Princess Falls - Image 1
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Princess Falls

4.7
·149 reviews·Stearns, United States

Discover the beauty of Princess Falls, a rewarding hike through a scenic forest with charming cascades and a main waterfall.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and secure parking

CrowdLow
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Princess Falls - Image 1

Princess Falls

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and secure parking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the beauty of Princess Falls, a rewarding hike through a scenic forest with charming cascades and a main waterfall.

4.7
(149 reviews)

"Gorgeous hike, very worth it despite tricky signage and muddy spots!"

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TIP

🎯 Navigate with Care

Trail signage can be unclear. Stay aware of your surroundings and blazes to find Princess Falls.

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be muddy and slippery. Tennis shoes or hiking boots are recommended.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Princess Falls

Princess Falls

Main waterfall destination

The main attraction, a beautiful cascade offering a rewarding sight after your hike.

Smaller Cascades

Smaller Cascades

Along the trail

Charming smaller falls and rock formations that add to the scenic beauty of the hike.

Forest Trail

Forest Trail

Chedoke Radial Trail

An immersive hike through a beautiful forest environment, perfect for nature lovers.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Navigation is Key

Signage can be tricky, especially at junctions. Pay close attention to your surroundings and trail blazes to ensure you're on the right path to Princess Falls. Arrive early to secure one of the limited parking spots.

Footwear and Conditions

The trail can get muddy, so wear appropriate footwear like tennis shoes or hiking boots. Be prepared for slippery spots, especially after rain. Bringing towels for your pup is a good idea if you're hiking with a dog.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Crowd
Low
When
After dry spells
Why
Less muddy, easier hiking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One-day idea trip in Ontario 📍Princess Falls, Chedoke Radial Trail, small one 📍Sherman falls 🔥😍 📍Hamilton beach  📍Dinner at the Spencer’s At The Waterfront in Burlington, yummy 😋 #shermanfalls #onedaytripontario #onedaytriphamilton #ontario
tat_tunia
27 likes • 1.4K views

🎯 Navigate with Care

Trail signage can be unclear. Stay aware of your surroundings and blazes to find Princess Falls. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be muddy and slippery. Tennis shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Reddit

Happy #waterfallwednesday from Princess Falls, McCreary Co. Ky ••• #kentucky #yes_busa #ourky #onlyinkentucky #reels #reelfeelit #reelsvideo #reeloftheday #photography #yestravelky #reelsinstagram #waterfall #waterfalls #waterfallsfordays #waterfallhike #waterfallphotography #waterfallchasing #waterfallchasers #longexposurephotography #longexposures #longexpo #longexposhots
its2amtomorrow
0 likes • 1.3K views
Princess Louise Falls is the perfect spot in Ottawa to see some stunning fall colours! 😍🍁⁠ ⁠ 📍Princess Louise Falls in Orleans⁠ ⁠ 🎥: @elizabethpotterphoto⁠ ⁠ Tag us in your videos to be featured! ⁠ ⁠ #Canada #Narcity #Ottawa
narcitycanada
2.7K likes • 96.6K views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The parking lot is small, holding only 6-8 cars. Get there early to snag a spot. Reddit

🐶 Pup-Friendly Trail

Many visitors hike with dogs. Bring towels for your furry friend if they enjoy the water. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Navigate with Care

Trail signage can be unclear. Stay aware of your surroundings and blazes to find Princess Falls. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be muddy and slippery. Tennis shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The parking lot is small, holding only 6-8 cars. Get there early to snag a spot. Reddit

🐶 Pup-Friendly Trail

Many visitors hike with dogs. Bring towels for your furry friend if they enjoy the water. Reddit

🗺️ Trail Junction Clarity

At Lick Creek, the trail continues straight ahead, not across the wooden bridge. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(149 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Princess Falls for its beautiful scenery and rewarding hike, noting the charming smaller cascades along the way. However, many point out that trail signage can be poor, and the small parking lot fills up quickly. The trail can also be muddy, so proper footwear is essential.

"Gorgeous hike. Signage and blazes aren’t the best, make sure to pay attention to surroundings and that you’re on the right trail, especially if you’re trying to get to princess falls lol. More intense than expected, but overall very worth it."

August Ward

"Beautiful trail to hike! Princess falls is 1.4 miles from the parking lot, just beyond the wooden bridge (not over it). There's been very little rain so the hike was relatively easy, but I advise wearing tennis shoes as some spots could be slippery in wet conditions. Also, the parking lot is only able to hold 6 or 8 cars, so arrive earlier in the day!"

Robyn Mounce

"Beautiful falls easy hike but was very muddy the signage was also not great. Cute little falls along the path and it was fun to hop along the rocks to cross the water.
If you have a pup bring some towels!"

