Minnehaha Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Blue Mountains and the pool at the base is a wonderful spot to cool off and have a swim on a hot day. It’s a short walk to get there, which takes you through some attractive bushland and you often get the whole place to yourself (or shared with just a few others).
There are a couple of steep staircases but otherwise the trail is easy and it’s a lovely family friendly walk
Here’s exactly what to expect on the walk to Minnehaha Falls.
Minnehaha Falls
The stats
Distance: 2.5km return
Elevation: 94m
Difficulty: Easy but with a couple of steep staircases
Summary: The walk to Minnehaha Falls is one of the easier walks in the Blue Mountains. The whole walk (there and back) took us 45 minutes, but we recommend giving plenty of time to enjoy the pool at the bottom of the falls!
The walk to Minnehaha Falls
The walk to the falls is now really well signposted, so you’re never at risk of taking the wrong path. You’ll begin on a sandy track which is lined with really pretty bushland on both sides.
Very early on you’ll cross over a small creek, usually you would barely notice it, but if there has been a lot of recent rain it may be running slightly higher.
Even then, we’ve never seen it high enough to cover your boots and it’s easy to cross. On that note Minnehaha is definitely best visited after rain - as with all waterfalls in the Blue Mountains. It never runs completely dry, but it can reduce to a dribble during dry spells.
The path is mainly flat, with the odd steps here and there, but generally very easy terrain. You’ll soon see a sign to your left where you can wander down to the creek, which is a couple of minutes detour.
We actually chose to cut down to the creek a few hundred metres further along, where there were a couple of small cascades.
As you continue along the sandy trail you’ll soon come to a gap in the trees where you get a great view of the top of the falls.
Just a minute further along you’ll see another gap and the view takes in the whole falls, which is a great spot to get some photos before you descend to the base.
Around this section you start to get a few rocks and a slightly more uneven path. After you’ve been walking for 1.1km (total) you’ll reach the first of the steep metal staircases.
Some people refer to these as ladders, but in reality they are stairs and nothing to be worried about.
You don’t need to walk backwards like you would on a normal ladder. The first two take you most of the way to the bottom of the falls, though you have several shorter staircases to go before you reach the actual base.
There is a short section of track which takes a couple of minutes to cross which is prone to rockfall, so you should walk straight through without stopping, but it’s clearly marked.
Once you get to the bottom of the last set of stairs you need to climb over a couple of rocks until you get to the base of the emerald green pool.
Minnehaha Falls
The pool is an absolutely beautiful sight and though the water remains fairly chilly year round it’s an amazing place to cool off.
The falls feel pretty big from here as they cascade down the fern covered sandstone cliffs.
It’s not a massive swimming hole but still one of the beautiful in the Blue Mountains. If you’re really keen to be alone, coming early in the morning should pretty much guarantee it.
There is also a large rocky area beside the pool which makes a lovely picnic spot.
To capture the full falls in a photograph you’ll need to climb over a couple more rocks, but it’s fairly easy. They can get a little slippery when wet though!
Once you’ve had your fill of this gorgeous spot you return back the same way you came. It’s obviously a little harder on the way back as there is a short steep uphill section, but it’s overly pretty quickly.
Overall, it’s easily one of our favourite things to do in Katoomba.
Essential information about Minnehaha Falls
Getting to the falls
The key thing to remember about Minnehaha Falls is that you need to find the “Minnihaha Reserve Car Park” on Google Maps. Otherwise you’ll be directed to a random residential street that isn’t where the trail starts from!
The car park for the trail is at the northern side of Katoomba (the otherside of the Great Western Highway) and is a five minute drive from the centre of Katoomba.
Respecting the falls
Minnehaha Falls used to be a locals secret but in recent years word has got out and it has become a little more popular. Unfortunately that has led to some rubbish being left in the area which is upsetting for locals, and anyone else who loves this special little spot.
Please pack out your rubbish with you as there are no rubbish bins or toilets along the trail.
Packing suggestions for the Blue Mountains
Having the right gear can make a huge difference, especially in the Blue Mountains. Some of the trails can be slippery (so you will want good grip) and it can rain at any time, so packing correctly can make a big difference.
Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
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