How the loop trail works — the falls in order, the footing, and staying safe near the water.
A few practical words for the walk. This is a loop, so just follow it around and it'll bring you back to the lot — but take your time; the whole point is to linger at the water. The path is packed dirt and rock and tree root, mostly easy but uneven, with some stone steps and boardwalk near the falls. It can be genuinely slippery wherever the spray keeps the rock wet, so slow down at every overlook.
And the one rule that matters most out here: stay behind the railings and back from the edges. These falls are beautiful and they are deadly — the rock at the lip is polished slick, the current is strong, and people have died here doing exactly what you're tempted to do, which is scramble out for a better photo. Don't. The view from the safe overlooks is better anyway. Keep the kids close, keep yourself back, and enjoy every step.
Photo: TheTurducken · CC BY 2.0
