Last updated: March 2, 2023
Minnehaha Falls is a relatively small but very pretty waterfall on Yosemite Creek in the Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains.
A short walking track through a scenic landscape leads to the base of this waterfall, with panoramic views to enjoy from start to finish.
Keen to discover more waterfalls? Check out 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: | Moderate (rough surface, steep sections) |
| Dog friendly: | Yes |
How to Get There
The waterfall we’re discussing in this article goes by many names, such as Mini haha, Minne ha ha, Minni ha ha, and the list goes on.
The official name is Minnehaha Falls, but you may find it challenging to locate it on navigation systems, and the small car park at the start of the walking track certainly isn’t the easiest to find.
The car park is located at the very end of Minni Ha Ha Road in North Katoomba (see map location).
When you approach the car park at Minnehaha Falls Reserve, an information board and a large grassy area with picnic tables await you.
Alternatively, bus route 697, the Katoomba to North Katoomba loop service, passes a few bus stops in walking distance from the reserve.
Minnehaha Falls Walking Track
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 surface is rough, in addition to a few steep sections.
Anyone with a reasonable fitness level should be able to complete this walk easily. For your safety and comfort, it’s recommended to wear proper hiking shoes.
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 certainly 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 passes 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; you just need to 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, simply retrace your steps out of the valley and back to the car park.
About Minnehaha Falls Reserve
The area surrounding Minnehaha Falls has quite a fascinating history and is also of historical significance to the local Aboriginal people.
Towards the end of the 19th century, the area slowly became a popular spot for tourists to go hiking and visit the waterfall.
This eventually led to the establishment of the Minnehaha Falls Reserve in 1895, with the goal of preserving the waterfall and the surrounding area for future generations.
The first official track to the waterfall was established at the beginning of the 20th century. It was constructed by a contractor named John Cliff, who also built the historic Rodriguez Pass near Blackheath.
Because of the instability of the soil along the route, maintenance of this walking track proved challenging. This resulted in the track being severely neglected over the years.
In 1991 the Minnehaha Falls Landcare Group was formed, and since then the walking track and the reserve have been through a series of much-needed upgrades.
More waterfalls to visit nearby:
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.