Maxx Gogski

What People Like

Beautiful falls
Scenic forest trail
Charming smaller cascades

What People Dislike

Unclear signage
Limited parking
Muddy trail conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Princess Falls is accessible via a trail from a small parking lot. The hike to the main falls is approximately 1.4 miles. Reddit Be aware that the parking lot is quite small, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking lot, but it's very limited, typically accommodating only 6-8 cars. Reddit It's best to arrive early in the day to ensure you can find a spot. Reddit

The trail signage can be inconsistent, so it's important to pay attention to your surroundings and the blazes on the trees. Reddit Some reviewers found the trail markings confusing, especially at junctions like Lick Creek. Reddit

Yes, at the Lick Creek junction, the trail continues straight ahead and up a short hill, rather than crossing the wooden bridge. Reddit The path can be narrow in this section. Reddit

While GPS can be helpful, cell service can be spotty in the area. Relying on visual cues and paying attention to trail markers is crucial. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Princess Falls is generally considered an inexpensive family adventure, implying no significant entrance fee. Reddit

There are no specific operating hours mentioned, suggesting it's accessible during daylight hours. It's a natural attraction, so plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

No advance booking is typically required for Princess Falls, as it's a natural trail and waterfall. Reddit

Yes, many families with small children and people walking their dogs enjoy the trail. Reddit However, some sections can be narrow and muddy, and reaching the water below the falls is steep. Reddit

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for muddy terrain. Reddit Bring water and snacks, and be prepared for potentially unclear trail markings. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike to the main Princess Falls is approximately 1.4 miles from the parking lot. Reddit

The trail features some small inclines and can be narrow in places. It is also prone to muddy spots, especially after rain. Reddit There are also opportunities to hop across rocks to cross water. Reddit

Yes, there are cute little falls along the path leading to Princess Falls, adding to the scenic beauty of the hike. Reddit

While some reviews mention going down to the water below the falls, it's described as steep, similar to climbing down a step ladder. Reddit Swimming opportunities are not explicitly mentioned. Reddit

Bring water, snacks, and wear appropriate footwear. If hiking with a dog, bring towels. Reddit A fully charged phone for photos and navigation is also recommended. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The main Princess Falls itself is a prime photo opportunity. Instagram The smaller cascades and scenic forest trail also offer beautiful shots. Reddit

Long exposure photography is popular for capturing the movement of the water. Instagram The natural beauty of the falls and surrounding forest is ideal for landscape photography. Instagram

Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, which is ideal for photography. Reddit The fall colors, as seen in Princess Louise Falls, can also be stunning. Instagram

For capturing the waterfall's motion, consider using a tripod and a slower shutter speed. Instagram Experiment with aperture to control depth of field in the forest settings. Instagram

Drone regulations vary by location. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Princess Falls offers a great, inexpensive family adventure. The hike is generally considered nice, with only a few small inclines that aren't too challenging for children. Reddit Many families with small children are seen enjoying the trail, indicating its suitability for younger hikers. Reddit The presence of smaller falls along the path provides extra points of interest to keep kids engaged. Reddit Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the trail can get muddy, and bring snacks and water for everyone. Reddit+1

🐶 Dog Owners

This trail is a popular spot for dog owners, with many visitors seen walking their pups. Reddit It's a great place for your furry friend to enjoy the outdoors and explore. Reddit Be sure to bring towels, as your dog might enjoy getting a bit wet or muddy. Reddit Always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to ensure the trail remains enjoyable for everyone. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Princess Falls provides a picturesque setting for photographers. The main waterfall is a stunning subject, and the smaller cascades along the trail offer additional photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit Consider using a tripod and a slower shutter speed to capture the silky smooth motion of the water, a technique popular for waterfall photography. Instagram The surrounding forest also offers beautiful landscape shots, especially during different seasons. Instagram Arriving early can help you capture shots without the distraction of other visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Princess Falls Trail

The trail to Princess Falls is a popular hiking destination, but it's known for its less-than-perfect signage. Many visitors report needing to pay close attention to their surroundings and the blazes on trees to stay on the correct path. Reddit This is particularly true at junctions, such as the one at Lick Creek, where the trail continues straight ahead and up a short hill, rather than crossing a wooden bridge. Reddit The trail can also become narrow in certain sections, adding to the sense of adventure. Reddit

Despite the navigation challenges, the hike is generally considered manageable and rewarding. It's described as having only a few small inclines, making it accessible for many. Reddit The presence of smaller, charming cascades along the way adds to the scenic beauty, offering delightful photo opportunities and points of interest before reaching the main Princess Falls. Reddit The overall experience is one of immersing oneself in the natural beauty of the forest environment. Reddit

Trail Conditions and Footwear

The trail conditions at Princess Falls can vary, with mud being a common factor, especially after rainfall. Reddit Reviewers consistently advise wearing appropriate footwear, such as tennis shoes or hiking boots, to navigate these potentially slippery and muddy sections. Reddit Some spots can be quite squishy, making good traction essential. Reddit

For those hiking with canine companions, bringing towels is a practical suggestion, as dogs may enjoy splashing in the water or getting muddy. Reddit The trail's accessibility is generally good, with families and dog walkers frequently seen. Reddit However, reaching the water directly below the main falls involves a steep descent, described as being akin to climbing down a step ladder with man-made steps. Reddit This might require extra caution for some visitors.

Parking and Timing Your Visit

A significant consideration for visiting Princess Falls is the limited parking. The designated parking area is quite small, typically only able to accommodate about 6 to 8 vehicles. Reddit This means that arriving early in the day is highly recommended to secure a parking spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit Visitors who arrive later may find themselves unable to park, especially during peak times or weekends. Reddit

Timing your visit can also impact your experience regarding crowds and trail conditions. Early mornings are often preferred to avoid the busiest periods and enjoy a more serene hike. Reddit Visiting after a dry spell can result in less muddy trails, making the hike more comfortable. Reddit While the falls are beautiful year-round, the surrounding forest offers different visual appeals in various seasons, with fall colors being particularly noted in similar locations. Instagram