My friend and I arrived at the trailhead around 9:30am on a cloudy Saturday morning. There were four other cars parked and ample room for more. We hiked the loop counterclockwise and enjoyed our time at the falls. The water that’s normally here crossing the trail in the spring was non-existent today but there was water in the falls and we scrambled to the base of it. Most of the leaves have fallen already but there were still a few that offered some nice color, especially higher up. We avoided the rain and thoroughly enjoyed all the hanging moss and watching the clouds drift by in the valley. We encountered one group of two near the falls and one group of three on the north side of the loop so not too many folks out this morning.
Trail conditions were better than I expected for this time of year and I agree with the previous trip report that folks are getting around the various obstacles ok. Collectively they didn’t seem that challenging in comparison to other conditions I’ve seen on this trail in the past. Hiking counterclockwise there are three blowdowns within a mile to mile and a half of the trailhead. Two are small and easy to duck under/over. One is a huge tree limb that came down on the side of the trail that narrows it a bit in that area. As you approach the falls from the south there are some big divots in the tread that look like they could have formed from rocks falling from up above. Not necessarily an obstacle but watching foot placement through this area is key so you don’t step in them. Beyond the falls within about a quarter mile there is a rock slide to climb over. Some of the rocks are huge and will take some time to move. Lastly, before the final switchback on the north side of the loop where it connects to the White River Trail is another small blowdown to step over.
About 4.5 miles round trip with the scramble to the base of the falls and 3 hours hiking/enjoying ourselves, the scenery, and the weather. Bring your own TP for the bathroom at the TH.
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