Horsetail Falls drops 176 feet in a single graceful plume right beside the Historic Highway — you can photograph it without leaving the parking lot. But the real treat is the short climb above it.
A switchback trail leads to Ponytail Falls (Upper Horsetail), where the path passes through a recess scooped into the cliff so you walk directly behind the falling water — the same trick Hocking Hills’ recess caves play, but with a waterfall in front of you.
Horsetail is one of the easiest falls to reach in the whole corridor — it’s essentially roadside. The 0.4-mile climb to Ponytail is short but steep enough to thin the crowds, and the walk-behind moment is a guaranteed kid-pleaser.
This stretch was within the footprint of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire; the forest is recovering and trails have reopened, though you’ll still see standing burned snags that tell the story of the fire.
Pro tip: Continue past Ponytail and the trail leads toward the Oneonta area and Triple Falls — a longer, quieter hike most roadside visitors never attempt.
- • Horsetail Falls is visible right from its lot on the Historic Columbia River Highway — no permit required.
- • The Ponytail walk-behind involves a short, steep climb and uneven trail.
- • Watch footing behind the falls — the rock stays wet and slick.
- • Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Which Columbia Gorge waterfall can you walk behind?
- Ponytail Falls (Upper Horsetail Falls). A short trail from the Horsetail Falls lot leads to a recess behind the falling water that the path passes straight through.
- How long is the hike to Ponytail Falls?
- About 0.4 miles one way from the Horsetail Falls trailhead, with a short, steep climb. Most visitors do the round trip in 30–60 minutes.
