North Fork Falls, listed more often as an unnamed waterfall on many maps, is a 12-foot cascade and important hiking landmark in the heart of Zion National Park's "The Narrows." The Narrows is a world-famous hike through slot canyons carved out by Utah's Virgin River. While a portion of this hike is accessible to all visitors, the 16-mile top-down trek from Chamberlain's Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava is the only way to see this waterfall and requires a Wilderness Permit for either a single-day hiking trip or an overnight backpacking trip. I opted for the overnight.
Visiting this waterfall requires extensive planning and hiking skill. While the waterfall by itself isn't much, the hike as a whole is one of the best in the world, making the 12+ hour trek well worth it for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts. What makes this hike so special? The views are incredible (especially during autumn), you can camp in the canyon, and the trail IS the river. You read that right. This is a water hike.
When encountering the waterfall, you may wonder how to continue the hike (spoiler: jumping is not the answer). To the left (south) of the falls is a side-trail leading up and around the waterfall obstacle. After taking this trail, you will return to the river and be able to see the falls from the other side. During the rest of the hike, you will also encounter Big Springs and Mystery Falls.
If you want to visit North Fork Falls, there are a few important things to note. This hike is considered strenuous, and a permit is required. The majority of the hike takes place IN the river. Being in a slot canyon with some walls only 20 feet apart, the risk of flash flooding is high. The hike is one-way only, so you will need to arrange transportation to the trailhead either before or after the trek (I recommend before). Lastly, the water is not safe to drink except for at Big Springs due to the presence of toxic cyanobacteria, so you will need to carry all of your drinking water with you.
For a campsite and trail map, click here.
Google Location: Chamberlain's Ranch (Zion Narrows) Trailhead, Zion Narrows Trailhead, Duck Creek Village, UT 84762
GPS Location: 37.3672° N, 112.9452° W
Parking: Lot
Total Hike: 16.1 miles
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Admission: $35 (Zion National Park entrance fee) + $16 to $27 (permit fees) + transportation/shuttle costs
Open: 24/7
Swimming: Yes
Pets: No
GPS Location: 37.3672° N, 112.9452° W
Parking: Lot
Total Hike: 16.1 miles
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Admission: $35 (Zion National Park entrance fee) + $16 to $27 (permit fees) + transportation/shuttle costs
Open: 24/7
Swimming: Yes
Pets: No
