Cherry Creek Falls, Marckworth Forest — Sunday, May. 6, 2018

Yep, finally made it to Cherry Creek Falls. This is the last of a trio of hikes that I wanted to check off my list. The other two were Explorer Falls and Boulder River. Didn't seem to be enough "bang for the buck". I liked Explorer Falls because it was short, and I liked Boulder River because it was scenic. Cherry Creek Falls was a little ..uh.. underwhelming. Oh well, two out of three ain't bad...

Although I live relatively close, I've never been here. The trip reports mention a maze of muddy trails, confusing intersections, befuddling creek crossings, abandoned cars, and grouchy neighbors. And lots of people. Hopefully the falls make up for the hike, 'cause it didn't sound too interesting.

Hmm. Alrighty then, I'll try a different route. My trip started far to the north, at the entrance to Marckworth Forest off Cedar Ponds Road. Parked at the Youngs Creek TH and took DNR 1020. It skirts the base of the Elwell Cliffs and ends in a bootpath. Kept going and crossed Elwell Creek and soon hit the old Cherry Valley Truck Trail (gravel road). Took a right, and at 200 yards it "Y"s, took a left. From here, I took all lefts and eventually got there, but the first left into an overgrown road/bootpath would have save some walking. Marked with cairn.

It was a long way, but the walk was pleasant. Most of the walk is on old road that has turned to grass, and even the bootpaths were easy. Did come across some bear tracks, less than half hour old. Saw nobody til I got to the falls...

A quarter mile from the falls, I saw my first hikers. They had missed the turnoff, so I had to turn them around. (Look for the arrow on the ground.) Popped out at the top of the falls - and into the crowd. Kinda weird as I had just been all by my lonesome. It was a constant series of "Hello, how are you?" Lots of kids and young people, which was cool. Some music playing softly, and some friendly off-leash dogs - I'll let it slide.

The falls, in my opinion, weren't that great. The entire place has been thoroughly trampled, and there's nothing else in the area that warrants any exploring. And if that's the destination for a throw-away hike, coupled with a horde of people; I think I'll pass. This would be a great hike for beginners, or a fun outing with the kids. A nice "latte hike". For me, it was the shortest time I've ever spent at trails end...

P.S.  I didn't want to waste one of my photo slots on it, but I found another mylar balloon. A Happy Birthday one. Don't let them go! They land in the woods, and never disappear. Twenty years from now, they're still up there. Just pop 'em, and throw them away...