Carlon Falls

Carlon Falls is a tiered waterfall on the South Fork Tuolumne River near Groveland, reached by an out-and-back hike that visitor reviews rate 4.7 out of 5 stars across 30 reviews. The trail follows the river through forest, crosses a few dusty stretches, and finishes with a scramble over boulders and steep rock sections before opening onto the falls.

What You'll Find at the Falls

The falls drop in tiers, with pools below deep enough for swimming and wide, flat boulders where visitors stretch out afterward. Reviewers call the hike family-friendly, with several spots to rest along the way, and mention optional side routes to Upper and Lower Carlon Falls for those who want more time on the river. One visitor flags a Native American grinding stone along the path worth slowing down for.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Visitor reports put the round trip at roughly four miles, at a moderate difficulty — not extreme, but not flat either.
• The trail is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly in its later stretch.
• One reviewer parks on the road about 100 feet from the small lot to avoid the day-use fee — worth checking current signage when you arrive.
• There's no posted access schedule, so plan around daylight and trail conditions.

A few recent reviews note the falls draw heavier crowds and more fishing pressure than in past years, so an early start or a weekday visit is your best shot at having the pools to yourself.