Off the small parking area, there are wooden stairs that lead down into the gorge and then a boardwalk that takes you back to the waterfall area. It’s a nice walk back as you meander over the creek leading and through the trees. You can see ducks, frogs, fish, and other wildlife, as well as many neat plants and trees. The waterfall, which changes in size depending on water levels, is really amazing especially when you think of where you are. Other than an occasional very loud car, you feel like you are far from any city.
At the end of the boardwalk, there is an opening where you can get down and walk around. Depending on the water level and age of your children, you may or may not want to do that. It’s rarely very deep at that spot, and there is higher ground (rocks) that you can easily climb and look around. The majority of the times we have been, the water was low which was great because we had a lot of dry spots to walk on and explore (including the entire area around the end of the boardwalk). This last time, as you can see it was very low and the waterfall was more narrow, but it can at times stretch the entire width to the right.
There is a ledge back by the waterfall, which you can get to with some fancy footwork, but I would not recommend planning to do that with children. My kids love to explore, looking for rocks and water creatures, so they fully enjoy this spot. When the water is lower, they can easily walk across the shallow and narrow creek on dry rocks to other side. You could also, if you wanted, bring a picnic to eat while sitting on the boardwalk or the large rocks that surround the creek/waterfall area.
The only disappointment I have regarding this otherwise fabulous spot is the trash. There isn't mounds of it, but there is always enough scattered around that it is noticeable and frankly frustrating (that people lack that kind of respect). There are also no trash receptacles anywhere (though that is no reason for people to litter). Keeping that in mind, make sure that your children have thick soled shoes as they walk around due to the potential of broken glass.
Other things to note, the only way down is the stairs, therefore strollers are out. And, speaking as a person with a medium case of acrophobia, the stairs down seem very steep, so keep that mind for little kids and yourself. All three of mine, who are four and seven years, had no issues with the stairs, but if you or your children have that fear it would be good to prepare for it. There are also no restrooms. Lastly, the sign on Hayden Run says Griggs Reservoir and if you aren’t watching, you might pass it.
** Update 7/17 - Mac Kid reader Elaine just let us know that the opening at the end of the boardwalk has been boarded up and you are no longer able to get out and walk around the falls. It's still a beautiful view and worth seeing, but the getting down and exploring part appears to be no longer unfortunately. **
Boardwalk to the falls:
Exploring:
