Minnehaha Falls in the Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains is a small but picturesque waterfall on Yosemite Creek.
A short, scenic walking trail leads you to the base of the falls, offering beautiful panoramic views along the way.
For more of these waterfalls, read our list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Mountains including details on how to find them.
| Minnehaha Falls Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Duration: | 90 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (uneven path, steep sections) |
| Dog-friendly: | Yes (on a lead) |
Getting There
The waterfall we’re discussing in this article goes by various names, such as Mini haha, Minne ha ha, and Minni ha ha.
The official name is Minnehaha Falls, but you may find it challenging to locate it on navigation systems. The car park is located at the end of Minni Ha Ha Road in North Katoomba (see map location).
When you approach the car park at Minnehaha Falls Reserve, you will see an information board and a large grassy area with picnic tables.
Travelling by bus is also an option, with the nearest bus stop only 100 metres from the reserve, with direct routes from Katoomba station.
Track Notes
The walking track to Minnehaha Falls is approximately 1.5 km in length. It’s a fairly easy walk, but there are sections where the path is uneven, in addition to a few steep sections with stairs.
Once you’ve parked your car, check out the information board to read more about the history, geology, vegetation, flora and fauna of the reserve.
This information board marks the start of the walking track to Minnehaha Falls.
Yosemite Creek
The walking track essentially follows Yosemite Creek, which eventually drops into the valley as Minnehaha Falls.
Not too far from the start of the walking track is an intersection where you can turn left to have a closer look at the creek.
There is also a small cascading waterfall, so it’s certainly worth doing this short detour before continuing on the main track.
Once you’re back on the main track, it’s a pretty straightforward path to follow, with great views of the waterfall and the surrounding scenery from high up.
Not long after the waterfall becomes visible from the walking trail, it is time to start the steep descent into the valley.
This is a section with various staircases and steps heading down. It’s steep, but this part of the track has recently been upgraded and is in a very good state.
The last stretch to the waterfall is fairly easy to do, with some interesting rock formations on your left and the creek on your right.
Minnehaha Falls
The waterfall that is Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful sight, especially after a period of heavy rain when more water is flowing through the creek.
Swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall is a great experience, especially on a warm summer’s day. In fact, Minnehaha Falls is one of the best swimming holes in the Blue Mountains, so do bring your swimmers.
The pool is easily accessible and reasonably safe; just be mindful of slippery surfaces and the surrounding rocks and boulders.
If you cross the creek and do a bit of rock scrambling to get to the other side of the pool, you can get the best views of the entire waterfall.
Once you’ve finished admiring the waterfall, retrace your steps out of the valley and back to the car park via the same path.
If you’re keen to discover another waterfall nearby, we recommend walking to Empress Falls in the Wentworth Falls area of the Blue Mountains. The walking trail starts at the Conservation Hut and is quite short.
Please be aware there are no toilet facilities at the car park or on the track. Sadly many visitors use the bush or private gardens near the car park as a toilet. All such run off ends up back in the stream and falls. So please use the toilets at the park further up on Barton street you drive past on your way in and out. Take your rubbish with you too so it’s kept nice for others.
Thanks Helen, all valid points.