Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve is a bush reserve in North Katoomba, NSW 2780, centred on the Minnehaha Falls walking track. Its standout feature is a deep swimming hole at the base of the falls, with a jumping platform and a rope swing. The reserve also has shallow pools for small children and a dog-friendly track.
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About Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Walking Track and Waterfall at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has a 1.5 km return walking track that takes about one hour and is graded Grade 3. The narrow dirt path descends stairs that can be painful on the return trip, and the way down to the base of the falls is steep. Several shallow pools with small falls sit at the start of the trail and suit small children. Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has a viewing platform and a deep, clear swimming hole at the base of the falls, with a jumping platform and a rope swing. Rocks beside the water offer space for sunbathing and picnics. Track closures due to a rock overhang have been reported, so check the Blue Mountains City Council website for current status before visiting.
Facilities at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has an information board at the car park. A large grassy area with picnic tables sits beside the car park. Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has a small playground whose only equipment is a baby swing and a rocker, set in quiet bush. Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has no public toilets at the car park or on the walking track. Public toilets are located on Barton Street, on the way in and out. Visitors should bring their own water for the walk and take all rubbish home with them.
Dog Rules at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve is dog friendly, and dogs are permitted on a leash. Dogs should stay on a leash along the narrow dirt walking track and down the stairs to the falls. The steep descent to the base of the falls and the rock areas beside the swimming hole call for careful footing for both owners and dogs. Owners should carry all dog waste and rubbish out of the reserve with them. Visitors should also keep dogs away from the rock overhang area where closures have been reported.
Facilities at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Visitor tips for Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
- ✓Arrive in the morning on summer weekends and school holidays, as the bush car park fills quickly.
- ✓Check the Blue Mountains City Council website for current track status, since closures due to a rock overhang have been reported.
- ✓Use the public toilets on Barton Street before starting the walk, as there are no toilets at the car park or on the track.
- ✓Bring plenty of water and allow extra time for the stairs on the return trip, which can be painful.
- ✓Keep small children in the shallow pools at the start of the trail, and note the swimming hole at the base of the falls is deep.
- ✓Take all rubbish home with you, as the reserve asks visitors to do.
Getting to Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve is reached from the car park at the very end of Minni Ha Ha Road in North Katoomba, NSW 2780. The bush car park holds approximately 10-12 vehicles and fills quickly on weekends, during school holidays and in summer. Bus route 697 stops within walking distance of the reserve. Parking fees are not confirmed.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Katoomba
- 📍Barton Street public toilets
- 📍Minnehaha Road
- 📍Fifth Avenue
Frequently asked questions about Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve
Is Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve in Katoomba good for dogs?
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve is dog friendly, and dogs are permitted on a leash. The narrow dirt walking track and steep stairs to the falls require careful footing with a dog. Owners should carry out all dog waste and rubbish.
Can I take my dog off-leash at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve?
Dogs at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve are kept on a leash. Dogs should stay on a leash along the walking track and down the stairs to the swimming hole.
Is there a playground at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve in Katoomba?
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has a small playground at the start of the track. Its only equipment is a baby swing and a rocker, set in quiet bush.
What family facilities like toilets and change rooms are at Minnehaha Falls?
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has no public toilets at the car park or on the track. Public toilets are located on Barton Street, on the way in and out. The reserve has an information board, a large grassy area and picnic tables at the car park.
Is there parking at Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve, and is it free?
Minnehaha Falls Recreation Reserve has a bush car park that holds approximately 10-12 vehicles. The car park fills quickly on weekends, during school holidays and in summer, so arriving in the morning is advised. Parking fees are not confirmed.
Is it safe to walk around Minnehaha Falls, especially near the water and cliffs?
The track to Minnehaha Falls has a narrow dirt path, stairs that can be painful on the return trip, and a steep way down to the base of the falls. Track closures due to a rock overhang have been reported, so the Blue Mountains City Council website should be checked before visiting.