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Added by Stephen Bellrichard
This waterfall is one of the most recognizable images of Big Sur. It's a short (just over a half mile roundtrip) walk to get views of this 80 foot waterfall. Get your camera ready!
McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800s.
To get there, from the parking lot, walk back towards Highway 1 and look for the sign to the Waterfall Trail. If you're parked in the additional parking lot, walk back toward the lot entrance. You'll head down some steps, follow a wide path and then pass through a tunnel under the highway. Along the path, there are several points to take in the falls. Depending on the time of year and day you go, they may be packed with photographers, so be patient.
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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Erin T
6/3/2022
Too bad it was foggy
We happened to be there on a very foggy day and couldn’t see much of the falls. Still a fun, quick hike and worth doing.
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Aimee Tello
1/21/2021
Fun spot to stop at a road trip
Súper easy walk! The waterfall is far away but beautiful nonetheless. Be careful cue they’re giving out tickets for people w dogs!
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Andy
11/23/2020
Amazing even with clouds
Parked on a turnout a little farther down and walked to McWay Falls. It's an amazing view even on a cloudy day
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Jennifer Carr
11/23/2020
Stunning!
There are very few waterfalls which cascade into the ocean, so a visit to McWay is a treat. This beautiful spot is often ...
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Margo Schmiederer
8/14/2020
Very beautiful
This is an iconic waterfall along the coastline and in Big Sur. There's a small hike you can do in the area, but otherwise ...
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Crystal Sibson
8/12/2020
Beautiful Lookout Point
The lookout point over McWay Falls is a beautiful roadside attraction. It's a great spot to shoot sunset photos of the falls.
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Elena P
7/20/2020
Go in the morning
It's easy to find a place to park if you get there early in the morning, otherwise the turnouts are pretty packed. Its ...
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Lucas Bremer
Club
6/23/2020
A rare waterfall
Not a long trail but pretty amazing spot to see a waterfall spill right into the ocean.
There is a section that the state has ...
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Annie B
3/20/2019
Roadside attraction, not adventure
McWay Falls is beautiful but I'm not sure it qualifies as an adventure or hike. It's a short, crowded walk to the viewpoint. The ...
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Isabella
10/4/2018
Site Seeing
I think this is less of an activity and more of an attraction. There isn't a hike to the viewing point - you just ...
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Jonathon Reed
11/14/2016
Worth the stop
I guess I found it less exciting because the beach isn't accessible and the view from the trail looks exactly like photos that I'd ...
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Kelly Park
11/3/2016
Waterfall Looks Small But Still Worth A Stop
A stop here is required if you're driving down highway 1. The falls are a little difficult to photograph as there is no ...
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Erin L
6/2/2016
Photo Perfect
People ask me all the time if I took the picture on my screen saver and where it is- well that's it! Totally worth ...
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Grant Thomas
5/21/2016
Just wonderful.
There's a reason why so many people go here... BECAUSE IT ROCKS! Gorgeous views. A must stop if you are on Hwy 1
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Megan Lucy
5/15/2016
Unreal
Just go. It's worth the drive and windy roads. The adventure getting there is great. The falls and the cove are even better.
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Haley Baker
4/28/2016
Absolutely Gorgeous
Such a beautiful location, even if it's packed with other people.
Tip: You can park along the side of the highway and access the ...
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Josh Jorgensen
4/6/2016
EPIC!
Makes for a nice photo in my cubicle haha. But seriously beautiful. Also found out there is a campsite right on the edge. ...
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Mallory Creamer
3/27/2016
Beautiful Spot
This was a truly beautiful spot to stop and take in the nature. An easy walk brings you out to the coast line where ...
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Chase Dekker
2/23/2016
Fantastic Stop
Always such an easy and beautiful stop along Big Sur.
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Clark Brinkley
1/22/2016
It's Worth The Trip
But I wouldn't say it's worth a couple hundred mile drive just to see it. Instead, I'd suggest discovering more of Big Sur itself, ...
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Jason Hatfield
12/17/2015
The view here is stunning, but compositions are somewhat limited. Be careful of the eroding hillside and don't be one of those people ...
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Allison Herreid
11/11/2015
Right off the roadside - beautiful stop!
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Tyler Drake
10/27/2015
Big Sur's Famous Waterfall
If you're planning your first trip to Big Sur or have never seen McWay Falls, it's a must do. Access to the overlook is ...
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Steph FigPope
9/23/2015
Great stop on the PCH
I drove up the PCH from LA to SF in 2 days, and I am glad I was able to stop here! The hike ...
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Jenny Trac
9/21/2015
Beautiful! The beach is not accessible by people, so the cove where the waterfall is has been kept pristine.
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Luan Baruti
8/20/2015
Scenic and very accesible
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Jessica Lam
5/17/2015
Pulled over into the small parking lot adjacent to the bridge entrance after I had finished hiking along Big Sur. The sun was quickly ...
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IdleTheoryBus
3/1/2015
A Must Stop on the Big Sur Tour
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Julia Nurse
1/21/2015
BEAUTIFUL
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Audrey Steinbach
1/4/2015
Wouldn't really call it a hike, more of a stroll, but the waterfall and the surrounding cove is gorgeous! No beach access.
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Andrew Lovering
12/5/2014
Right off the roadside.
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Mary Elizon
10/19/2014
Hi. Is there a trail that we could use to access the beach at the bottom of the falls? Thank u!
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Michelle Stephens
10/16/2014
A very easy walk to beautiful vistas.
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Cindy Willey
7/14/2014
Beautiful spot.
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Jaymie Shearer
10/15/2013
Stunning.
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Grant
10/15/2013
Iconic but Worth It
I'm sure everyone has seen the photos of this place (although Stephen's photos are amazing) but it's worth every minute. Parking can be tough ...
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