Hemlock Cliffs Main Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Do not drink the water! The numerous Hemlock trees in the area release toxins into the water. There are no restrooms or facilities of any kind for miles.

The trail is short but very pitchy. The trail is rife with gnarly roots, slippery algae covered rocks, and washouts. Super technical!

Your run begins immediately by descending into the ravine. Almost immediately, you meet your first free falling waterfall and splashpool. The pitchy terrain is strewn with large sandstone boulders, ferns, and gorgeous old growth trees. You'll be running the same paths and enjoying the natural shelters utilized by Native Americans as recently as 10,000 years ago.

You'll cross a meandering waterfall-fed stream, and find yourself surrounded by naturally and uniquely carved sandstone bluffs. If you choose, you can turn toward the second waterfall loop. Otherwise, finish with a winding and gradual, yet steady incline through the tall trees and unique flora.

The environment is very damp so you'll find ferns, lots of mosses, and the area's namesake Hemlock trees. For fauna there will be frogs, snakes, lizards, salamander, possible deer, and perhaps the occasional bobcat.