This incredible hike is a Katoomba hidden gem away from the Blue Mountain tourists. The Minnehaha Falls Hike is an easy, short, out-and-back trail that ends at a spectacular waterfall. When it’s warm, pack your swimsuits and dive into the cold, refreshing water!
The Minnehaha Falls Hike in a nutshell
Views
Technical Difficulty
Overall Experience
Minnehaha Falls Hike Key Information
Trailhead: Minnehaha Parking Lot (at the end of Minnehaha Road)
Hike End: Minnehaha Falls
Hike Type: Out-and-back
Length: 1.3 km / 0.8 miles one way
Time: 30 minutes
Ascent/Descent: 43 meters (descending on the way in, ascending on the way out!)
Difficulty: Easy
How to get to the Minnehaha Falls Hike Trailhead
By Car: To get to the carpark from Katoomba, drive down either Victoria St or Barton St, then make a right to Minni Ha Ha Road. Here’s the link to the car park location. In the summer, this lot fills up quickly, so plan on arriving early.
By Public Transport: From Katoomba, take the 697 bus straight to the carpark. Make note of when the next buses are heading back to town, as the bus only runs once per hour and the trailhead is in a residential neighbourhood (it isn’t that fun to wait around).
By Foot: It’s only a 45 minute walk from Katoomba town to the trailhead, but it isn’t the most exciting walk.
Trail Guide: My experience hiking to Minnehaha Falls
After exploring the main sights during our Blue Mountains Day Trip, my uncle and I decided to add this hike to Minnehaha Falls to the end of our day! I had heard so many wonderful things about this little swimming hole under a waterfall and wanted to check it out myself.
After arriving at the trailhead, we followed the road down to Minnehaha Falls. The track out is very gentle at the start and offers incredible views as you meander down the trail.
After about 20 minutes, you’ll start descending down the trail. The trail isn’t technically difficult—it’s more like walking down stairs than down a slippery path. You’ll start to see views of the 20 foot waterfall, which is where you’re heading!
At the bottom of the trail, you’ll get to some steep metal stairs that will lead you to the swimming hole.
The water is quite cold but it’s well worth hopping in, especially during a hot summer day. The rocks can be a bit slippery in the water, so be careful while getting in and out of the water.
Once you’ve had your fill, head back the same way you came!
Leave a reply