Cherry Creek Falls

NOTE: The first half mile of this trail is a courtesy easement within private property. To continue to enjoy access to this area, please remain on the main path, observe leash laws, keep noise to a minimum and pack out all trash with you. Cars illegally parked on the road may be ticketed or towed.

Originally the site of a logging camp in the first part of the 20th century, Cherry Creek Falls is now a popular place for locals (and visitors) to cool off after the hike in. The 25-foot falls are the final waterfall along Cherry Creek. The falls drop over a wide, rocky ledge into a large pool. This pool is inviting to hikers, but as always with waterfalls, be careful when splashing and playing in rocky areas.

Cherry Creek flows well all year long, but by autumn the left-hand side of the falls usually dries up.

From where you park, follow the road-turned-trail behind the gate and the corresponding junctions as follows. There is no trail access near road signs marked Private or No Parking.

At three-quarters of a mile you’ll cross Margaret Creek on a bridge. Shortly after that, stay left at the first junction and right at the second, ignoring any grassy overgrown roads.

After climbing a short hill, stay right at the third junction and proceed downhill. At 1.5 miles, the road makes a sharp hairpin to the right. Head left on a muddy track through the woods. Stay left at next junction to then rejoin the overgrown road. Taking a right at this junction leads you past a crashed car in the trees. Stay straight for another mile, hopping across a few creeks then arrive at Hannan Creek, a large washout that has been leveled by machinery. Ford the creek--walking sticks left by other hikers can be of assistance here.

The trail to the falls branches off to the right on the other side of Hannan Creek. It may be hidden from view by a large dirt pile. Follow the sound of the falls, and shortly a firepit area is reached, which overlooks the falls. There is a short path leading to the base of the falls, a total of two and a half miles from the trailhead.