Upper Comet Falls

Upper Comet Falls is seen where the Rampart Ridge Trail crosses Van Trump Creek about 1/4 mile above Comet Falls. To view the falls, hike the Comet Falls trail for 3.75 miles, staying left at the first junction at the top of Comet Falls, and descend to the crossing of Van Trump Creek. The falls will be visible upstream.Upper Comet Falls may or may not have formed as a result of recent flood activity along Van Trump Creek. I had never known a waterfall to exist at this location prior to hiking there myself, but the terrain does seem like it could easily have naturally harbored a waterfall before the floods severely scoured the valley several times in the last decade. The 35 foot falls can be seen upstream from where the Rampart Ridge Trail crosses Van Trump Creek (bridge has been out since 2001). Getting close to the falls is possible, but involves rock hopping among massive boulders in the creekbed, which would certainly do nothing good to ones knees in the process. Those journeying to Mildred Point will pass this waterfall, but I wouldn't suggest going out of the way to see it if the destination of choice is Van Trump Park.