Wallace
Falls State Park
May
27, 2018
Distance:
15.5 miles
Time:
6 hours, 45 minutes.
Calories:
2,520.
Entrance
Fee: We used our Discovery Pass.
Today
we decided to hike at Wallace Falls
State Park. This is an amazing hike with spectacular views.
If
you are interested in visiting the falls exclusively, you can take a 3.5-mile
hike from the parking lot to the top of the waterfall (Upper Falls 2.75,
Difficulty Hard). However, we decided to go all the way and check out Jay Lake
using the Woody Trail and going back using the Greg Ball Trail. Please check
the map below.
“Come
forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher” W. Wordsworth
One
of the things we enjoyed most was the constant sound of water. I must say that between
the entry point, Small Falls, and Lower Falls, the road was heavily transited.
We
encountered multiple parties with dogs, kids, and loud hikers. While everyone
is entitled to enjoy the hike in their own way, we were a little disappointed
to hear loud music (speakers hanging from bags or phones), people smoking, and
some owners not cleaning after their pets.
People should really try to enjoy
the sounds of nature and, I wish I did not have to say it, clean after their
pets and pick up the plastic bags once you consume your snacks!
As
the hike becomes harder (Middle Falls, and Upper Falls), the road was less transited,
and we were able to hear birds and other animals along the way.
From the Upper Falls, you get a fantastic view. We were even lucky enough to see a rainbow at the base of the fall.
After
enjoying the views, we decided to take the Upper
Grade bike trail towards Wallace Lake (about 2.2 miles). The lake view is
simply mesmerizing!
From
Wallace Lake, you might as well go all the way to Jay Lake (about 1 mile).
Please notice that if you intend to camp at Jay Lake, you need to have a special
permit and book in advance. The site has very limited space so plan your trip.
We
found some very friendly campers there and we were able to click a couple of
pictures before returning.
For
the return, we took the Greg Ball Trail (About 4.5 miles from Wallace Lake to
the entry point).
As
a tip, the parking lot is quite small, so either go early in the morning or park in the parking lot on May Creek
Rd. (The fee is $8, and we were told it was to benefit the local school, this
is not confirmed).
We
hope you enjoy your visit.
See
you next time!