterfall
How Long is the North Fork Park Waterfall Hike?
The sign when you reach the trailhead states that it is 0.4 miles to the waterfall. This is actually inaccurate, our mileage stated that it was 0.6 miles to the falls. Still a short distance, and you can easily complete this hike in under an hour.
To reach the base of the falls, you will have to climb down the rocks, but there is a rope provided to help your descent. You will still receive a great view of the falls from the bottom of the stairs if you do not wish to make your way down the rocks.
What is the Elevation Gain?
You will gain 370 feet of elevation on this hike. The climbs are gradual and there are no steep gradients. This trail is rated as moderate, but I would consider it an easy to lightly moderate hike.
Spotted this cute little guy in the trees! He was making all kinds of noise.
Where do you Park?
The parking at the waterfall is very limited but you can park right at the trailhead. There is a small dirt “lot” which is a cleared dirt space that will only fit a few cars. You can park further away and hike up the road if there is no parking here. This road can be quite muddy and cars do get stuck in the rainy season, so be aware of this. You can find directions to the trail here.
Where is the North Fork Park Waterfall Trailhead?
The trail is located at the end of North Fork Park Rd. This road will split and you will go left until it stops at the trailhead. You will see a sign here marked 0.4 miles to the waterfall.
Navigating the Trail
This trail is wonderfully easy to navigate. Once you start on the path you will follow it all the way to the falls. There is only one well maintained trail here. No map guidance needed for this one!
Where Does the Trail End?
The trail ends at the waterfall, of course! Climb down the rope if you wish to stand at the base of the falls. Then you will go back the way you came.
Our Experience
My parents came out from Florida for a visit and I planned some easier hikes for us, since they are not use to the elevation. This was one of the best spots I could have picked! We loved this short enjoyable hike with little elevation gain. It was an overall easy trail and the waterfall was flowing like crazy!
We also lucked out since we went on a Tuesday after a rainy weekend, as we did not see anyone else on the trail. We were able to enjoy the falls all to ourselves and we easily added it on to another hike. I loved that we could explore North Fork Park more, thanks to the shorter, easier trail options we had.
After we hiked the falls, we went over to another area of the park for some more open scenery of the mountains. I took my parents to the North River Trail, which is an out & back hike on a road. It can easily be turned into a 4.2 mile loop by taking the Bicentennial, Long Loop, & North River Trail.
Summary
Like it Love it Gotta hike it
Its hard to find an easier or shorter hike to a waterfall than this! When flowing, the falls are beautiful and picturesque. The amount of effort needed for this hike is minimal compared to the reward. It allows you to enjoy the scenic outdoors and still have most of your day free for other activities or engagements. Highly recommend North Fork Park as a whole, and the waterfall is a must see!
For another hike in the area, check out our post on Cutler’s Twist.
My wife and I really enjoyed our trip to the waterfall. The trail was easy to follow and we enjoyed the occasional squirrel and chipmunk. The trail was never in the open and we enjoyed the shade the trees provided. Great choice for the parents!!
So glad you enjoyed the hike!