I like to throw the phrase “hidden gem” around a lot, but sometimes, we find places that coin the term, and it is nothing short of mindblowing, like this magnificent place. This incredible nature trail has not one but two gorgeous waterfalls, and they are worth the hike!
The Waterfalls
There are two waterfalls at Emilie Jonas Nature Trail. One waterfall is clearly stealing the show, but the other waterfall is tall and just as magnificent. As you hike towards the waterfall, the main waterfall will draw your attention, but you will see the towering waterfall cascading down the hillside if you look to your right.
The main attraction of this natural area is the waterfall at the end of the trail. It is nothing short of magnificent, especially after a heavy rain. When you hike up upon this stunning waterfall, a small yet dazzling waterfall is just under the enormous waterfall, making this already beautiful waterfall that much more exquisite.
The Trails
Before you begin your hike, please be aware that this trail is located on Private Property that has been opened up to the public to hike. It is important that you stay on the trail, always pick up after yourself and your dogs, and most importantly respect this property and leave it as you find it.
The trail into the gorge is extremely steep, and the path is narrow. This isn’t a long hike (less than 1/2 mile), but it can be slippery and slightly dangerous, especially after it rains. This is not a great hike for people with bad knees. Once you reach the bottom of the gorge, the trail runs along the creek. You will have to cross the stream in several areas, and depending upon how full the creek is, be prepared for your feet to get wet. We visited in the fall when there were leaves spread along the trail. The wet leaves made many surfaces along our path much slipper than they usually would have been.
What I love about this trail, besides the gorgeous waterfalls, is the cliffside of the hill. There is a true rustic beauty about the way the rock formations of the side of the hill. There is a bench in a clearing where visitors can sit and enjoy the breathtaking beauty around them. This is a gorgeous and quiet spot to escape from the world. When we visited, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves, which is rare these days.
Getting to Emilie Jonas Falls Nature Trail
Click Here for a Link to Google Map
The Emilie Jonas Falls Nature Trail is more than just a hidden gem; it is actually fairly obscure. If you didn’t already know it was there, you would never know there is a fantastic trail here. There are no signs or placards along the roadside to alert you to this incredible place. There is a small parking lot that you can find via your GPS. The trail isn’t apparent from the road, but if you walk towards the woods, you will eventually see the trail running along the side of the field.
