“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” – Rumi
This summer we've been trying to get back to hikes we've done in the past and enjoyed. Today the weather was so amazing we just had to get out and hike. We decided to hike at Robert H.Treman State Park. We first hiked this trail in 2017. We parked in the lower section of the park and took the Gorge Trail 2.25 miles up to Lucifer Falls and the old grist mill. If you don't have time for the full 4.5 mile hike you can start at the top and do a smaller loop that is only 1 mile...it takes you to all the highlights in less time and with a lot less effort. Along the Gorge Trail we passed 12 waterfalls, including the magnificent Lucifer Falls that cascades beside a stone staircase and down 115 feet of rock face.
After a short break at the Grits Mill we took the Rim Trail back to the lower falls and parking lot (2.25 miles). This trail led to a wonderful overlook of Lucifer Falls, then to the Cliff Staircase (221 steps) that brought us to the bottom of the falls...wonderful views from both places. The trail winds through the woods to the lower campground by Lower Falls, also known as Treman Falls.
The Gorge Trail starts in the lower parking lot with lots of stairs. It was a great workout.
One of the many falls along the hike.
Beautiful scenery along the way.
Lucifer Falls, water levels are a little low at the moment, but still beautiful and impressive.
The falls right above Lucifer Falls.
The trail follows Enfield Creek, giving many views of the rock formations in the deep, narrow gorge known as Enfield Glen. This is below the Grist Mill and before Lucifer Falls.
We took the Rim Trail back to the lower parking lot.
One of the views from the Rim Trail.
This is just part of the Cliff Staircase that take hikers to the bottom of the falls. If you're doing the short loop I would suggest you start with the Rim Trail, so you can go down the 221 steps instead of going up.
The view of Lucifer Falls from the bottom.
A seasonal pool is at the bottom of the lower falls. Crews are just now removing sentiment from the area. They will then replace the dam in the creek that will fill the pool with fresh cool water. It's listed as one of the top 50 natural swimming holes in the United States.
This is what the pool will look like soon. On every nice day this pool will be full of people. You're even allowed to swim under the falls...but the water is VERY cold.
A map of the trail and park.
We thought we deserved a treat after such a great workout, so we relaxed with a picnic at Long Point State Park.
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