This one started with a very full parking lot. We arrived around 1pm due to traffic that day. The roads towards the parking lot were full as well. This was dangerous, because it took an already narrow road down to a single lane, where it is designed for two lanes. I’m not sure what should be done if two cars were headed in opposite directions, there was no space to pull off!
There are two lots, with the lower lot to the left side of the Y split and the upper lot to the right. Expect to follow people around and ask if they’re finishing their hike, you won’t find spots otherwise. Politeness and patience went a long way here.
Starting the hike, it was fairly even for most of it. There was not much elevation. However, the growth made the path narrows in many areas of this initial area. We also had to cross a couple of shallow streams. Sneakers won’t work well on these sections.
Unlike many other hikes, there isn’t much of a view for this initial part. You’re more enclosed through the growth. So, while there are amazing views around you, you won’t be able to see them.
This hike also leads to Serena lake, but we were headed for the waterfall. On this day (Memorial weekend), the number of hikers we ran across dropped significantly once we split off from the lake route to the waterfall hike.
The hike up the section does become rockier and steeper. Expect to cover much of the elevations hike during this time. There are more streams crossing the path (around 3-4), and they are easier to cross. However, sneakers still not work. Use boots.
During this section, there are a couple spots with stairs. It’s single file but well maintained. At the top, there is a boardwalk for the lower part of the waterfall, and an upper area of the waterfall.
If you want pictures at the upper level, there was a short wait.
The way down was pretty quick. Near the initial stream, there is a stick poking out in the path, and it injured two separate groups while we were there, so be careful!