Upper Olney Falls

While not nearly as tall as more well known Olney Falls not too far downstream, this small upper falls is an exceptional waterfall for both its power and beauty. Olney Creek is a large watercourse, bordering on a river during the winter months, and as it pounds over this 27-foot ledge it creates a thunderous echo accompanied by hurricane-like volumes of mist being ejected into the air. In stark contrast, during the summer and early autumn months the stream is reduced considerably in volume and the falls assume a much more graceful appearance, braiding over the rugged ledge in several lacy strands, with terraced pools in the bedrock found just below. Upper Olney Falls lies on private timber land, which can be publicly accessed on either foot or mountain bike only (horseback may be permitted as well). All forms of motorized vehicle access are prohibited by the landowners. Additionally, expect commercial logging traffic to be present during weekdays, so exercise caution when visiting the falls.